A few months ago I taught my 12 year old how to make cookies and it has been the gift that keeps on giving.  He’s always asking me to buy chocolate chips (my cue to just buy them in bulk, but I can only find them in semi-sweet and we prefer milk chocolate, c’mon Costco!) and will often spend Saturday or Sunday afternoon baking.  For some reason, teaching him how to vacuum has not had the same effect…

We have two cookie recipes we love.  One is my mom’s famous Cowboy Cookies (and I mean FAMOUS, at least around these parts) and the other is a variation of the recipe found on the back of the Hershey’s chocolate chip bag, using instant vanilla pudding mix in place of sugar.  This substitution makes them super soft and doughy, and adds a great vanilla flavor.  I had a few requests to post recipes after I shared this picture on Instagram, so here goes!

First up, my mom’s Cowboy Cookies, which she graciously gave me permission to share.  This is basically an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, but definitely the best one you’ll ever have.

Print Recipe
Cowboy Cookies
Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
Cookies
Ingredients
Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a standing mixer or with a hand mixer, cream sugars and shortening together.  
  3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine.  
  4. Sift flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder together and add, mixing well. Stir in, or use light setting on mixer, oats and chocolate chips (yes, use the whole bag!).
  5. Drop cookie dough in 1-2 inch balls on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes (unless you like them a little crispier, then do 12 minutes).

Print Recipe
Pudding Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
Cookies
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Servings
Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a standing mixer or with a hand mixer, cream butter, pudding mix and brown sugar together.  
  3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine.  Sift flour, baking soda and salt together and add, mixing well. Stir in, or use light setting on mixer, chocolate chips.
  4. Drop cookie dough in 1-2 inch balls on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes (unless you like them a little crispier, then do 12 minutes)

 

I hope you enjoy, with complete confidence, trust and satisfaction and free of guilt or worry.  You’ve got this, friends.

Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD