Here we are cruising into late summer! I was lucky enough to have time at the end of a baking class today and the students were more than happy to do this recipe with me. We gathered the ingredients and made few executive decisions about the recipe.
First, we used 1/2 generic cocoa, and 1/2 Cocoa Barry dark cocoa. It was sifted into the other dry ingredients. We selected walnuts as our nut (toasted in the oven), and Trader Joe’s 72% chocolate chips. We didn’t chop the chips, and the nuts were coarsely chopped. For the espresso powder, I have Nescafé, which worked fine. It may have been a little milder than espresso and not as strong, but there was still plenty of coffee flavor.
The recipe came together easily. We used an ice cream scoop to portion or the dough, and got exactly 24 cookies. We baked them until they were used stating to crack/crinkle on the edges, then used a spatula to firmly tap the tops. The tapping created perfect little cracks, on the nice thick cookie.
We liked the finished cookies. There seemed to be something missing. It seemed like salt. So we sprinkled the tops with a little finishing salt. Full disclosure… with multiple people gathering ingredients, we’re not sure that we added salt the the recipe. Even so, the salt on the top was really good with the strong dark chocolate and coffee flavors.
The inside is brownie-like with a slightly crispy edge. I think you could use decaf instant coffee powder if you’re avoiding caffeine. I offered some to our FedEx delivery man, and told him there was coffee powder in them thinking it was a flavor not everyone loves. He said he had to pass because he can’t drink coffee. Next time! He did says they looked really good.
I think they’re a great shape and thickness.
The baked cookies right before the TAP, then allowed to cool on the baking sheet.
As for the class, we had a great time making Swedish Almond Cake and Oat Crisps. Here’s the cake getting its finishing touches!
What did you think of the recipe? What ingredients did you use or substitute? Would you make them again? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Next up: Shortbread Hearts
Enjoy!