Chocolate Chip Cookies

For years, chocolate chip cookie recipes were the bane of my existence. I tried recipe after recipe, searching for cookies that produced both delicious dough and a tasty cookie. I didn't really think that would be too much to ask for, right? But apparently I was wrong. Until, that is, the day I vowed to never again attempt the dreaded chocolate chip cookie; on that day, a dear friend on the east coast sent me this recipe. I haven't been disappointed.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
from The Essential Mormon Cookbook
Pictures by Kelly

1 cup butter
3/4 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (12oz) bag chocolate chips

1. Cream together butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla and salt. Beat until mixture pales significantly in color.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking soda.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir well, and add chocolate chips.
4. Drop dough into 1-inch balls spaced about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Take them out of the oven just before you think they're done.