Recipe: Vanilla Rich Chocolate Chip Cookies with Variations

VANILLA RICH CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
"Flavors of premium vanilla and chocolate blend together to make a wonderful combination in these favorite chocolate chip cookies."


3 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside.

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.

Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons about 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

VARIATIONS:
For the variations below add 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon with the flour. Use the following add-ins in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts.

CRANBERRY, MACADAMIA AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES:
Add 1 cup each dried cranberries, chopped toasted macadamia nuts
And white chocolate chips.

COCONUT, ALMOND AND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES:
Add 1 cup each flaked coconut, toasted slivered almonds and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

COCONUT, RAISIN AND PECAN COOKIES:
Add 1 cup each flaked coconut, raisins and coarsely chopped toasted pecans.

Makes 5 dozen or 30 servings (2 cookies each)
Source: McCormick