thecookieblogger.com

sometimes, i just want a quiet, unassuming cookie to munch on with a glass of milk. nothing fancy, nothing too rich, nothing too elaborate – and one that’s easy and quick to bake. these chocolate cookies fit the bill. they are plain, no chips, no topping, no nuts. but that only allows the cocoa to shine – so use a good quality cocoa. for these cookies, i used the king arthur flour double-dutch dark cocoa and these cookies both look and taste scrumptious!

plain and good chocolate cookies
ingredients::
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 1/2 cups baker’s sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup double dutch dark cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

instructions:
1. preheat oven to 350 degrees. line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. add eggs, one at a time, until each is well-incorporated into the butter mixture.
4. add vanilla and mix until blended.
5. add flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. mix on low speed just until completely incorporated.
6. cover and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours (this will help the sugar dissolve/meld into the batter and will make the dough easier to work with!)
7. roll into balls about 1″ diameter. place on parchment-lined baking sheet. flatten with fork dipped in flour (so the dough doesn’t stick to the fork)
8. bake for 8-9 minutes. the cookies will still be soft and puffy-looking, but the edge will be set.
9. leave cookies on baking sheet to cool for approximately 5 minutes. remove from sheet and cool completely on wire rack.
10. enjoy! if you want to ‘dress these up’ a bit, why not sprinkle a bit of confectioner’s sugar over them? they’ll look as pretty as they taste good!
yield: approximately 45 cookies.