Chocolate Chip Cookies

       Is there even a better thing to smell than the delicious and inviting odor of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies?

       If you said yes, leave.

       I am a cookie maniac. I am constantly searching the internet in search of recipes for new and creative baked goods and gourmet dishes...and somehow I always end up making a batch of cookies.

       And usually, they end up being chocolate chip.

       But what can I say? I love those little suckers. They're my all time favorite cookie, and I don't think that will ever change.

       I've tried countless chocolate chip cookie recipes...but I've yet to find one that is just PERFECT. I love my cookies very crisp on the outside, but super super soft and chewy on the inside.

     
       Although I haven't found a perfect recipe yet, this one comes pretty close. Here are so tips to keep in mind when making them:

-Use COLD butter. This helps to make sure that the cookies stay cold and don't spread as much. Just use it right out of the fridge. It'll be a little hard to beat...but trust me, it's well worth it.

-Make sure that you actually cream the butter/vanilla/sugar/egg mixture for a good minute (or longer if you can stand it...sometimes I just get so impatient). This'll help ensure they are light and fluffy.

-Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, as it allows the cookies to finish cooking from the residual heat...otherwise they'll be underdone and not as delicious.

-Don't eat more than you can handle! I somehow end up doing this every time, and each time I regret it. It's common sense, but just remember to take it slow and TRY to only have 1 or 2. :)

Crisp yet Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
2 sticks cold unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips/chunks
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
1. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and beat for one minute on medium.
2. Add flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips/chunks.
3. Scoop 3-inch balls of dough onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake 12-18 minutes, or until edges are light brown and insides are slightly soft. Allow to cool on cookie sheet two minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely.