A Sweet Journey Through Time
Chocolate Chip Cookie
BY: Elisha PUBLISHED: 5 Dec ’24 UPDATED: 5 Dec ’24
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to transform into a vibrant tapestry of gold and crimson, my heart swells with nostalgia. Fall in Paris is nothing short of magical. The stunning hues of orange, red, and yellow paint the landscapes, creating a breathtaking backdrop that invites everyone to step outside and savor the beauty of the season. My favorite place to experience this transformation is in the enchanting Luxembourg Gardens, where the leaves dance gently in the breeze, each one a tiny celebration of nature’s artistry.
This season has always been a time of warmth and comfort for me, where the inviting scents of cinnamon and spice linger in the air, mingling with the fresh, cool breeze. Growing up in a half-Persian, half-American household in the United States, I was surrounded by a delightful blend of culinary traditions that shaped my love for cooking and baking.
Among the many recipes that adorned my family’s kitchen, one stood out: oatmeal raisin cookies. Ironically, they were my least favorite. My mom loved these cookies because she was always trying to make dessert “healthy,” but as a child (and to this day, some things never change, haha), I craved the rich, creamy sweetness of chocolate. Yet, it was this very recipe that would inspire my absolute favorite creation—one that has since become a symbol of comfort and joy in my life as an expat in Paris.
Through a blend of creativity and childhood determination, I adapted that dreaded oatmeal raisin recipe, infusing it with my love for fall and chocolate. What emerged was a cookie that perfectly balances the hearty texture of oats with the gooey decadence of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each bite is a celebration of those beloved autumn spices—warm cinnamon and a hint of nostalgia—transforming the kitchen into a fragrant sanctuary.
I believe my affinity for the warmth and spiciness of these cookies is deeply rooted in my Persian heritage, where spices are a beloved part of every dish. It’s literally in my blood! I still remember those special moments in the kitchen, mixing ingredients while dreaming of creating something extraordinary to share with my loved ones. That sense of anticipation, the joyful chaos of flour dusting the countertops, and the warm embrace of my family as we gathered around to taste my latest creations—all of these memories came rushing back with every batch I baked. And now, it’s time for you to create your own memories with this recipe.
Ingredients
For the first bowl:
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 110 g packed brown sugar
- 60 g packed brown sugar softened
- 60 g shortening
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp baking power
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
For the second bowl:
- 135 g old-fashioned oats
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 170 g semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients from the first bowl. Mix until well blended.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients from the first bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Gradually fold the second bowl's mixture into the first bowl until fully combined.
- Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 5 cm or 2 inches apart) onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until light brown, approximately 10 minutes. Once baked, immediately remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and let cool completely, if you can wait (NEVER can, I cant tell you how many times I have burned my fingers on hot chocolate chips because I just COULDN’T wait lol)
Notes
Contains: Egg, gluten (from flour).
Nutrition
These cookies are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they are an invitation to create moments of connection. Picture yourself in the kitchen, perhaps with loved ones gathered around, laughter mingling with the smell of cookies baking in the oven, while the cool breeze from your slightly open Parisian windows dances through the air, perfectly balancing the warmth from the oven. Imagine the joy of sharing them—still warm—with friends, family, or even neighbors as you sip on spiced cider or pumpkin lattes. Each cookie is an opportunity for new memories, laughter, and stories, all wrapped in the delightful embrace of chocolate and spice.
One of the best parts? These cookies are perfect for portioning into small ice cube trays, making it incredibly easy to freeze them. Whenever a craving emerges, you can simply pop a couple (or more!) into the oven and enjoy the warmth of freshly baked cookies in no time. In my opinion, they are the ultimate after-school treat, offering a sweet reward for both kids and adults alike.
As a half-Persian, half-American living in Paris, I embrace the beautiful blend of cultures in my cooking. Each batch of these cookies is a reminder of my roots and a celebration of the new traditions I’m creating in this vibrant city. So, if you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Paris this fall, drop me a line! We can meet in Luxembourg Gardens for a coffee and a stack of cookies, because you definitely can’t stop at just one or two of these delightful treats!
For those making these cookies at home, I hope each bite transports you to the enchanting streets of Paris, allowing you to dream about the beauty of the city in fall. I look forward to the day when I can share a cookie with you here! Gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking unfold. With every bite of these warm, spiced oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, you’ll be crafting your own stories, creating your own memories, and perhaps even sparking a new tradition that will last for generations to come. Enjoy the journey!
Bisous, Bisous,
The Frenched Persian-American 🤗