Cookies with lots of chocolate

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour (or 20 minutes in the freezer)
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

On a cold winter day or a quiet weekend morning, a little chocolate can instantly transform the atmosphere. This chocolate chip cookie recipe is not just a treat, but also a flavorful experience. Perfect to be served alongside a fragrant coffee or a cup of milk, these cookies are also great as a small gift for loved ones.

The history of cookies is fascinating. Over time, they have evolved from simple mixtures of flour and water into a symbol of joy and hospitality. Each culture has added a personal touch to cookie recipes, and today, we have the privilege of enjoying an immense variety of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:
- 175 g soft butter
- 85 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100 g chocolate (choose a quality chocolate with a high cocoa content for an intense flavor)

Necessary utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Knife for cutting
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by allowing the butter to reach room temperature so that it is soft and easy to mix. In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well until you achieve a fluffy cream. This will take a few minutes but is essential for airy cookies.

2. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder is an important step that helps avoid lumps. Add the sifted flour and cocoa to the bowl with butter and sugar. Gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small pieces or use milk or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Add the chocolate pieces to the dough and mix by hand until well combined. This is when you can smell the delicious aroma of chocolate!

4. Shaping the cylinder: Take the dough and shape it into a cylinder about 4-5 cm in diameter. Wrap the cylinder in plastic wrap. This step is essential for shaping the cookies so that they bake evenly.

5. Cooling: Place the dough cylinder in the refrigerator for one hour or in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step not only helps firm up the dough but also keeps the cookies' shape during baking.

6. Cutting: After the dough has cooled, remove it from the wrap and cut it into circles about 0.5 cm thick. If desired, you can lightly shape each circle by hand for a more uniform look.

7. Baking: Place the dough circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You will know they are ready when the edges become slightly firm, but the center remains soft.

8. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as the cookies continue to bake a little after being removed from the oven.

Serving suggestions: These cookies are delicious served warm, but can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. Thinking of the perfect combination, a cup of warm milk or aromatic coffee will highlight the intense chocolate flavor.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the dough for extra texture. You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter version.

Nutritional benefits: Quality chocolate contains antioxidants that can improve cardiovascular health. Butter, although high in calories, provides energy and is a source of fat-soluble vitamins. However, moderation is key!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While it is possible, the taste and final texture will be different, and the cookies will not have the same rich flavor.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by 20-30%, but make sure the chocolate used is not too sweet.
- Can the cookies be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they have been cut. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once they are firm, you can store them in an airtight container.

These chocolate chip cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a way to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. Enjoy making them and don’t forget to share this delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!