Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies and Milk, originally uploaded by coffeejitters.

Tonight I was in need of cookies. Desperate need of cookies. Not just any cookies, I needed chocolate chip cookies. But then I wanted something a little less ordinary too...

I rummaged through the pantry and pulled together what items I had on hand and found a collection I thought might be nice in chocolate chip cookies, that included pecans and coconut as well.

My package of chocolate chips was from Safeway's O Organics line and had an interesting recipe on the back so I used that as a starting point. I used that as a starting point because, of course, I cannot follow directions from start to finish, I have to make it my own.

Here is the O Organics "Really Delicious Organic Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies" Recipe as it is written on the back of the label:

1/2 lb butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed golden brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp powdered ginger
2 1/2 cups quick rolled oats
1 cup O Organics chocolate chips
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans


Here's what I used:
1/2 lb butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed golden brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cardamom
2 tsp powdered ginger
2 cups quick rolled oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup coconut
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Obviously the changes were not drastic, but the cardamom really brightens up the flavor of the cookie.

The remaider of the directions follow standard cookie baking conventions.

Preheat oven to 375
cream butter with sugars on low speed until blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add powdered indgredients until incorporated. Add oats, coconut, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Obviously my changes to the cookie recipe were not that drastic, but the cardamom really brightens up the flavor of the cookie and adds a bit of an exotic dimension.

Unfortunately, I think it needed salt and maybe a little extra something for crunch. Maybe next time I will crumble up some potato chips and add it to the batter.

Don't think I'm kidding, that sounds yummy!