THE COOKIE PERSON.
Friday, January 29, 2010 at 1:55PM 
At some point in my life, after I master the art of self control, I would like to perfect an incredible cookie of my own. By that, I mean the kind of cookie where when you go to a picnic or potluck, they request that you bring 'your' famous cookies. I imagine that would be the ultimate compliment. Now, I am always the 'salad person', which seems fitting. I have been craving a cookie with the ideal personality; slight crunch of the crust, soft center, studded with chocolate and/or oats. The ladies below seem to have one of those famous cookie recipes I speak of, and when I trust that I would not eat all two dozen of them myself, I will make each of these. That may be a ways off from now, but I wanted to pass on the links to you, who I assume has less of a cookie binging complex.
** The reputation for these Chocolate Chip cookies have made their way through blogs, twitter and what not. This lovely lady is hosting baking classes of her own in Seattle now, so if you live anywhere near there, I suggest you hone your skills in one of Ashley's classes. She clearly knows what she's doing.
** When I saw Tara's Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cherry Chip cookies, I sent this link to every sweets lover I've ever known, as I had never seen such a tempting cookie picture. Seriously, look at that and tell me you don't want a glass of milk and one of those beauties. I must mention, her poetic writing is reason enough to read through every single entry.
** Because I always have my gluten free people in mind, Joy's Peanut Butter Cookies look decadent with that little chocolate goodness on top. Or, if you are a friend of gluten, I trust Dana's stamp of approval on this version as well (and appreciate that she halved the sugar!).
** Lastly, because this recipe restored my personal baking confidence, you should probably try these Oat'Nana Pucks and then bring me some.
As much as I encourage these as written, remember to use unbleached flours, aluminum free baking powder, and natural cane sugars when you can. Happy weekend. Stay warm, hug people and eat well. In that order, specifically.
Reader Comments (27)
if you want to go ahead and, you know, try these recipes out, i guess i could, you know, do you the favor of taking them of your hands before you ate them all...
I'm the same way. I can't make cookies without eating at least 90% of the batch THE SAME DAY. I'd the entire batch if weren't for a toddler and husband that I'm obligated to share with. :)
I've never baked a cookie before. Ever. Not even from one of those slice-and-bake things or store-bought cookie dough. Yet, I have all these cookie recipes sitting in a folder on my computer... I always end up making something other than cookies when I decide to bake! :|
By the way, how do you get your photos so crisp and bright, with such amazing contrast? Your lighting is amazing. :)
FYI: on the cookie front: http://cookies.bandofoutsiders.com/
Sara, you are the greatest. Thanks for the link and I'll make you those cookies (or any cookies) any time.
oh my gosh PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can this go in the jar????
I have absolutely no no control when it comes to cookies either! But I still make them, I just force myself to share with my other half.
Fancy schmancy cookies don't flip my switch the way good old chocolate chip cookies do. In an attempt to exert self-control, I freeze and bake mini cookies on demand. Roll cookie dough into long pieces (like a 10 inch thin sausage)and wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. I usually freeze at least half the dough and enjoy fresh baked cookies when I get that hankering. Just pull out a stick, cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces and bake.
oh, you dear, dear heart. you deserve a batch of cookies all to yourself for such sweetness! thank you for the honor of a place among such lovely women
- yourself included.
someday we'll have a cookie and milk afternoon.
I can attest for the Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal cookie recipe from Tara and Cook's Illustrated - I've been making these for years and they are about as good as it gets, in my cookie book. (:
You've reminded me that I need to bake peanut butter chocolate chip cookies this weekend, Sara! Why did you have to do that? ;)
Now that I will have a lot of time on my hands... I welcome these goodies. Me and my kitchen are going to have some serious bonding time...
If I had a potluck, I would definitely be asking you to bring the cookies! :) At least you're not the 'just bring yourself' person. :)
That's funny, I just made chocolate chip cookies this weekend. I like them crunchy! But I should definitely try one of those recipes once I finally get measuring cups. Thanks for sharing!
Mmmmm... cookies. They can be a bit of a bug-a-boo, though, what with finding just the Right One that fits. Like jeans. Or great boots. We've hit it, finally, for us, anyway, a riff on Nancy Silverton's from LaBrea Bakery. It's somewhere in last Fall's archives, I think, caramelized edges, loads of chocolate, barely baked in the middle. Just what suits my two choco-holics, no more. Best of luck to you. A noble holy grail, to be sure!
Oh, I feel you on having a "signature" recipe. It's unnaturally thrilling to have someone ask you to make something specific again, isn't it?! Catching up on your latest posts--excellent work!
I am also a "salad" person! Even though lately I am the cookie person, too....must-fight-the-urge. But I think I'll start after I make Tara's cookies....thanks for the link, they look lovely.
I totally agree - I love the idea of having a 'go-to' recipe that everyone asks for. On the other hand, I always play it risky and make something I've never made before for any potluck or even my own dinner party. I can't seem to repeat many dishes or desserts, so it may hamper my style! ha ha
I did make homemade s'mores this weekend, which will be posted soon (or else i would be harrassed for weeks on end), and they may just be the 'go-to' for a while ;).
Check, check and check. Now, to make some cookies...
You picked some good cookies. They look great.
thanks so much for stopping by my blog! we're friends now for sure:)
I made Dana's cookies last night! And yes, they are truly amazing, and definitely picnic-worthy. We froze half of the cookie dough to restrain ourselves from eating the entire batch. Although I may defrost some right now.
I've been on your website all day. One of my favorites for sure! Great writing and the pics are drool inducing.
I am craving cookies now! YUM!
I smiled as I read this because I often have that feeling...like I should have a few solid things that I'm really known for making. Doesn't have to be cookies. Could be something as simple as mind-blowing mashed potatoes. But my repertoire of go-to dishes seems to be thin...probably because I"m always trying out new things. But this list was fun. I've had cookies on the mind lately too: baking them and bagging them up for friends so I don't eat them all.
Had the puck cookies at a friend's house. My kids and I loved them!
I just have to put out a word of warning: Tara’s Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cherry Chip cookies are dangerous. Seriously. I don't dare admit how much I ate of the two batches I made in one week... but apparently I have a similar cookie binging complex, as you mentioned. :) Despite the sheer dangerous-ness of this post, thanks for sharing some great cookie links! YUM!