Chocolate Chip Cookies

Remembering the classics...

The chocolate chip cookie is one classic my family always remembers around the holidays. Granted, these cookies are exceptional at any time of year, for any occasion, but chocolate chip cookies are one thing I'll always remember about my childhood Christmas' at Grandma's house. The holidays do not feel quite right if these are not on the dessert table. The kids always enjoy them, and the adults cannot seem to lay off them either. I know they may not look that festive, but they certainly spread holiday cheer... and they taste so darn good! :)

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups (16oz) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and both sugars until smooth and creamy. Scrape down bowl and add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Add vanilla and beat just until incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Refrigerate dough in a sealed container for at least 1 hour. Shape into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 12-14 minutes until edges are golden brown and the tops just start to darken.

Remove baking sheet from oven and cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack to finish cooling.

Source: Sweet Pea's Kitchen