Baby Bear "Get Well" Cookies

Yesterday, while Skyping with our grandson, Ari, he announced that Baby Bear had fallen behind his bed and was hurt.  It took his head lamp and Daddy's long arms to get him out and when he did, he told me Baby Bear had broken his collar bone.  Ari has been somewhat fixated on broken collar bones ever since I told him the story of my youngest sister falling off my brother's lower bunk bed, when she was 18 months old and breaking her collar bone.  I told him this story because like most toddlers, he loves to jump on beds and as a grandmother, I could see this ending up badly;-)!

Anyway, he said Baby Bear needed some cookies while he's recuperating "in the hospital" (aka Daddy's bed).  When I asked him what kind...he said, "chocolate chip."  I told him I would bake some for Baby Bear and he said, "Mimi, it's nice to share," which meant Ari gets some too.  PopPop asked if he could have some before I shipped them and Ari was quick to say, "only one,"--he had already committed to the sharing concept. LOL!

As all of us know, bears are an important part of childhood and Ari's role play with his bear gave me the idea to turn this chocolate chip cookie recipe into something special for him.  I've packaged them in CD/DVD envelopes that I found at an office supply store.  They're perfect for shipping and once sealed, they'll keep fresh during the journey.

Baby Bear "Get Well" Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 T Vanilla extract
2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
2 cups Queen Guinevere cake flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1-12oz bag mini chocolate chips

about 24 larger chocolate chips (for the nose)

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy.  Add the vanilla and the eggs, one at a time and beat again.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients and whisk together.  Add to the batter, half at a time, beating on medium speed to incorporate.  Finally, add the mini chocolate chips and mix to combine.  

Using two different size scoops, measure out dough to form the bear.

 The last step is to add the larger chocolate chip for the nose.

  Bake in the preheated oven 12 to 14 minutes.  (These took 13 minutes to bake to a golden brown).

Once packaged, they're off to Spain to Ari and Baby Bear.  I know he'll love the surprise and Baby Bear will be back to new in no time.  Enjoy!