My advice would be if they aren't spreading enough then there is a bit too much flour. Try cutting down 1/4 cup and do a test cookie, if it's spreading too much then add a bit more flour until you get it how you like it. Betty Crocker cookbook has this tip in their old cookbook. I think most people are trying to figure it out when it's really just as simple as too much or not enough flour that affects the spread of the cookie. Try not to over-think it so much. EDIT TO ADD: The cookies in the picture look good though...they don't look like they didn't spread enough to me. Here's a thought too, why not use a round cookie scoop to form them and flatten them out a bit with the bottom or a glass or something? This post was edited by arkansas_girl on Thu, Dec 27, 12 at 10:31

Gina, I'm not sure. I've never baked with Splenda. I found this method of making powdered sugar using Splenda. Sugar-Free Powdered Sugar Replacement By Elizabeth LaBau, About.com Guide See More About: sugar-free recipes diabetic recipes "Powdered Sugar"(c) 2011 Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc. If you're on a sugar-free or reduced sugar diet, you are probably familiar with sugar replacement products such as Splenda. Although there are a wide variety of sugar substitutes available, most of them are in granulated or brown sugar form. Sometimes, though, recipes will call for powdered sugar, and granulated sugar just won't do. Here's what to do to create powdered sugar from Splenda. Ingredients: 1 cup granulated Splenda (not the coffee packets or the brown sugar varieties) 1 tsp cornstarch Procedure: Place the Splenda and the cornstarch in a mixer or food processor. Blend on high speed for approximately 1 minute, until the texture is similar to powdered sugar. You may need to scrape down the mixer or processor bowl several times in the process. Sugar can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. Try dusting it on candies, tarts, or lemon bars. Like with any sugar replacer, this is best used when you need the flavor of sugar but not necessarily the baking properties. Don't try to use Splenda-based granulated or powdered sugar in recipes where sugar is the main ingredient, or where the recipe depends on sugar to give it structure or caramelizing properties. Here is a link that might be useful: Splenda/Powdered Sugar

IÂm sorry to report that IÂve taken a serious break from the Chocolate Chip Cookie quest. The journey has cost me pounds of butter, sugar, and weight, only to realize that each individualÂs pursuit is unique and personal i.e. "my cookie may not be your cookie." That said, IÂm enjoying reading everyoneÂs success and that picture is enough to make me rethink the issue, Jo. Confession: I grew up on Crisco cookies (with the ½ tsp. Water), with enough cookie to match chocolate, puffy yet chewy, etc., and I loved them. I now make "Marvelous Marble Squares" from my old "The Happy Cooker" Jewish cookbook, which are butter based, chocolate chips swirled on top baked in jelly roll pan. Big bang for the time, crowd pleaser and closest to my memories. Cathy in SWPA

Like Jo, I find that white chocolate doesn't really melt very well, even with a little bit of vegetable oil. It stays too thick to dip, it's better for drizzling. I've done a couple of batches in the microwave and they've turned to stone, very nearly. Dark chocolate I have better luck with, I'm using Trader Joe's Pound Plus and it's worked well. I haven't found a white "chocolate" that I'm happy with, not even the wilton type melts or the white bark for melting. It just doesn't melt very thinly. I also agree that the new microwaves will heat too hot too quickly. I melted stuff in my old microwave without incident, but my new one is just too hot. Add the pyrex bowl and there's a recipe for disaster, ask me. Sigh. Readinglady was kind enough to send me her Farberware double boiler, I don't think I've ever owned one. I use it for white chocolate, because it's so finicky, and it works as well as anything. So, Linnea, you are definitely not alone with this. Annie