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Do you ever find yourself in need of a REALLY big batch of chocolate chip cookies?

Whether it’s for a youth activity, a family get-together, or a church function I always seem to come back to this recipe because it makes so many cookies and it’s so versatile.

If you are going to bake, you might as well bake big, right?

My neighbors had a rough day yesterday so my kids wanted to bring them a treat. I also knew that I needed to restock our cookie jar so the kids could have something special in their lunches, so I pulled out this big batch recipe. These are so simple to make and yield a ton of cookies so I thought I’d share them with you. And, sorry, I should have counted how many dozens this recipe makes, but well… squirrel. Just know it makes mass quantities, mmmkay?

Big Batch Cookies

I got the original recipe out of a cookbook my mama’s church ladies put together about 8 or 9 years ago. Cute Valli Nield put it in the cookbook and I’m so glad she did! I’ve made a few tweaks over the years to make it fit our family which reminds me if you don’t want chocolate chip cookies, you can easily swap out the chocolate for butterscotch chips, chopped white chocolate, M&M’s, nuts, or whatever else gets you sugar high and smiley. It’s a snap to make these your own way.

Be prepared though, this recipe will max your mixing bowl capacity!
Yep, there are that many cookies.

I was told by a bunch of gals a while back that people don’t want a ton of photo instructions in recipes anymore.
Wish is granted!

But really, this is about as easy at it gets so don’t stress if you are a photo-filled recipe lover.

Update: This recipe makes about 5 1/2 dozen cookies, using a 2-inch cookie scoop.

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies

An easy recipe for a great big batch of classic chocolate chip cookies. Perfect for freezing.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 11 minutes mins

Cooling Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Course Dessert, From Scratch

Cuisine Back to Basics

Servings 5.5 dozen, if using 2" cookie scoop

Ingredients

  

• 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ cups brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups shortening or butter I use a combination of the two
• 6 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 7 cups flour + a little extra for higher altitude
• 3 cups chocolate chips or other mix-ins like chopped nuts, craisins, white chocolate, chocolate candies, etc.

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°
• Cream together shortening/butter and sugars
• Mix in the eggs and vanilla to the wet ingredients
• Add the flour, soda, and salt and mix until combined, then mix in the chocolate chips
  
• Use a cookie scoop to make dough balls and put on an ungreased cookie sheet then bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes (or 375° for 7-9 minutes for a crispier cookie)
  
• Place on a wire rack to cool
• Makes about 5 1/2 dozen cookies using a 2-inch cookie scoop.

Notes

The original recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of butter-flavored shortening. I don't love shortening so I usually add 1 1/2 cups of butter and 1 cup of shortening. If you want a taller cookie, use more shortening. If you are going for flavor and don't care about them being flat, use more butter.

Don't forget! You can use whatever mix-ins make you happy! M&M's, nuts, craisins, toffee bits, whatever you love.

Keyword big batch, chocolate chips, cookies

I guarantee you will have more sweet cookie dough goodness than you know what to do with!

Freezer Dough:

If you get tired of baking cookies, freeze some dough for later!
Simply place the dough on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and freeze until firm.
You can go HERE for more info… it’s a really old post with fuzzy pics from my long-ago point & shoot, but you’ll still get the idea.

The thing to remember with this recipe is, to make it your way.

If you like crispy cookies, use the full shortening and bake at 375°. Like them soft and buttery, bake at 350° and use more butter than shortening. Is dark chocolate your go-to? Yum, we should be friends! If you like milk chocolate and nuts, you can do that too! This is a basic cookie dough recipe that can be altered however you want. I really don’t think it can be screwed up, so it’s great for kids or any other bakers who might be scared of the oven.

I hope you love them as much as we do!

Looking for more cookie deliciousness? You have got to try these lunch lady peanut butter bars!

What is your favorite cookie mix in?