Showing posts with label Chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chocolate. Show all posts

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?-Cookie Recipes

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Cookie Recipes

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies, a Chocolate Treat For Everyone

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies, a Chocolate Treat For Everyone

When my daughters were little I baked cookies regularly. With one exception, Oreo cookies, my kids knew little about store-bought. All of our cookies were homemade and I made one or two kinds each week. I have hundreds of cookie recipes and, like most people, nibble on raw dough and taste the cookies to see how the batch turned out.

When it comes to baking, unfortunately, I'm my own best customer. I stopped baking cookies after I gained weight. But my teenage grandchildren live with us now and they are always hungry. Grocery prices are shooting up and, to save money, I decided to bake cookies again. So I'm back to baking some of our family's favorite cookies, including Tiger Cookies.

The recipe was originally published on the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes box. I found the recipe in "Best Recipes from the Backs of Boxes, Bottles, Cans and Jars," by Ceil Dyer. Published in 1979, my cook book is frayed, falling apart, and the pages are covered with drips. Since the cook book was published I've learned a lot about nutrition and decided to create a healthier version of Tiger Cookies.

I substituted half white, half wheat flour for all-purpose flour. This flour is heavier than regular, so I used less. For sweetness I used half Splenda and half sugar. Instead of two eggs, I used one and some egg substitute. The biggest change in the recipe was the shortening. The original recipes calls for butter or margarine. I used I Can't Believe it's not Butter! This stick margarine, a blend of soybean and canola oils, has 50% less fat than butter, 0 grans of trans fat, and 0 cholesterol per one tablespoon serving. Because I'm a vanilla nut I doubled the amount.

While these cookies freeze well, they are fragile, so put them in a plastic container, not a plastic zipper bag. A cookie and a glass of milk make a delicious after school snack. For an unusual dessert, fold broken cookies into sugar-free, fat-free vanilla ice cream. I think everyone in your family will enjoy these Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies. My grandson's friends eat them by the handfull!

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups half white, half wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup I Can't Believe it's Not Butter! (2 sticks)

1/2 cup Splenda (regular)

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup egg substitute

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups frosted corn flakes, crushed to make 1 1/2 cups

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Method

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside. Cream margarine, Splenda and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, egg substitute, and vanilla. Fold crushed cereal into batter. Drizzle melted chocolate chips over batter and fold in with rubber scraper, making sure to leave some streaks. (You don't want the batter to be all chocolate.) Drop by teaspoons into prepared baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes. If you are using no-stick baking pans, reduce the heat to 325 degrees and bake a little longer. Makes at least 5 dozen cookies.

Copyright 2009 by Harriet Hodgson

Healthier Tiger Stripe Cookies, a Chocolate Treat For Everyone

Thursday, December 22, 2011

What Is Cacao And Why Is Natural Chocolate Healthy?

Understanding Super Foods: Cacao and Real Chocolate

For some reason I can't get the vision of John Matuszak out of my head. John Matuszak -- you know -- Sloth, from The Goonies! Choc-o-late...Ruth...Ba-by...Ruth. Yes, none of that cinematic magic would have been possible without cacao. Could you imagine? Cacao is responsible for that delicious, sometimes decadent food group we commonly know as chocolate, but it's oh, so much more. In fact, in its purest form, it has health benefits that might even cause you to furrow or lift your brow. But first -- what exactly is cacao?

What Is Cacao?

Cacao is an evergreen tree that generally grows from 10 - 30 feet in height and is native to the tropical regions of the American continents. It is found naturally in the Amazon River Basin as well as the Orinoco River Basin, and can also be found bearing its "fruit" at the base of the Andes Mountain range in foothill elevations of 600 - 1300 ft. above sea level. It is widely accepted by many cacao experts, that the tree was native to Mexico, and brought wild to be cultivated in South America.

It is now farmed in many tropical nations, and the largest commercial producer is actually the western African nation of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. Ghana, Indonesia and the Philippines also cultivate a prominent amount of cacao, and the Americas round out the majority of the commercial farming.

The fruit of the cacao, known as the cacao pod, ripens to a hearty yellow or orange, and weighs about a pound. Within it, you'll find a load of seeds, which are generally referred to as cacao beans. Each seed is made up of about 40 percent fat, which is often extracted and known as cocoa butter.

The Cacao Nib Craze

Is it true that Cacao Nibs, the peeled, crushed cacao seeds/beans, are full of antioxidants? Antioxidants that rival super foods like blueberries, and many antioxidant rich teas? Yes, it's all true. As a matter of fact, the cacao nib is also rich in good fat and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. All that good energy stuff you'd get from drinking a Gatorade without the multiple grams of refined sugar. You'll also find a natural byproduct that is very much like caffeine. It even seems that the natural MAO inhibitors found in these tasty morsels can suppress an overactive appetite.

The Taste of Cacao

What do cacao nibs taste like? Chocolately and nutty. You can pick at it like granola, eat it by the spoonful like granola, grind it into your coffee... not like granola... sprinkle it on ice-cream, put it in a smoothie or a personal favorite -- dip a banana into them.

If you're intrigued, make sure you snag an organic variety of the cacao nibs. Criollo cacao is the rarest of the organically produced cacao, and what you'd probably enjoy the most in your first sampling. You can generally find the goods for -15 a pound, depending on where you shop. Cacao: Along with Goji Berries [http://www.greeneggsandplanet.com/blog/dieting/goji-berries-what-are-goji-berries], just another example of nature's candies.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Chocolate Snowball Cookies

These yummy cookies feature chocolate chips and nuts.

3/4 cup butter, softened

Cookie Recipes

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup chocolate chips

Confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.

In someone else bowl, integrate the flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture.

Fold in the nuts and chips. Roll into 1-inch balls.

