Chocolate and coffee...these are two of our favorite things. We've combined them in these fun and delicious cookies. We love the the double delivery of espresso from our Espresso Salt and Espresso Extract. Adding coffee flavors to chocolate desserts adds depth and umph to the chocolate.
Adapted from Cook's Illustrated
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
1/2-1 tsp Espresso Salt*
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp Espresso Extract
1 tsp Chocolate Extract
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 Tbl unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup confectioners' sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl.
Whisk brown sugar, eggs, Espresso Salt, Chocolate Extract and Espresso Extract together in a large bowl. Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at low power for 30 second increments, stirring between, until the butter and chocolate are melted.
*A note about the Espresso Salt: we initially tested these cookies with 1 full teaspoon Espresso Salt. Some found them too salty while others loved the contrast of the salty bits with the dark chocolate. This is a matter of preference. We've left the choice up to you.
Whisk the melted chocolate mixture in the egg-sugar mixture until combined. Fold in flour mixture until no dry streaks remain. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes so that it's easier to handle. Its a fairly loose and sticky dough.
Place the granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar in separate bowls. Working quickly, roll 2 Tbl of dough into a ball and roll the ball in the granulated sugar then the powdered sugar to coat. Return the bowl to the refrigerator to allow the dough to set if it's becoming to difficult to roll the dough. Repeat for remaining dough, making 22 total cookies. Evenly space dough balls on prepared sheets, 11 per sheet.
Bake until puffed and cracked--about 12 minutes. The centers may appear unbaked and gooey. When they cool, the centers will be chewy and fudge-like in contrast to the crispy exteriors.