The Original Chipits Cookies: A Nostalgic Journey to Pure Chocolatey Bliss

There are some flavors that, once tasted, are etched into your memory forever. For me, it’s the unmistakable scent of melted chocolate and warm sugar wafting from the kitchen, a harbinger of those perfectly crisp-edged, chewy-centered cookies. The original Chipits recipe, the one that graced countless packages and filled countless cookie jars, holds a special place in my heart. I remember rainy afternoons spent carefully measuring, my small hands struggling to crack an egg just right, the anticipation building with every dollop of dough dropped onto the baking sheet. It wasn’t just about the cookies; it was about the shared moments, the sticky fingers, and the sheer joy of biting into a creation born from simple ingredients and a whole lot of love.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (plus cooling)
• Servings: Up to 72 cookies
• Yield: 72 cookies
• Dietary Type: Classic Cookie

Ingredients

This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-staple ingredients to achieve its classic charm. The key is the quality of your chocolate chips, so choose your favorite!

• 2 cups Crisco shortening (Golden Flavor recommended for its classic taste)
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (225 g) Hershey’s Chipits Reese Peanut Butter Chips
• 1 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans are classic choices)

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Gather these essentials:

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) or a sturdy whisk and spatula for manual creaming
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon for dropping dough
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

The beauty of the original Chipits cookie recipe lies in its simplicity. Follow these steps for guaranteed success:

1. Cream the Fats and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crisco shortening, firmly packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or by hand with a whisk, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookie’s texture.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of bitterness or uneven rising.
4. Blend Wet and Dry: Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed shortening and sugar mixture. Start on low speed with your mixer, or gently fold with a spatula, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
5. Add the Stars: Gently stir in the Hershey’s Chipits Reese Peanut Butter Chips and the chopped nuts. Fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased, as specified by the original recipe. The shortening in the dough will help prevent sticking.
7. Portion the Dough: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers appear set but still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Cool Down: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 1-2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your original Chipits cookies from good to absolutely exceptional, consider these seasoned insights:

• Shortening Matters: The original recipe specifically calls for Crisco shortening, and the “Golden Flavor” is often cited for its distinct taste. While butter can be used in many cookie recipes, shortening provides a unique chewiness and tenderness that is characteristic of this classic. If you’re aiming for the absolute most authentic experience, stick to the shortening.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: While not explicitly stated, using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify more easily with the fats and sugars, leading to a smoother, more consistent dough.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to that perfect chewy center is to pull the cookies out when the edges are just beginning to turn golden. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking will result in a dry, crisp cookie, which isn’t quite the Chipits experience we’re after.
• Chopping Nuts: For a more even distribution of nutty flavor and texture, try to chop your nuts into relatively uniform small pieces. This prevents large chunks from dominating individual bites.
• Chilling Dough (Optional but Recommended): While the original recipe doesn’t require it, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes to an hour can significantly improve the texture and prevent excessive spreading. The fats solidify, and the flavors meld, resulting in a richer, more cohesive cookie.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully.

Serve your warm, freshly baked Chipits cookies with a tall glass of cold milk – it’s the quintessential pairing. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter, a lunchbox treat, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.

To store, ensure the cookies are completely cooled. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently in a low oven or toaster oven to revive their crispness.

Nutritional Information

While specific brand formulations can vary, here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for a single cookie based on the ingredients:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 cookie)	% Daily Value
Calories	110 kcal	6%
Total Fat	7.8 g	10%
Saturated Fat	2 g	10%
Cholesterol	5.9 mg	2%
Sodium	73.5 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	9 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	5.7 g	11%
Protein	1.4 g	3%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While the original recipe is perfection in its simplicity, here are a few ideas to put your own spin on these classics:

• Chocolate Chip Switch-Up: Don’t have Reese’s Peanut Butter Chipits? You can substitute them with your favorite Hershey’s Chipits – milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips all work wonderfully. You can even use a mix!
• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free treat, simply omit the chopped nuts. The cookies will still be incredibly delicious.
• Double the Chip: For an extra decadent cookie, add a second type of Chipits to the dough, such as mini semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the peanut butter ones.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is the recipe so specific about using Crisco shortening?
A: Shortening provides a distinct texture – a tender crumb and a unique chewiness – that butter alone cannot replicate in this particular recipe, which is designed for that classic cookie experience.

Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: Overmixing the dough, using softened or melted shortening instead of firm, or a too-warm oven can all contribute to excessive spreading. Ensure your shortening is firm and cream it with the sugars until light and fluffy before adding other ingredients.

Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: While you can substitute butter, be aware that the texture and flavor will change. Butter contributes a richer flavor but can lead to flatter, crispier cookies compared to the chewiness provided by shortening.

Q: How do I get perfectly rounded cookies?
A: Using a cookie scoop is the easiest way to ensure uniform size and shape. If scooping by hand, try to be consistent with the amount of dough you drop onto the baking sheet.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping to make it easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s a timeless magic to the original Chipits cookie recipe. It’s more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s a doorway to cherished memories and a testament to the power of simple, well-loved flavors. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, I encourage you to bake a batch. The aroma alone is a promise of comfort and joy, and the first bite is sure to transport you to a place of pure, unadulterated cookie bliss. Enjoy every crumb!