Master Cookie Mix (and Chocolate Chip Cookies)

Yes, I realize I've posted chocolate chip cookies in the past (finally) and a variety of souped up versions of chocolate chip cookies (like these.  And these and these.  Definitely these. Ok, I'll stop there.)  But this recipe is different.  It's made with a master mix that you can whip up and use as a starter to make all kinds of delicious cookies.  I'm a huge fan of the convenience and time savings that goes behind using a prepackaged mix, and this is a version that you can make yourself. So you know exactly what's in it rather than what can sometimes be a questionable ingredient list on the packaged mixes from the grocery store.  And to show you just how versatile this master mix is, I'm sharing a week's worth of cookies that started with these simple ingredients. All with great flavors and completely different!  Starting with these simple chocolate chip cookies.  Delicious, simple with a perfect blend of sweet, salt and chocolate, these chocolate chip cookies are super easy to make when you scoop out some of this master cookie mix and add a few other ingredients.  If you're a chocolate chip cookie traditionalist and short on time, these might just be the cookies you're looking for.

Several years ago, my dear friend Lisa sent me an adorable little cookie cookbook boasting this master mix and 51 recipes to create from the base, 1 Master Mix, 51 Cookies.  It has been a while since I've made the master mix, but it's perfect to have on hand for when I want to make cookies but am short on time.  I have adjusted the recipes slightly.  For example, I find adding just 2 Tablespoons of milk really helps bring the dough together (without it, I find they have a more shortbread-like consistency).  Also, instead of using a hand mixer, I stir the dough by hand so it combines without getting crumbly (which can also result in a shortbread style cookie).  Over all, I love that this mix means I only have to measure out a few ingredients, most of which are flavor enhancers like chips, fruits, and nuts which you can often just add as much of as you like!  One batch of master cookie mix can last for 5-7 recipes, so you'll save a lot of time having this on hand for those last minute bake sales or when you forgot you were in charge of bringing cookies to your child's classroom or for a late invitation to a summer picnic or BBQ.  Or when you just need to have a cookie right away.

Master Cookie Mix

Ingredients

9 cups flour
3 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoon salt

Add all ingredients to a large bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.  Note: I used my hands to seek out any chunks of brown sugar to break them up and combine.

Transfer mixture to an airtight container and store until ready to use.  Before using, shake or stir mixture to redistribute ingredients.

Store for 3-4 months.

Makes enough mix for 5-7 recipes.

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Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups master cookie mix
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Measure master cookie mix into a large bowl.  Add shortening and using either a pastry blender or two forks, cut shortening into the mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add egg and stir with a spatula or spoon to combine, then add milk and vanilla, continuing to stir until a dough forms.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop dough onto parchment or silpat lined cookie sheets (Note: I used a small cookie scoop).

Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes until set and gently golden.  Turn baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through. If using more than one sheet at a time, rotate positions in the oven for more even baking.

Remove from oven and cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Happy Baking,
The Cookie Princess

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