Vegan Household Chocolate Chip Cookies

I think I've tried at least a dozen vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes. But each and every one seriously disappointed me. While the recipes, standing alone, were quite good; they never lived up to the heights of cookie greatness that is the Nestle® Toll House® Chocolate Chip Cookie (NTHCCC).

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I loved those cookies. Now, I wouldn't buy a Nestle product even if it didn't have animal products in it, but there's no reason I shouldn't try to make their cookie recipe my own.

Why it took me so long to come up with this strategy, I can not possibly say. But today, I took the plunge and am here to say, "You've gotta do it if you're jonesin' for the good ol' chocolate chip cookie days of your youth!" Veganizing the original NTHCCC is fun and easy!

Vegan Household Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks, softened
• 3/4 cup vegan granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed vegan brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon EnerG egg replacer mixed with 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) vegan chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Steps

1. PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
2. COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
   
3. BEAT buttery sticks, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
   
4. ADD egg replacer and beat well.
   
5. Gradually BEAT in flour mixture.
   
6. STIR in chocolate chips and nuts.
   
7. DROP rounded 1 1/2 teaspoon onto baking sheets covered with parchment paper.
8. BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
   
9. COOL on baking sheets for 2 minutes.
10. REMOVE to wire racks to cool completely.

It's OK, go ahead. Nibble a warm one and wash it down with an ice-cold glass of your favorite animal-free beverage. Aaaaaah!