Go to chocolate chip cookies and a little adventure

Chocolate chip cookies may seem boring to the dessert enthusiast. But let's face it, everyone loves a good chocolate chip cookie. It's a staple. A favorite. Comfort food. I dare say, it's a necessity for every household to have a go to chocolate chip cookie recipe. So I would like to share mine. These have turned out every time. There's a surprise ingredient that makes this recipe stand out among all the others. Pudding mix! French vanilla pudding mix to be exact. If you've never had pudding cookies, you really should try this recipe. It ups the vanilla taste and it helps give the cookie a softer texture.

I like a softer, chewier cookie. So sorry to those of you who like 'em more crunchy. But if you really want, you can replace the shortening with more butter. I use a half and half mix of butter and shortening to get the perfect cookie texture (I think). The more butter you use, the more crunchy the cookie will be. The more shortening you use, the softer it will be.

I probably make these cookies once a month. They never disappoint :) Before I share the recipe, I want to share a few photos from a walk I took last week.

I love living near the Great Lakes. They offer so much beauty. Beauty that changes every day. I can't wait for summer when we can spend more time at the beach! These pictures were taken at Rosy Mound Natural Area. The Michigan side of Lake Michigan is unique for it's sand dunes. This park has educational signs to teach you all about the dunes if you like that kind of thing. Check it out sometime!

Anyway, here's the recipe

Chocolate chip cookies

2 1/4 C all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 C butter, 1/2 C shortening

1/4 C sugar

3/4 C packed light brown sugar

1 pkg (4 serving size) Jell-O instant pudding an pie filling- french vanilla

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 C chocolate chips

Mix flour with baking soda and set aside. Combine butter, the sugars, pudding mix and vanilla in large bowl; beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually add flour mixture, then stir in chocolate chips. (Batter will be stiff) Drop by spoonful onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 300 for 16-20 minutes.