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Chocolate chip cookies are an all-time favorite treat, and making them with Crisco gives a delightful twist. The result? Soft, chewy cookies with perfectly golden edges that stay fresher for longer. This guide will walk you through the ultimate Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, packed with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Crisco shortening is a baker’s best-kept secret. Unlike butter, Crisco provides superior consistency, helping cookies retain their thickness without spreading too much during baking. This means you get bakery-style cookies that look as good as they taste. Plus, Crisco’s neutral flavor enhances the rich, chocolatey goodness without overpowering it.
How to Make Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
To make chocolate chip cookies with Crisco, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Crisco shortening (butter-flavored or regular): 1 cup – The star ingredient for achieving soft, chewy cookies with a tender bite.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed – Adds sweetness and a rich molasses-like depth to the flavor.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup – Balances the sweetness and contributes to a slightly crispy edge.
- Eggs: 2 large – Act as a binder and provide moisture for a smooth dough.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups – The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Elevates the sweetness and balances the flavor profile.
- Chocolate chips: 2 cups (semi-sweet or your preferred variety) – The irresistible bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Instructions to Make Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crisco, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts, ensuring an even distribution.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly undercooked—this ensures a chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips to make perfect Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Why Use Crisco? Crisco gives cookies a tender texture and helps them stay soft for days. Using butter-flavored Crisco enhances the buttery taste without compromising texture.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading.
- Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Take them out when the centers are still slightly soft.
- Butter-Flavored Crisco: This variation adds a subtle buttery flavor without compromising the classic Crisco texture.
- Proper Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour for accurate results.
What to Serve With Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crisco chocolate chip cookies are versatile and pair well with a variety of beverages, desserts, and complementary foods. Here’s a detailed guide to enhance your cookie experience:
1. Classic Pairings
- Milk: The ultimate companion for cookies! A glass of cold milk (whole, almond, or oat) perfectly balances the cookies’ sweetness and enhances their rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Hot Coffee: Brewed coffee or espresso adds a bold contrast to the sweet cookies, creating a delightful balance.
- Hot Cocoa: Perfect for cozy moments, the creamy chocolate drink amplifies the indulgence factor.
- Tea: Try black teas like Earl Grey or spiced chai for a slightly savory complement to the cookies.
- These cookies taste divine alongside a slice of our Gluten-Free Yellow Cake with White Chocolate or paired with the rich flavors of our Hot Soppressata Recipe.
2. Ice Cream Treats
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Use your cookies as a base for homemade ice cream sandwiches. The creamy vanilla complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
- Chocolate or Salted Caramel Ice Cream: These flavors create a rich dessert with multiple layers of sweetness.
- Cookie Sundaes: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a quick sundae.
3. Fruit Options
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Bananas: Serve sliced bananas with your cookies for a natural sweetness that pairs well with chocolate.
- Fruit Compotes: A warm berry or apple compote can serve as a delightful topping or dip for cookies.
4. Nutty Additions
- Nut Butters: A side of almond, peanut, or hazelnut butter for dipping adds a creamy, nutty layer of flavor.
- Candied Nuts: Pecans or walnuts coated in cinnamon sugar pair excellently with the cookies’ sweetness.
5. Special Occasion Pairings
- Cheesecake Bites: Pair your cookies with mini cheesecakes for a dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
- Fondue: Use melted chocolate or caramel fondue for dipping cookies, offering a fun and interactive dessert.
- Cocktails: Sweet wines like Moscato, Bailey’s Irish Cream, or dessert cocktails can elevate your cookie experience for adult gatherings.
6. Breakfast or Brunch Pairings
- Yogurt Parfaits: Crumble cookies over yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruit for a fun brunch idea.
- Smoothies: Pair with a chocolate or banana smoothie for a filling and delicious breakfast treat.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Serve crumbled cookies as a topping for pancakes or waffles with whipped cream.
Variations
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolaty base. - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Substitute 1/2 cup of Crisco with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist. - Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Replace 1 cup of flour with old-fashioned oats for added texture and flavor. - Holiday-Themed Cookies:
Add festive sprinkles or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and dried cranberries during the holidays. - For a unique dessert option, consider trying our Rice Paper Croissants or switch up the chocolate flavors with our Gouda Mac and Cheese for savory inspiration.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of Crisco?
Yes, but the cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture. For similar results, use butter-flavored Crisco.
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Why are my cookies flat?
Overmixing the dough or not chilling it can cause cookies to spread too much. Ensure your baking soda is fresh and avoid overhandling the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I store Crisco chocolate chip cookies to keep them fresh longer?
Crisco chocolate chip cookies are known for staying fresher for an extended period compared to those made with butter; to maintain their freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container; when ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delicious as freshly baked.
What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice for this recipe because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and rich chocolate flavors; however, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. For a gourmet touch, you can mix in chunks of high-quality chocolate or a combination of chips and chunks for varying textures.
Can I use butter instead of Crisco in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for Crisco in equal amounts. However, the cookies will have a slightly different texture. Butter tends to make cookies spread more and results in a crispier edge, while Crisco keeps them thicker and softer.
Substitutes
- Crisco Alternative: Use butter or coconut oil for a similar texture, though the flavor and structure may differ slightly.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with an equal amount of coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips for variation.
- Nuts: If allergic, swap nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
How to make Crisco chocolate chip cookies is a breeze with this step-by-step guide. These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, you’ll have a batch of irresistible treats that everyone will love. Try this Crisco chocolate chip cookie recipe today and savor the difference!
Ingredients
To make chocolate chip cookies with Crisco, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Crisco shortening (butter-flavored or regular): 1 cup – The star ingredient for achieving soft, chewy cookies with a tender bite.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed – Adds sweetness and a rich molasses-like depth to the flavor.
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup – Balances the sweetness and contributes to a slightly crispy edge.
- Eggs: 2 large – Act as a binder and provide moisture for a smooth dough.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups – The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Elevates the sweetness and balances the flavor profile.
- Chocolate chips: 2 cups (semi-sweet or your preferred variety) – The irresistible bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Instructions
Instructions to Make Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crisco, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts, ensuring an even distribution.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly undercooked—this ensures a chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tips to make perfect Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Why Use Crisco? Crisco gives cookies a tender texture and helps them stay soft for days. Using butter-flavored Crisco enhances the buttery taste without compromising texture.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excessive spreading.
- Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Take them out when the centers are still slightly soft.
- Butter-Flavored Crisco: This variation adds a subtle buttery flavor without compromising the classic Crisco texture.
- Proper Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour for accurate results.