Chocolate cookies

Chocolate Cookies: The Sweet Indulgence That Will Delight Your Senses

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Who doesn’t love chocolate cookies? These sweet delights are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, a gathering with friends, or simply a cozy evening at home. Filling the house with the aroma of chocolate, these cookies are not only delicious but also very easy to make. In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to achieve perfect chocolate cookies with a soft texture and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 8 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil or coconut oil for a subtle taste)
- 170 g flour
- 1 egg (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 ml yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 10 g baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an extra flavor)
- 30 g Cookie crisp cereal (or any crunchy cereal you prefer)

The History of Chocolate Cookies:
Chocolate cookies have a fascinating history, inspired by the perfect combination of chocolate and dough. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but they became popular due to their versatility and the way they can be customized. Every culture has added a unique touch, and today, they are loved all around the world.

Step by Step:

1. Melting the chocolate:
Start by breaking the dark chocolate and milk chocolate into small pieces and placing them in a heatproof bowl. Add the 8 tablespoons of oil over the chocolate. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!

2. Preparing the mixture:
Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly. Then, add the vanilla extract, egg, and cold yogurt. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until all the ingredients are fully combined.

3. Adding the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and gently stir until a smooth dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the fluffy texture.

4. Chilling the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is essential to help the cookies maintain their shape and not spread too much during baking.

5. Preparing the cereal:
While the dough is chilling, crush the Cookie crisp cereal in a plastic bag, being careful not to crush it too finely. We want to obtain crunchy pieces that will add a pleasant texture to the cookies.

6. Shaping the cookies:
After the dough has chilled, remove it and form balls the size of a walnut. Coating them in cereal will give them a crunchy and delicious crust. After coating the balls in cereal, gently flatten them with your palms.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. Don’t worry if they seem soft at first; they will harden as they cool.

8. Cooling and serving:
After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on a rack for a few minutes. They can be served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. You can enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the perfect indulgence moment.

Helpful Tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate (white chocolate, chocolate with nuts) or add ground nuts for an extra texture.
- If you like filled cookies, you can add chocolate or caramel pieces inside.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I substitute yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use sour cream or lactose-free yogurt if you have an intolerance.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain delicious for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies in sealed bags. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Benefits:
These chocolate cookies provide a source of antioxidants from chocolate, along with protein from the egg and yogurt. Although they are a dessert, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Chocolate cookies are not just a treat; they are also a way to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Share them with family or friends and enjoy every bite! Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will surely become one of your favorite recipes. Try them, and you’ll see how quickly they become everyone’s favorites!