Debbie Lackey'S "Chocolate Chip Cookies At Their Best"
Decadent chocolate chip cookies with rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and enjoyed by families and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/2 cup softened margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rolled oats ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 12 ounces chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat the shortening, softened margarine or butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice; beat well.
- Mix in baking soda, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly.
- Stir in rolled oats, flour, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Drop a scant 1/4 cup of dough onto lightly greased cookie sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F for 16 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. For a fun twist, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor. If you don't have walnuts, feel free to substitute with pecans or leave them out entirely. For a healthier option, try incorporating some whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed warm with a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Try serving them alongside a slice of Judy'S Homemade Strawberry Cake for a delightful dessert platter at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie Lackey'S "Chocolate Chip Cookies At Their Best" contains roughly 243 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use light or dark brown sugar interchangeably, but using dark brown sugar will give your cookies a deeper flavor. You can also substitute part of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different taste and a slight caramel note.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This can make it easier to scoop and shape. Additionally, you can lightly flour your hands when forming the cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture. The cookies may spread a bit more, so keep an eye on them while baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).