white chocolate chip cookies

I've been on kind of a baking frenzy for the last few weekends -- I think that the beginning of "fall" (which in Houston is a lot like "summer") is making me think about holiday cookies, hot soups and rich, hearty pastas. Even if I'm sitting by the pool for most of November (I hope!), I'm going to be baking as if the first snowfall is right around the corner.

These would also be a great party favor, if you have something fun coming up! It's amazing how something as simple as a few glossy bags and some pretty ribbon can turn everyday cookies into something really special. I love the burst of color that the packaging added for a simple cookie like this!

On a side note, I have no clue why everyone ruins white chocolate chip cookies by adding macadamia nuts! I pick them out of every white chocolate chip cookie I get, so when I decided to make my own, they were obviously off the table!

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 cup white chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs. Separately, sift together the flour and baking soda, and mix them into the wet ingredient mixture. Add the white chocolate chips and stir to combine.

Drop by well-rounded teaspoon onto baking sheets lined with Silipat. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.