The Baking Corner

L.A. Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off Finalists

2012-11-18T15:05:07-08:00

A big "Thank you!" to all of you who voted for my cookie recipe in the L.A.
Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off contest! You helped me make it to the tasting
round and the judges selected my recipe as one of the Top 10 Cookies.

L.A. Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off Finalists

The top 10: Our favorite holiday cookies for 2012

Over 120 entries were submitted in the L.A. Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off this year, and more than 2,500 votes were cast by readers. We took the top 50 vote-getters and put them to the test this past weekend at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Pasadena.

Los Angeles Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off Entry

2012-11-03T10:10:28-07:00

I need your help. I have entered the Los Angeles Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off and need your votes! The cookie entries with the highest number of votes from the public will make it on to the tasting round, which will be judged by the food staff at the LA Times. Please vote today for my cookie recipe and help me make it to the tasting round.

My cookie is currently on page 4 on the bottom right: Cranberry Orange Pockets. Linda A.

Click on “Vote” under the picture. You can also click on “Preview” to read the recipe and then click “Vote.” Voting closes November 12, 2012.

Thank you so much for your help!

Linda

Los Angeles Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-03-10T07:00:00-08:00

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week, here is a wonderful chocolate chip cookie recipe to enjoy. Imagine, a whole week dedicated to chocolate chip cookies! Not that I need an excuse to make chocolate chip cookies. As far as I’m concerned, every day is perfect for chocolate chip cookies.

I like these cookies because they have a rich flavor and are tender, chewy and delightfully gooey when fresh from the oven. If you’re like me and can’t wait for the cookies to cool, try not to burn your tongue on the hot, melty chocolate.

This recipe does not contain nuts, but you could easily add them. Just toss a cup or so of chopped nuts into the dough along with the chocolate chips. You can also change the chocolate chips from semisweet to bittersweet chocolate or milk chocolate or white chocolate. Or, how about a combination of chocolates? That works for me!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Position the oven rack in the middle of oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of bowl. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, stirring just until blended. Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Do not overbake.

6. Immediately slide the parchment paper onto a wire cooling rack. Cool the cookies for 5 minutes, then transfer from the parchment paper to a cooling rack and cool completely storing.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies