CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

I had several dishes at my house, belonging to past guests who had graciously and thoughtfully brought food for one occasion or another. I wanted to fill the containers up to give them back, so I baked a batch of super chocolatey Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

3/4 cup regular oats
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 to 2 cups chocolate chunks, divided

Heat oven to 400F.
Bake oats in a pie plate or on a cookie sheet, 10 to 12 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely, process in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
Beat butter and sugars at medium speed with an electric stand mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating just until blended.
Stir together flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and ground oats in a small bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended after each addition. Fold in 2 1/4 cups of chocolate chunks just until combined. Cover dough and chill 8 to 12 hours.
Heat oven to 350F.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Press the remaining chocolate into cookies. Remove from baking sheets to wire racks, cool completely.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, February 2013
www.southernliving.com/food/‎