January 2013

Mmmmm, chocolate chips cookies, who can refuse them? They are everybody's favorite, especially during the holidays. I have to admit that I was somewhat skeptical when I came across this recipe from Southern Living Cookbook by accident few weeks ago. I attempted to look it up online for this post, but no luck. This recipe was the closest I could find if you would rather want to stick with the traditional version: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/all-time-favorite-chocolate-chip-cookies-10000001831998/

But if you want to go WILD, here's one MONSTER COOKIES recipe for you. The secret ingredient apparently is the INSTANT VANILLA PUDDING MIX! Some of you experienced bakers might already know the trick. It was easy and it worked. The pudding mix made the cookies really moist and completed the melt-in-your-mouth effect! While dark chocolate chips and pecan were not a new combination to the cookies world, I also added mint and white chocolate morsels for a crazy holiday touch.

Yep, I know, there were a lot of goodies in these babies. That's what I wanted to do one day when I woke up on one cold morning ... It's like a SUPREME PIZZA with everything on it!! The slight minty flavor was subtle, yet the taste and color suggested these cookies were no ordinary chocolate chips cookies.

So, what do you say? Lets forget the rules and put away the store bought chocolate bars. Make these beautiful cookies, pour some nice, cold milk and REJOICE to 2013!

Ingredients: (makes about 24 regular cookies)

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (3.4oz)package vanilla instant pudding mix
2 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
6 oz dark chocolate morsels
6 oz mint chocolate morsels
6 oz white chocolate morsels
1 1/2 cup pecans
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats
Parchment paper

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter, shortening and sugars at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Add eggs and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, beating until blended.

Step 2: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Beat in morsels just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.