Best of Both Worlds Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yesterday one of my best friends was telling me a story about her younger son. He had asked her if Auntie Cam could make cookies like his favorite cookies from Panera.

Given that I am always up for some culinary adventure and a good challenge, I headed down to the store and picked up some of his favorite cookies. Jenn told me they were called 'Chocolate Chippers.' Okay. I bought four.

Then, I tested a batch. Mine aren't quite a match to theirs, but my taste tester was excited. He said that they were chewy in the center, crispy on the edges; they were the perfect size, that is to say enormous; so, they were the best of both world. With that endorsement, I definitely wanted to write down this process so I could replicate them.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup organic dark brown sugar

• 1 cup organic granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or extract

• 1 Tablespoon rice flour

• 1 teaspoons baking soda

• 3 cups flour

• 1-1/2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chip

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

• Also needed: hand mixer, spatula, Tablespoon scoop, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire cooling racks

Procedure

1. Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and rice flour.

3. Melt butter in a saucepan.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Once the butter is melted, pour that into the sugar-egg mixture and continue beating until well-incorporated.'

5. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture until everything is just moistened. Stir in the chocolate chips and chocolate chunks.

6. Scoop 3 Tablespoon portions and place them on a baking sheet. Gently press the portions into a balls and flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheets.

7. Place tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack.

8. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container...or enjoy them warm

I sent his mom a photo with the caption: Better hurry! Uncle Jake is eating your cookies!

Then I had to follow-up with another message that I was just kidding. N's cookies are safe from Uncle Jake's consumption.

His mom sent me a text that made my auntie heart soar with pride: "He loves them. Better than Panera. Thicker and more flavorful according to the food critic in my back seat. Thank you!" I guess he didn't wait till they got home to try them. Now we just need to find out if he decides to share with the rest of his household.