My Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Disclaimer: these cookies are not "healthy." I did not make any changes or scheme on how I could lower the fat, sugar or calories. These are simply cookies and probably the best ones you will ever make. "Why the best?" you ask? These cookies stay soft, chewy and moist for days after baking. I think my mom found this recipe years ago in a magazine and they have been a staple of the Bukowski household ever since. I actually grew up thinking that all cookies tasted like this- soft and chewy- until one of our babysitters asked my mom for the recipe. I was shocked that she would want it. I thought, "Doesn't she know how to make chocolate chip cookies???" I thought she was smart and cool, but apparently not if she didn't know how to make cookies! Over the years, my mom and I have both been asked for this recipe countless times. It is our go-to cookie recipe and I think if you try them you will be pleasantly surprised.

What makes these cookies so soft for days? Well, it is the secret ingredient. Shhh. Don't tell anyone, but it is. . . . . . .drum roll please. . . . . . . . . instant pudding mix. Simply add vanilla pudding mix to regular chocolate chip cookies, or add chocolate for chocolate chocolate chip cookies and your cookie will stay soft and moist. I think my grandma has also tried white chocolate pudding mix with these too. Delicious! My dad prefers his chocolate chip cookies to be traditional with semi sweet chocolate chips. But, mint, white chocolate, or butterscotch would be great too. My favorite is M&Ms.

 When I would come home after being at college my mom would usually have these cookies with M&Ms waiting for me. The other benefit of using M&Ms is that you have a festive cookie for every season and holiday.  These may actually be the only Christmas cookies I have time to make this year and that's ok because chocolate chip cookies (or M&M cookies) are always a delicious treat. Enjoy!

Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes about 4 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 package instant vanilla pudding
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 c all purpose flour
1 package of chocolate chips or M&Ms

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine butter, sugars, vanilla, pudding and beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Beat in eggs. Gradually add flour and baking soda mix until combined
4. Stir in chips or candies
5. Spoon rounded teaspoons onto parchment lined baking sheets and bake for about 9-12 minutes

Delicious Pumpkin Cookie Bars

I always feel better about dessert when I can find something healthy about it. Dark chocolate, for example. The rich, sweet yet bitter flavor with hints of cherry is my favorite treat and the best part is that it is full of disease fighting antioxidants. Two ounces per day is actually recommended by the American Heart Association! How great is that! (Well it is great for me because I love that stuff). The other day I was craving cookies. I originally was going to make regular chocolate-chip, but then I noticed I had a can of pumpkin still in my pantry. I have already made pumpkin bars and pumpkin bread this season but what about a pumpkin cookie? We have already talked about the health benefits of pumpkin, so I already felt good about this creation. While I was putting together the batter I decided I was too lazy to spend the time of actually making cookies, so I turned it into a pan of cookie bars. They were delicious and when I brought them to work my co-workers not only happily devoured them but also asked for the recipe. So, that is why this one is ending up here! You can of course make these into cookies if you would like. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cookie Bars

1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup unbleached white flour
1 can pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup Canola oil
1 egg
1 ½ cup oats
3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine baking power, salt, and flours in a bowl and set aside. Cream together pumpkin, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and oil. Add egg and mix until combined. Slowly add flour mixture until combined well. Stir in oats and then add chocolate. Spread into greased 8x8 inch glass pan. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes until browned and toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. When cooled, cut into bars.