Hillary Clinton’s Famous Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Beloved Clinton Family Recipe
Every First Lady brings a touch of home to the White House, often through a signature recipe that captures the hearts (and taste buds) of the nation. While Hillary Clinton may not be primarily known for her culinary prowess, her contribution to this cherished tradition, the “Clinton Family Cookies,” has certainly made its mark. These delightful oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are not just a simple treat; they embody a unique approach to baking that results in a truly exceptional texture and flavor. Forget everything you thought you knew about classic chocolate chip cookies, because this recipe introduces a special blend of butter and butter-flavored shortening, promising a cookie that is both tender and incredibly satisfying. Originally known as “Hillary Clinton’s Cookies,” this recipe has evolved into a family favorite, lovingly referred to as “Clinton Family Cookies” over the years, a testament to its enduring appeal.
The Legacy of First Lady Cookie Recipes: A Sweet Tradition
The tradition of First Lady cookie recipes is a charming slice of American history. From Eleanor Roosevelt’s “Drop Cookies” to Laura Bush’s “Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookies,” these recipes offer a glimpse into the personal lives of the nation’s leading families. They often reflect regional tastes, family traditions, and even the spirit of the times. Hillary Clinton’s entry into this esteemed tradition, her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, garnered significant attention. Unlike some First Ladies who were avid bakers, Hillary Clinton’s reputation was more tied to her political and public service career. Yet, the fact that a cookie recipe attributed to her became so popular speaks volumes about its quality. It suggests a meticulous selection process, focusing on a recipe that simply delivers on taste and texture, rather than one necessarily developed by her own hand.
Unveiling the “Clinton Family Cookies”: More Than Just Chocolate Chips
What sets the “Clinton Family Cookies” apart from a sea of other chocolate chip recipes? The answer lies in two key ingredients: oatmeal and a strategic blend of fats. The addition of old-fashioned rolled oats isn’t just for a rustic touch; it contributes a delightful chewiness and a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. This texture contrast elevates the cookie from a simple sweet treat to a more complex and satisfying experience. The oats also make these cookies feel a bit heartier and substantial, adding a comforting element that resonates with many home bakers.
However, the true secret weapon in this recipe is the combination of butter and butter-flavored shortening. While many recipes opt for all butter for its superior flavor, shortening brings an unparalleled textural advantage. Butter melts at a lower temperature, causing cookies to spread more and sometimes become too crispy. Shortening, with its higher melting point, helps cookies hold their shape, creating a softer, more tender, and slightly “cakey” crumb. The butter-flavored shortening ensures you don’t sacrifice the rich dairy notes that make chocolate chip cookies so irresistible, while still benefiting from shortening’s structural integrity. This thoughtful blend results in a cookie that is moist, tender, and boasts an ideal balance of chewiness from the oats and a slight crispness at the edges.
The Science of Texture: Butter vs. Shortening in Baking
Understanding the role of fats in baking is crucial, and the “Clinton Family Cookies” recipe beautifully illustrates this principle. Butter is beloved for its rich flavor and contributes to browning, but its higher water content and lower melting point can lead to flatter, crispier cookies. Shortening, on the other hand, is 100% fat and has a much higher melting point. This means it holds its shape longer in the oven, creating more rise and a softer, more tender crumb. When shortening melts slowly, it creates tiny pockets of air, resulting in that desirable cake-like texture that makes these cookies so distinct.
The genius of this recipe is in the half-and-half approach. By using equal parts butter and shortening, you get the best of both worlds: the delightful, complex flavor profile of butter combined with the superior texture and structure provided by shortening. This hybrid approach prevents the cookies from becoming too greasy (which can happen with all shortening) or too flat and crispy (which can happen with all butter, especially if not chilled properly). For those concerned about traditional hydrogenated shortening, the recipe specifically notes that non-hydrogenated options like Nutiva work perfectly, offering a healthier alternative without compromising the final product. Of course, if you prefer an all-butter cookie and are willing to experiment with a slightly different texture, that option is always available, as highlighted by other excellent recipes.
Essential Tips for Baking the Perfect Clinton Family Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is all about attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to ensure your “Clinton Family Cookies” turn out perfectly every time:
- Ingredient Temperature: The recipe calls for “cut-up and kind of cold” butter. This is important because it helps prevent overmixing and contributes to a better dough consistency. While not strictly at room temperature, it shouldn’t be rock hard.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. The goal is a tender crumb.
- Quality Chocolate Chips: While semisweet is traditional, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or even a blend of different types. High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Preheat Oven Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cookies inside. A consistent temperature is key for even baking.
- Watch for Doneness: Cookies bake quickly, especially in the 8-10 minute range. They should be golden brown at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you remove them. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Cooling Process: The instruction to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack is crucial. This allows the cookies to firm up enough to be moved without breaking, while also preventing them from overbaking on a hot pan.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their freshness and delightful texture.
Variations and Alternatives for Your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the “Clinton Family Cookies” recipe is perfect as is, you can always customize it to your liking. Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could enhance the warmth of the oats. For chocolate lovers, a mix of chocolate chips (e.g., semisweet and dark chocolate chunks) can add depth. If you’re looking for a completely different cookie experience, the King Arthur Flour Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe mentioned earlier is an excellent alternative. It offers a denser, less cakey texture without the use of shortening, providing a different but equally delicious profile. This comparison highlights how slight changes in ingredients can dramatically alter the final cookie, from chewy and soft to dense and rich.
The Official Clinton Family Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip or Hillary Clinton’s Cookies
Cookie Madness
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter flavored shortening (non-hydrogenated works, or Crisco)
- ½ cup butter (cut- up and kind of cold)
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk them together thoroughly and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the shortening, butter, both sugars (light brown and granulated), and vanilla extract. Scrape the sides of the bowl often to ensure everything is well combined and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually stir in the reserved flour mixture and the old-fashioned rolled oats until just blended. Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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Drop spoonfuls of batter (about well-rounded teaspoonfuls) onto greased baking sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough space between cookies for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. This crucial step helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking. After 2 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whether you call them Hillary Clinton’s Cookies or the cherished Clinton Family Cookies, this oatmeal chocolate chip recipe offers a delightful combination of classic flavors and a superior texture that is hard to beat. The thoughtful inclusion of both butter and shortening, along with hearty oats, creates a cookie that is moist, chewy, and perfectly balanced. Perfect for sharing with family, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your own recipe collection. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch of these iconic treats – you won’t be disappointed!