Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 c. butter, at room temperature 3/4 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 to 1 1/2 T. instant coffee granules*

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Place instant coffee granules in a small zip-top plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a drinking glass, gently crush granules into a powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla; beat until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in coffee granule powder, and then stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. (For soft cookies, the cookies should still look a bit uncooked in the middle when you take them out of the oven.) Let cookies stand on the pan for about a minute before removing to a cooling rack.

* I use 1 T. instant coffee granules for a subtle coffee flavor. If you would like more pronounced coffee flavor, use 1 1/2 T. Enjoy!