Today was the first day of school. For our family it was the first time in sixteen years that I was not in a classroom or school building beginning a school year. My classroom has changed a little and I have the honor of being home with my sweet little one and being there when the bell rings for my 3rd grader. The first day of school has always been exciting. Today was no exception. It just seemed like to celebrate my first real day of this new gig I needed to bake. You know, kid comes home from school and mom has whipped up amazing cookies. (Yes, June Cleaver can still inspire me.) Plus what a yummy treat to add to a lunch box this week. These chocolate chip cookies were the perfect addition to our celebration. Here’s to a great school year! -Amanda

First Day of School Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 t baking soda
1 and 1/2 t cornstarch
1/2 t salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg and 1 egg yolk
2 t vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Mix flour, baking soda, cornstarch and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
With a mixer, beat the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until no brown sugar lumps remain. Add in the egg and the egg yolk. Finally, add in the vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together with a large, rubber spatula. The dough will be very soft, yet thick. Fold in the chocolate chips. Chill dough for 1 hour. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and allow to slightly soften at room temperature.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper Set aside.
Roll the dough into balls, about 2 Tablespoons of dough each. The dough may be crumbly. Roll the cookie dough balls to be taller rather than wide. Press a few more chocolate chips on top of the dough balls. This will enhance their look. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.