Relaxation Cookies

So some of you may know that I (Corrie) work a rather stressful job. Two nights ago I was having a particularly bad evening and realized that, amid death threats from a disabled man directed at me, my dog, and everyone I love, I should simply unwind with RELAXATION COOKING.

So! I made chocolate chip cookies from the recipe off the back of Tollhouse Chocolate Chunks and it was delicious and it certainly brightened up my evening. Then I was so excited that the next day on my day off, I decided to make them here at Pizza House again! Unfortunately, I accidentally melted the butter instead of simply softening it, and also added the eggs later than I should have. They were still workable, and are actually still really good, despite being just a little salty. This time I used the MINI chocolate chips, which I prefer HANDS DOWN to the chunks.

I was lucky though! You should always stick to the directions pretty close when handling baked goods, in the words of Liz Harrigan: "It's a pretty exact science."

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Tollhouse Chips of your choice
  
• 1 cup chopped nuts (SICK. I hate nuts but maybe you don't.)

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.



Also could I ask you to please never make cookie bars out of this recipe, which is an option, but I think it's an abomination on the world of cookies and you should never participate in it.