There isn’t really anything too difficult about changing up a cookie recipe. And sometimes, as in this recipe, the outcome is truly delightful.

As some of you know, I’ve been on a malted milk kick recently. For those of you not familiar with chocolate malts, I’m going to recommend that you rectify this situation sooner rather than later. Because dear friends, there is nothing better than a chocolate malt.

So with malts in mind, I took a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe and added my own touches. I decided to use bread flour rather than regular unbleached all-purpose flour because I thought it would result in a crisp, yet chewy textured cookie. (More gluten in bread flour.) And I was right. The bread flour helped create just the perfect texture for a cookie. Then of course, the batter had to contain malted milk powder. And because I wanted a subtle chocolate flavored dough, I added just 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. And because variety is the spice of life, I used 2 kinds of chocolate chips.

Now I know you probably already have a perfectly wonderful chocolate chip cookie recipe you unfailingly use. In fact, I too have several really delicious chocolate chip cookie recipes at my disposal. (And yes they are on this site.) But, for varieties sake, I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s just enough different to bring out the “OMG” response after just one bite. And truthfully, my husband and friends who have tried these cookies have declared them a winner.  

Call me crazy, but I think cookies are just what’s needed during this very stressful time. Baking cookies is one thing you can do with your kids in the comfort of your own home. And if you don’t have kids, then all the more reason to bake up a storm. More for you! But while you’re in the kitchen, you might want to prepare a big old pot of soup too. Hot soup just always feels homey and comforting. And all of us need as much comforting as we can get right now. 

Please know that I do not consider myself a pessimist. And I do know I am probably preaching to the choir. But I truly believe coronavirus is a huge cause for concern and that every measure that can be taken to prevent its spread should be taken. Because it seems to me that it’s only a matter of time before every one of us is exposed to this virus and have to personally deal with this real-life health threat. All the mandatory closures of schools and large gatherings is simply a way to slow down the spread of the disease. Because if everyone were to become infected at the same time, it truly would be a disaster. Hopefully keeping some distance between people will allow medical personnel enough time between incidences and therefore enough hospital space to assist in the saving of lives. A vaccine might even be developed, if not to completely eradicate the disease, but to mitigate some of the deathly effects.  

I also firmly believe our government and even the press have not explained the “why” of decisions being made like closing down schools as adequately as they should have. People learn and understand much better if they can see the logic behind actions being taken. And that the actions being taken are only made after a great deal of thought and study has been given by people truly in the know. Like health advisers, state governors, knowledgeable business people, economists, and school officials, to mention a few. Not some politico simply blowing smoke in Washington DC. Or some government official who has no medical knowledge telling us that the coronavirus is under control. Just talk plainly to us. Assume that we are intelligent, because most of us are intelligent. Tell us why precautions are being made for our benefit. And please, leave all the political bullshit behind. I don’t care if the person who is providing us with reliable information is a republican or a democrat. Or white, male, Asian, female, young, old, or has red hair or no hair at all. Just someone with knowledge, an ability to empathize with the situation, and a true concern for everyone on this planet.  

So dear friends, I will now turn the soapbox over to someone else. I’ve vented enough. Just please wash your hands. Get plenty of sleep. Keep yourself and your family safe. And feed your family good healthy food. And cookies. Cookies really do bring a smile to almost everyone’s face. Who doesn’t feel that all is right with the world after having just eaten a cookie? Peace, Love, and Good Health to each of you.

(And sorry for the pontification. I just couldn’t help myself! I just care.)

• 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 c. brown sugar (packed)
• ½ c. granulated sugar
• 3 lg. eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3¼ c. bread flour* (you can use unbleached all-purpose flour if necessary)
• ½ c. malted milk powder
• 1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 c. milk chocolate chips
• 1 c. regular or mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Scrape sides down periodically. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract; combine well.

In another bowl, whisk the flour, malted milk powder, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Add to the butter mixture only until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Let dough sit for about 20 minutes.   

Using a small ice cream scoop, drop balls of dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 14-16 minutes or until light golden brown around the bottom edges.   

Remove from oven and allow to cool for a couple minutes on baking sheet before transferring cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

*Remember to “fluff” up the flour as you measure it out. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour within the container. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup. Use a knife or other straight edged utensil to level the flour across the measuring cup.