My brothers and I all grew up involved in 4-H, and would enter a variety of projects each year. While the foods project was never my favorite (or the one I was most successful at – I am not the most skilled in the kitchen), my brothers all seemed to inherit my mom’s skill for cooking. My youngest brother, Justin, is especially great at baking, and makes the best chocolate chip cookies. When I come home for breaks, or visit for the weekends, he usually surprises me with a batch of warm cookies. I thought I would share the recipe so that others can enjoy them, too!

Makes about 3-4 dozen cookies, depending on how large you make them.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 sticks of butter (make sure to soften it beforehand!)

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ - 2 cups of chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

3. Beat in butter, both sugars, and vanilla. Once creamy, add in the eggs one at a time.

4. Gradually add in the flour mixture.

5. Once combined, add the chocolate chips.

6. Scoop dough by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet (I like to cover the baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.)

7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, depending on how soft you like your cookies.

8. Once out of the oven, allow to cool completely before enjoying!

In sisterhood,

Julia