Chewy chocolate cookies

I have a confession: sometimes, chocolate desserts really don't do it for me. I know. Saying that chocolate is my second choice is like saying that I don't prefer oxygen to breathe or Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Unspeakable. Truly abominable. I cover this up in front of friends and colleagues by oohing and aahing over the molten chocolate cake on the menu or the Death by Chocolate on the dessert cart, but my heart yearns for a piece of lemon meringue pie, a slice of strawberry shortcake, or a ramekin of creme brulee.

Hate me if you want, I know that what I've just related to you is shocking and may take some time to process. While you sort through your conflicting feelings of utter devotion to my food (and sparkling personality) and total betrayal at my indifference toward chocolate, please accept this humble, delightful chocolate cookie as penance . . .

He doesn't look like much, but we all know the thing about appearances. They do deceive. Just because chocolate isn't my favorite doesn't mean it isn't everyone else's. Almost everyone wants something chocolate when I take dessert requests and this means I have a lengthy chocolate repertoire. It's what brings all the folks to the yard.

This is a quick cookie that comes together in five easy steps. 1) You melt chocolate and butter in the microwave. 2)You beat the eggs together with sugar and vanilla. 3) You whisk flour, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt together. 4) You mix everything together and add chocolate chips if you want. 5) You bake them.

The first batch, I baked for about 10 minutes and they were chewy on the edges and ooey gooey and delicious on the inside. The second batch, I baked for about 14 minutes and they were chewy all the way through (the best of the bunch, IMHO, though you may find my opinion suspect now). The third batch, I added mini-chocolate chips and baked for about 12 minutes. So much goodness.

I got this recipe from Pretty. Simple. Sweet. who got it from Martha Stewart. It's definitely one worth passing around. They're fudgy and chewy and light. I almost like them better than a lemon bar. Ok, that's a lie. There's almost nothing I like better than a lemon bar. But, try them out for yourself. Chocolate seems to be right up your alley. Enjoy!


Chewy chocolate cookies
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
lightly adapted from Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Ingredients

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup (4 tbsp) butter, cut into a few pieces

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp espresso or instant coffee powder

2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

Optional: 1 cup mini-chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave. Watch carefully so you don't burn the chocolate.

Whisk the dry ingredients together.

Beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in the chocolate and butter mixture. Carefully mix in the flour, stirring until just combined. If using them, stir in chocolate chips.

Scoop dough by the tablespoon onto the sheet, fitting only nine cookies on the sheet (they'll spread, so don't cram them on). Bake in the oven about 12-14 minutes, less if you want them gooey.