Best Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

For the basic or thin-and-crispy cookies: Place the butter and/or shortening in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed with an electric mixer for 1 minute or until fluffy. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. With the mixer running add the egg(s) and vanilla. Add the flour, a little at a time, until the dough is stiff. Then add the remaining flour and stir with a spoon.

Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts by hand.

Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons 2-inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. For basic cookies, bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. For thin-and-crispy cookies, bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until browned on the edges. Remove the cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.

For Cake-like cookies: Place the shortening and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until well mixed. With the mixer running, add the eggs and vanilla.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer running, alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the shortening mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts by hand.

Drop by rounded teaspoons 2-inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 9-11 minutes or until browned on the edges. Remove from the baking sheet and let cool on a wire rack.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens.