Of course JFK's favorite is chocolate chip.
"Presidential Cookies" are more than just a joke-worthy name for your next band. They are a whole thing: There's a an entire cookbook that chronicles the cookie preferences of our nation's leaders. For 20 years and counting Family Circle magazine has held a cookie contest during each election (Michelle Obama's White and Dark Chocolate cookies beat Ann Romney's M&M cookie last year — no word yet on if Family Circle lets men bake). And Washington DC's Ritz-Carlton hotel serves a different "Presidential Cookie" every night in its lobby based on past presidents' favorite recipes. Pretty cute, Ritz!
The hotel's pastry chefs shared the recipes they use below. (Their selections are based on the quality of the cookie, not the president, so everybody just calm down.) Pick your favorite leader-cookie combo and treat yourself for President's Day.
Source: whitehouse.gov
INGREDIENTS
13 ounces all purpose flour
1/4 ounce salt
1/2 ounce baking soda
12 ounces butter
9 ounces brown sugar
4 ounces white sugar
1 ounce vanilla extract
2 1/2 each large eggs
6 ounces oatmeal
2 pounds large chocolate chips
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine butter and sugars and mix with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time until completely blended into the batter. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and add your dry items (flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt). Continue to mix batter. Add the remaining items, mix until fully combined.
Using a spoon, portion cookies and place 2" apart on a cookie sheet that is greased or lined with baking paper. Bake at 325°F until golden brown.
