It's a twist on two traditional cookies-Chocolate Chip and Shortbread-combining the best of all that is great with these two family favorites. They are buttery, crisp, and crumbly like shortbread cookies, yet with a rich and tender goodness that helps distinguish chocolate chip cookies.

The "secret" to these fabulous cookies is an ingredient found in most every household-corn starch. We may think of corn starch as an essential ingredient in the foremost creamy sauces and gravies, for more details visit to www.cooking-groundbeef.com but Argo Corn Starch and Kingsford's Corn Starch have rediscovered its benefits on baked goods such as cookies with extraordinary results. Using the right blend of corn starch and flour produces a softer shortbread cookie than when using flour alone. The combination of the two in this new recipe makes this cookie unlike any chocolate chip cookie you've ever made.

The taste, texture and size might remind you of the original classic version of a popular brand of store-bought chocolate chip cookie, for more details visit to www.chef-123.com but homemade is always better. Your homemade ones have no preservatives, no partially hydrogenated oils, and no mystery ingredients.

This recipe has been tested in the kitchens of Argo Corn Starch and Kingsford's Corn Starch.

Chocolate Chip

Shortbread Cookies

Makes 3-1/2 Dozen Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups flour

1/4 cup Argo or Kingsford's Corn Starch

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

Mix butter, brown sugar and vanilla thoroughly using an electric mixer. Gradually blend in flour and corn starch. Add chocolate chips.

Form into 1-inch balls and place on increased baking sheets. Pour sugar on a small plate; dip bottom of drinking glass in sugar and gently press down on each cookie to flatten.

Press center of each cookie with tip of a teaspoon (creating a small crescent-shaped indentation design).

Bake in a preheated 300? F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bottoms begin to brown. Cool for 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Lightly sprinkle additional sugar on top of cookies while cooling, if desired.

Recipe note: For European- style shortbread, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pat into a 1/3-inch thick rectangle measuring 11 x 8-inches. Cut into 2 x 1-inch strips. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with a fork. Bake as above.

This special recipe for Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies has a "secret ingredient" in it that creates a tender, crisp, crumbly and rich cookie all at the same time