Nothing smells better than a sold home . . .

Nothing Smells better than HOME . . . And HOME to me smells like homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

When walking into a home for the first time there are lots of things that your five senses are taking in . . . for me and many of my clients smell ignites immediately and after growing up in New England where homemade is common practice, to me nothing says, "This place smells and in turn feels like home", like the smell of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Now I know you are reading this and saying but this is a real estate blog but part of my goal is helping sellers and other agents create a warm and pleasant atmosphere to buy a home.

I know! Everyone has a recipe that they say is the best ever. Well, this one is mine and I though what better than to share it with you. This is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe of all time. I’ve made lots of different chocolate chip cookie recipes, but this one, in my opinion is the very best. They always bake up soft and chewy and they stay that way. You can even freeze ‘em they keep well.

I’ve used chocolate chips, mint chips, white chocolate chips and chocolate chunks, among others. I’ve substituted some of the flour (coconut flour) with cocoa to make a extra chocolate version and that works rather nicely too.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (see important note above)
1/2 cup butter flavored, regular shortening (coconut oil can be used in place of shortening)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 package semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Softened butter does NOT mean the butter should be soft. Softened butter is butter that has been removed from the fridge and allowed to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

In a mixer bowl beat together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and sugar on low until bound together, then on medium-high until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla, continue beating, then add one egg. Beat until combined, then add the other egg and beat until fluffy.

In a large bowl, stir or whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pudding mix. Turn mixer to low and gradually mix the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture until well blended.

Use a spoon or sturdy rubber spatula to stir in chocolate chips.

For regular sized cookies:
Drop by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto parchment lined or silicone baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, until light golden brown. Remove from oven; allow cookies to cool 5 minutes on baking sheets before removing them to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 48-60 cookies.