Santa’s New Favorite Cookie

Thank you again to “Everyday with Rachel Ray” for giving me an idea for the best chocolate cookie ever known in my house.  Rachel, you never steer me wrong when it comes to new recipes.

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Makes 5 dozen; Prep time 1 hour (plus chilling); Bake 1 hour

You will need:

1 stick unsalted butter

7 bars (3.5 oz each) semisweet chocolate- 12 oz. chopped, 7.5 oz. cut into 1-inch squares and the rest for garnish

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cups (packed) light brown sugar

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

30 marshmallows

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Let cool for 15 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla at low speed until smooth, 2 minutes. Mix in the cooled chocolate mixture just until blended. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. (If making the dough a day ahead, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.)
4. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat to 325°. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange about 16 balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly. Bake until the tops of the cookies crack, about 12 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, snip 8 marshmallows in half crosswise and stick 1 square of chocolate onto each of the cut sides.
6. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven; gently press a marshmallow half, chocolate side down, into each cookie. Bake until the marshmallows are just softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer the pans to racks to cool for 5 minutes; grate the remaining chocolate over the hot cookies. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to the racks; let cool. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, marshmallows and chocolate. Bake each batch on a clean sheet of parchment.

If your mouth isn’t watering by the picture or the directions, it will be when you see these in person.  These would be a hit for a teacher gift or at any Christmas get together.  In fact, I bet you will be on Santa’s nice list if you leave some for him.

 

 

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