Here’s a simple way to make the best chocolate cookies that are thick, soft in the middle, and crispy around the edges. You’ll need some basic baking ingredients, dark cocoa powder, and a touch of ground cardamom to add a festive flair!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (470 grams)
- 1 cup dark cocoa powder (100 grams)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons espresso powder (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Extra cane or granulated sugar for rolling
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix gently until just combined.
- Gradually mix in flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), baking soda, and salt until you have a soft dough.
- Form the dough into balls, about ¼ cup each.
- If desired, roll each ball in a mix of extra sugar and cardamom.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet, spacing them out (about 6-8 per batch), and bake for 10-12 minutes. They should have crisp edges and thick, soft centers.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a bit to settle before moving them.
Tips:
- These cookies are quite delicate, so let them cool completely before handling too much.
- If the dough feels too sticky or the cookies aren’t puffing up as expected, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough.
- Store the cookies in the fridge to keep them firm, especially if you’re taking them to holiday gatherings.
Enjoy your delicious, festive chocolate cookies!