Grandma's Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten free & dairy free

 Once a year, I bake cookies that are loaded with sugar and I don't look back. It's Christmas time and while we strive for healthy food choices throughout the year, it's nice to share a trip of nostalgia during December family gatherings. My Grandma made the best chocolate cookies, and she had a never ending supply. I can't imagine how many hours she must have spent baking cookies in her lifetime. For years, I tried to duplicate those cookies, but they never came close. Of course, I bake with gluten free flour, which is a big difference, but even still, the flavor was always off.

While visiting my in laws one day, my father in law shared a cookie he baked for us. I took a bite and froze. That was it! It was gluten free, and it was RIGHT!  What on earth was different? It was the shortening! I have never baked with shortening. I used oils, coconut oil, earth balance, but not shortening! So, off to the store I went. I purchased the Spectrum Organic Palm shortening, and put it together. Now, I bake these for Christmas, and maybe for a special birthday gathering here or there. They are a hit with everyone, and no one even knows they are gluten free. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Palm Shortening - organic
• 1/2 Cup Earth Balance butter stick (I used soy free)
• 1 Cup sugar
• 1/2 Cup brown sugar (not packed)
• 2 organic eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 Cup all purpose gluten free flour (this is Pamela's Artisan Blend)
• 1/2 Cup almond flour (or replace with more of the gluten free all purpose)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 Cup dairy free gluten free chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix liquid ingredients well. Add sugars, blend. Add remaining ingredients, mix. Bake rounded teaspoons of dough, packed well and placed 2 inches apart. I prefer baking on stonewear pans (like a pizza stone) but you can choose whatever you have in the kitchen.  Bake 10-12 minutes (may vary depending on pan). Cookies will begin to golden all around, and they will be ready. Let set for a few minutes before removing from pan.