There are very few things I love more in this world than a delicious chocolate chip cookie. I consider myself quite the chocolate chip cookie connoisseur and can honestly discuss the pros and cons of cookies from bakeries across the city. But when it comes to the perfect chocolate chip cookie, no one makes a better one than my step-mom Susie.

Susie is a baker-extraordinaire and I don’t say that superfluously.  She’s the queen of pies, master of ganache and her sugar cookies can look like little pieces of art. But when it comes down to it, her chocolate chip cookie is where it’s at. A few years ago I got her to pass along her recipe and although I haven’t mastered her exact technique, this recipe has never failed me. It’s simple, easy-to-make and always delicious.

It’s definitely helped me up my baking-cred. I’m not really known for anything in the kitchen (except making a mess) but these cookies are my go-to. I made them recently for a girl’s night and I’m pretty sure they were a major hit. So since half the country is snowed in (or frozen in) today, I thought it would be fun to share the cookie love because the only thing better than a lazy day is a lazy day with cookies.

Just a warning though: be prepared to either 1. eat half of the batch yourself or 2. fight off your significant other/kid/friend/roommate for the cookies.

Oh and don’t think that I’m going to veer into food posts consistently, this post is, more than likely, a one and done. I clearly lack the food photography skills and the cooking abilities to make this a habit but here’s hoping these cookies become a favorite in your house too.

Susie’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pre-heat over to 350 degrees

Ingredients:
* 3/4 cup ( 1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
Yeah it’s a lot of butter, that’s the key. Sometimes I like to melt down a small amount of the butter.
* 3/4 cup light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1 egg
* 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 tsp. salt
I like to use a tiny smidge less.
* 3/4 tsp. baking soda
* 8 ounce bag of chocolate chips
Splurge on the good stuff and get the Godiva ones.

Directions:
* Cream butter and sugars together until they are light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Tip: Use the paddle mixer attachment for your mixer.
* Add in the egg and vanilla. Mix but make sure not to over beat.
* Sift dry ingredients together and then gradually add to mixer on low speed. Mix until combined but don’t over beat! This is important!
* Add in the chocolate chips and any other ingredients you love in your cookies (pecans, walnuts, dried cherries).

* Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 (totally depends on your oven). My tip: set the timer to 10 minutes and then adjust as needed.
* Cool on a rack or just enjoy right away!