Have you checked out the cookbook section at your local library? I’d highly recommend it. I love looking at cookbooks, but I really don’t have the budget to buy every cookbook that I look at and I definitely don’t have the space to store them all in my house! So, to feed my cookbook addiction, I stop by the local library and check out the cookbooks and give them a test drive before I buy them. It works for me!
Right now am borrowing the King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion from the library. I absolutely adore the King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking Cookbook, so I knew I’d like the Cookie Companion, but I figured I’d give it a try at the library before I run out and buy it (which I inevitably will). The hardest part has not been deciding if I really want the cookbook (I do), but trying to decide which recipes to try first. I love chocolate chip cookies – especially the giant chocolate chip cookies at coffee shops. So, I was immediately drawn to the “Good-as-Store-Bought Cookies.”
Of course I couldn’t just leave well enough alone and try the recipe as-is. I always feel the need to change recipes around… It’s a serious problem that I have. This time I was actually pretty good and I just swapped out some of the all purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour. I was very happy with the result, and my hubby has enjoyed them, too. These may very well be my new favorite chocolate chip cookie (don’t tell the New York Times)… And they definitely live up to their name – much better than store-bought!
Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Adapted from King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion)
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet (or line with parchment or a silicon mat), and set aside.
Combine the oats, semisweet chocolate, and instant espresso in a food processor. Blend until the chocolate is finely chopped/ground. Combine the mixture with the flours, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a mixing bowl, and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat to incorporate. Gradually add in the dry ingredients. Remove from the stand mixer and use a wooden spoon to stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Drop tablespoons (or a bit larger, in my case) onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 11-12 minutes, until the tops are slightly set. The center may still seem soft, but the cookies will firm up as they cool. Cool the cookies for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Thanks for the cookbook suggestion. I’ve been trying to decide between Martha Stewart’s Cookies and the King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion. I’ll head to my library now :)
I do the same thing at the library Jen! I absolutely love being able to try cookbooks out before I buy them. Your cookies look fabulous – I’ve never borrowed the KA Cookie Companion but sounds like it’s one worth checking out :)
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a King Arthur recipe that I haven’t liked. These cookies look great and I loved that you subbed in some whole wheat flour!
aprox how many cookies did your recipe yield? i am trying to do a little planning for a get together and this recipe sounds just perfect!
Kristen – I think I got about 5 dozen cookies from the recipe… But, I definitely scooped out cookies larger than 1 tablespoon each. I believe the original recipe indicates that it will make about 6 1/2 dozen cookies.
I’m sure you have some cookies left to share with me, right? Because these look amazing! As for me borrowing cookbooks from the library- it never works out well. A cookbook ends up being several months late, after I take it out- just because it’s that amazing and I feel as if I have to bake or cook everything from it. This is probably one of the reasons why I just buy my book- I need the book to be mine! LOL
Now, I know what my next cookbook purchase is going to be!
Lovely post! :)
Great chocolate chip cookies…love the oats in them!
thanks for your critique of the cookbook and the recipe!
They really do look amazing! King Arthur Flour’s recipes have never led me astray. I need to do more library “shopping.” I’ve been coveting that cookie book for a very long time! :)
I haven’t had a good cookie in a while. If it’s amazing, it’s definitely worth the try. :)
Those cookies do look quite perfect!
I like using the cookbooks from the library too, but I forget to take advantage of that opportunity. Thank you for reminding me. These cookies look so hearty and fantastic.
I love those King Arthur cookbooks, especially because of all the variations they give ya. The oatmeal cookie recipes are winners, too.
I love King Arthur recipes – they are usually no-fail. Your cookies look great!
Oh, I love the library!!! And have the fines to prove it! Yes….you NEED the King Arthur Cookie Companion…I think everyone does. If you want to make a certain type of cookie…it’s in there!
I *highly* recommend the key lime bars. Oh, baby! I haven’t tried these cookies, though. Now I’ll have to!
Now those look and sounds incredible tasty! YUM! A must try!
xxMK
Delightful Bitefuls
They look so rustic and like they have so much flavor.
They look wonderful Jen – SO much better than store bought. I am a huge fan of our local library too!
I always love oats and whole wheat pastry flour in my chocolate chip cookies. Yummy recipe!
Does this mean I have to try a new chocolate chip cookie recipe? Oh darn. :)
I too get my cookbooks from the library, if possible, before purchasing. I love checking them out and browsing through them–my idea of a good time! ;) I haven’t ever made a King Arthur recipe but all those that there are so many bloggers that love them that I’m gonn have to jump on the KA bandwagon!
OMG – YUM! these are really good – I sort of feel like they are good for us. The boys(5&8) love them, especially with milk. Keep the yummy recipes coming – Ever make anything with white runner beans?