Chocolate cookies

Delicious Chocolate Cookies - A Home Cooking Story

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 30 cookies

Discovering a cookie recipe can be a true treasure, especially when inspired by a dear friend and the ingredients are at hand. Today, I invite you to join me in creating chocolate cookies, perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside. These cookies are ideal to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, being a quick and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.

A Bit of History

Chocolate cookies have a rich history, being a popular dessert around the world. Their origins can be traced back centuries ago, when people began experimenting with various combinations of ingredients. These delights have evolved over time, becoming today a symbol of comfort and joy, loved by children and adults alike.

Necessary Ingredients

- 250 g butter
- 250 g dark chocolate (choose a high-quality one)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 600 g white flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 g salt
- 1 vial rum extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

For Decoration:

- Chocolate glaze
- Chocolate sticks
- Powdered sugar

Step by Step - Cooking the Cookies

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that they are all at room temperature to achieve a uniform composition. It is important to choose a quality chocolate, as the final taste of the cookies will depend greatly on it.

2. Melting the Ingredients
In a double boiler or a heat-resistant bowl, add the butter, chopped chocolate, and powdered sugar. Place the bowl over low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. Wait until the ingredients are completely melted and homogenized.

3. Adding the Eggs and Flavors
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then add the salt, vanilla, and rum extracts. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and becomes a smooth cream.

4. Sifting the Flour
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. Sift the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture, folding gently with a spatula until you obtain a softer dough. Be careful not to overmix, to keep a fluffy texture.

5. Shaping the Cookies
Use a cookie press (manual or electric) to form the cookies. If you don't have such a device, you can use a piping bag or even an adapter for a meat grinder, available in many kitchens. Shape equal-sized cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they become slightly crispy at the edges. It is normal for them to be soft in the middle, as they will firm up as they cool.

7. Decorating
Once the cookies have completely cooled, you can decorate them. Some can be covered with chocolate glaze and sprinkled with chocolate sticks for an attractive look. The rest can be dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Chef's Tip
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the dough. Additionally, the cookies can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce, transforming them into a special dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
These chocolate cookies contain ingredients that provide energy and good mood. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and eggs supply essential proteins. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of chocolate?
Of course! You can experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate, but the taste will be different.

- How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

- Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they have completely cooled. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

These chocolate cookies are a true delicacy that will sweeten your day. I encourage you to try them and share the recipe with your loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy!