Recipe: Chocolate-Chunk Platter Cookies (baked in pizza pans)

CHOCOLATE-CHUNK PLATTER COOKIES

"Cut these platter-sized cookies into wedges for serving. When decorated with candles, these cookies are great for a birthday party."

1 cup butter, at room temperature (2 sticks)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (12-inch) pizza pans.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and brown and white sugar; add the eggs and beat mixture until fluffy.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the creamed mixture, mixing until the dough is stiff. Stir in the chocolate chunks and walnuts.

Divide the dough in half and press each half evenly into a prepared pan. With a fork dipped in water, press the tops until even.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until light brown around the edges and firm in the center. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into wedges to serve.

Makes 12 to 16 monster-sized servings
Source: Minneapolis Star and Tribune, September, 1998