Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!!!

I love that just about every day is a holiday, whether it is big or small, and that most are celebrating food.  My kids have began to ask me each day, "Mom, what holiday is today?"  They look forward to doing something special with our meals, in one way or another. 

Today, is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!  I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to celebrate a chocolate chip cookie.  So it is only fitting that I share my favorite cookie recipe.  Soft, chewy, and filled with chocolate chips, you won't be able to get enough.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
2/3 cup Butter
2/3 cup Shortening or Coconut oil
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
3 1/2 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 bag Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, shortening, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.  Add the eggs and vanilla.  Mix well.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until well blended.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

Using a cookie scoop, scoop dough onto parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for 9-10 minutes.  Take them out when they look not quite done.  Let sit on the tray for 3 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack and try to let them cool, they are really that good.

** Variations **
Add 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
Add 1-2 cups toffee chips along with the chocolate chips.

Happy National Sugar Cookie Day

Who doesn't love a soft sugar cookie, with icing and sprinkle!?! I will admit there have been occasions when I've splurged and purchase one of those delicious pink iced cookies you find in the convenience stores, and I will even admit that I savored every bite.  Years ago my friend shared with me a recipe for cookies just like those.  They are so easy, way too easy, and taste just as good as those sinful treats we all love.  And what better day than today, National Sugar Cookie Day, to share our favorite sugar cookie with you all. 

Soft Sugar Cookies
2 cups Sugar
1 cup Butter
1 cup Sour Cream (I've also used Greek yogurt and it works great!)
4 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
6 cups All Purpose Flour
1 tbsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt

Cream the butter and sugar, until light and fluffy.  Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla.  Mix until well combined.  Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, continue mixing until all ingredients have been incorporated.
Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temp for 30 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  On a floured surface, roll a portion of dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters into desired shapes.  Place on baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack.  Decorate with icing and sprinkles and enjoy.


Easy Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup Shortening
1/2 cup Salted Butter
1 tsp Vanilla
Pinch of Salt
4 cups Powdered Sugar
2 tbsp Milk or Water

Cream Shortening and Butter.  Add the vanilla and salt.  Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add the milk or water one tbsp at a time and beat for 3-5 more minutes.  Spread evenly on each cookie and decorate as desired.

Soft Ginger Cookies

I am a sucker for fall flavors...  There is just something about cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that warm your soul.  I especially love ginger cookies!  Soft, chewy, and delicious.  I had a friend ask me for a good cookie recipe a few days ago and it got me really thinking about these cookies, I immediately had to make a batch, okay... a double batch, for my family.  

Big Soft Ginger Cookies
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp water
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Cream butter and sugar.  Add egg, water and molasses, mix through.  Add remaining ingredients except 2 tbsp sugar.  Shape dough into balls (I use my cookie scoops) and roll in remaining sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack.