Creme de Menthe Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can you really get more American than the chocolate chip cookie? I mean, everyone in America has had at least one chocolate chip cookie in their lifetime. It's usually is the first thing a person learns to bake. I was no exception. I remember standing on a chair, helping my mom mix the classic ingredients for the cookies. She would let me and my older sister sample the dough. Let me tell you, that changed me. The dough may very well be the best part. It could even be better than the cookies themselves.

You will need: 12 stick of margarine or butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 eggs or egg replacer,  2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of salt, one tsp of salt,  12 oz. of chocolate chips (i used vegan), green food coloring a few drops of creme de menthe flavoring or mint extract. 

It's funny to think they were accidentally invented! They could be one of the best accidental discoveries ever. Ruth Wakefield, owner of a quaint little bed & breakfast (The Tollhouse Inn), wanted to make some cookies for her guests. Thinking the chocolate would melt and mix into the cookies, she incessantly chopped and stirred bits of chocolate into her dough. After serving them to her guests, they were an instant hit. She sold her recipe to Nestle, and the rest is history.

Cream margarine/butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

The ingredients of a chocolate chip cookie are usually made up of: flour, eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and of course chocolate chips. Some people swear by using shortening (which gives a fluffier cookie), while others swear on butter (which is much richer and flatter in appearance). Everyone seems to have their own personal preference.

Add vanilla, egg (or egg replacer), and a few drops of creme de menthe flavoring. Be careful not to add too much!

There is also quite the debate over the texture of chocolate chip cookies. You will hear that a chocolate chip cookie should be crispy. You will also hear it should be chewy. (I have been guilty of purposely undercooking my cookies). Of course it is kind of a personal thing, but there is a golden rule for the cookie. The way the cookie is supposed to be baked: golden and crispy on the outside, and soft & chewy on the inside.  There you have it, the perfect chocolate chip cookie.

In a separate bowl: combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add mixture  to wet mixture. 

People underestimate the power of a chocolate chip cookie. Look at the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street, who made a "career"off of his love for cookies. The Double-Tree Hotels are famously known for their chocolate chip cookies. I know people who have stayed there just for the cookies (drastic, I know). They are unequivocally and genuinely American.

Add a few drops of green food coloring.

I can actually thank chocolate chip cookies, for my love of baking. It opened me to the world of culinary art. They can bring us back to our childhood. Maybe that is why we like them so much. There is just something very nostalgic about them.

Stir in chocolate chips. 

I love putting little twists on food. Adding just a little minty flavor and green food coloring, transform these cookies to a whole other level. Anyone who loves mint chocolate chip ice cream, will love these cookies. The dough even looks like it!

Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

I figured these green cookies would be perfect for St. Patrick's day. They are the perfect little pick-me-up, and WAY better than green beer! They are a great alternative to the typical Irish soda bread.  

Let cool for 5 minutes

Everyone likes chocolate chip cookies, and mint flavor. So why not combine them. Next time you make a batch of chocolate chip cookies, think about the colorful history behind them. 

Serve.