Copy-cat Chips Ahoy Cookies

ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda (level)

• 2 teaspoons salt (level)

• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1⁄2 cups vegetable shortening (Crisco)

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 large egg white

• 2 tablespoons warm water (to 4)

• Chopped milk, dark, and/or semisweet chocolate (2-3 full-sized bars)

Instructions

1. Bring all ingredients to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix the flour and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.

2. Use an electric mixer to mix the two sugars and shortening. When creamy add the vanilla, salt, and egg white.

3. Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time adding a tablespoon of warm water as necessary to mix the flour -- don't exceed 4 tablespoons of water -- this will make a firm dough.

4. Mix in chocolate chips. As the dough gets thicker you may want to mix by hand and abandon the electric mixer.

5. Roll into 2 teaspoon balls and press down with the palm of the hand to make flat. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.