Chocolate Chip Cookies ++

First off, let me just explain to everyone who doesn't already know that I am a giant nerd. I studied computer science, work in the tech industry, and love math (hence my blog being named after a superhero). So, there may be some nerdy jokes that go over the heads of "normal" people. For example, in computer science "++" is the increment command, so chocolate chip cookies++ means one better than just plain chocolate chip cookies.

Now that we have that confession out of the way, let's talk about baking. Much more interesting than computer science, I'm sure everyone will agree (even all the computer scientists I know).



As far as I can remember, chocolate chip cookies were the first thing I cooked. Usually I like to cook recipes that are as fancy and complicated as possible, but for my first recipe on my blog I thought it would be appropriate to bake some. Of course, I couldn't just make ordinary chocolate chip cookies so I dressed them up with some pecans and dried cherries.

Another change that I make to almost all cookie recipes is I add extra vanilla. The Nestle Tollhouse recipe (which I have modified here) calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla. This is not nearly enough vanilla for an entire batch of cookie, in my opinion. I use an entire tablespoon (three times what is called for) and it is yummy!

Okay, I have another confession. I've baked a lot of cookies, and almost all cookie recipes call for you to mix the dry ingredients separately and then add them to the butter + sugar + egg mixture. I never do this. Mainly because it requires getting a second bowl dirty, but also because I don't think it makes any difference. Feel free to disagree.

Chocolate Chip Cookies ++

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
3/4 cup granultaed sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1/2 cup ground oats (or just use an extra 1/2 cup flour)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 cup pecans
3/4 cup dried cherries
Beat butter, both types of sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in (on low speed) the flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Increase speed once combined and beat until fluffy. Fold in chocolate, cherries and pecans. Drop by heaping tablespoon on to ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 9-11 minutes.

Modified from: Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies

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