Place onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then roll in confectioners' sugar.

Makes 48 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Cranberry Crispy Cookies

Using quick bread mix makes these cookies a cinch to prepare.

1 (15.6 oz.) pkg. Cranberry quick bread mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1 egg

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, integrate the bread mix, butter, walnuts and egg; mix well. Stir in the cranberries. Roll into 1 1/4-inch balls.

Place cookies 3-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Frosted Ginger Cream Cookies

An old-fashioned style cookie topped with creamy frosting.

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup molasses

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/3 cup water

Cookie Frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses.

In someone else bowl, integrate the flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture, alternating with water (dough will be soft).

Drop heaping teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ready baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until tops are cracked. Let cool. Frost with Cookie Frosting.

Cookie Frosting

1 1/2 ounces of cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and sufficient lemon juice to create a spreadable consistency. Frost cookies.

Makes 48 cookies.

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Meringue Cookies - The extreme in Indulgence

Cookies are a real relieve food and if you are looking for dessert recipes or Cinco de Mayo recipes you might be concerned in recipes like this. Chocolate cookies are one of the most beloved varieties and adding meringue to your recipe makes them even lighter, more interesting, and more delicious.

Everyone has their own beloved type of cookies but chocolate tops a lot of lists. Vanilla cookies, strawberry cookies and raisin cookies are also very beloved and it is fun to make dissimilar variations if you enjoy baking. Mexican ingredients such as vanilla and cinnamon work well in most dessert recipes and Mexican desserts often use these ingredients because they merge so nicely with one another.

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

Meringue is made with egg whites. When you beat egg whites, it is very leading to ensure the mixing bowl and beater are spotlessly clean. Any spot of grease means the egg whites will not form stiff peaks, and this means that you will not be able to make meringues with them, so check that your equipment is grease-free before you start.

The following recipe makes seventy of these little treats, which might sound like a lot but they do keep well for up to a week if you keep them in a tightly sealed container. The vanilla and chocolate are spectacular, together and the cinnamon adds a distinctive Mexican touch, which is great if you are looking for inspiring Cinco de Mayo recipes to make for the kids.

What you will need:

4 egg whites 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 oz chopped semisweet chocolate 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make them:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a pair of baking sheets. Grind the chocolate in a food processor, and then sift it through a sieve so that no pieces will be able to block the tip of a pastry bag. Beat the egg whites with the vanilla, salt, and cream of tartar until they form stiff peaks.

Add them to the chocolate and keep beating them on a medium speed. Add the sugar and cinnamon gradually. Pipe this mixture, a teaspoon at a time, on to the ready baking sheets.

Bake them for half an hour or until they are starting to brown and come away from the baking sheets. Let them cool on racks and keep them in an airtight holder for up to a week. You can serve these little snacks with ice cream or whipped cream. They are also nice served alone or with a glass of milk or cup of coffee. Just try to eat only one - it is nearly impossible! These are so good you will want at least two!

Chocolate Meringue Cookies - The extreme in Indulgence

Monday, December 12, 2011

Most favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

These impressive finding cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour

Cookie Recipes

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, consolidate the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb blend into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In an additional one bowl, consolidate the pie filling and extract; thought about spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bar cookies.

=> Most beloved Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies

A yummy cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows.

12 graham crackers

2 cups small marshmallows

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil.

Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows.

In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows.

Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each quadrate in half to form triangles.

Makes 72 cookies.

=> Most beloved Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies

These light as air cookies are excellent for the holidays.

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional

1 pkg. Mint chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat 250 degrees.

Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gently beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ready baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint passage inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Most favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Chocolate Cookies - Baking That perfect Chocolate Cookie

There is no good cookie in the world than a well-made chocolate cookie. Read on to find out how to make the perfect chocolate cookie.

The perfect Chocolate Cookie

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

The best chocolate cookie is the cocoa drop cookie. Not only are they delicious, but they are easy to make as well.

The ingredients required for this method are: ¼ cup butter, softened; ¼ cup shortening; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 ¼ cup sifted all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened; and 1 cup of chopped pecans.

First, cream the shortening and butter with sugar; beat in egg. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla next, and then sift the dry ingredients together and add to the first mixture. Stir in the pecans, and chill the cookie dough for about an hour. Use a teaspoon to drop the dough onto a greased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between the cookies. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until set. Then cool and frost with a simple chocolate or vanilla icing if desired.

Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Another great method is the chocolate covered shortbread cookie recipe. For this you will need: 8 ounces butter at room temperature; ½ cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted; and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Combine all ingredients; knead with your hands to made sure they are well mixed, press into lightly buttered pans, and bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes. Cut into wedges while they are still warm or break them apart.

There are many breathtaking recipes out there. Remember these recipes colse to the holidays and you can gift your friends and house with delightful treats that will be remembered the rest of the year.

Chocolate Cookies - Baking That perfect Chocolate Cookie

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

These impressive looking cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour

Cookie Recipes

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In another bowl, combine the pie filling and extract; carefully spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bar cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies

A delicious cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows.

12 graham crackers

2 cups miniature marshmallows

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil.

Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows.

In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows.

Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each square in half to form triangles.

Makes 72 cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies

These light as air cookies are perfect for the holidays.

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional

1 pkg. mint chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat 250 degrees.

Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Walnut Chocolate Circles Cookie Recipe

The walnut chocolate circles cookie recipe has a great rich flavor that is great for dunking in a tall glass of milk or hot cup of coffee!

Ingredients

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely ground

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Vanilla Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk

Hardware

Large bowl

Small bowl

Cookie sheets

Plastic wrap

Mixer

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer set on medium-high for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until combined.

Step 3: Beat in ground nuts.

Step 4: Beat in as much flour as you can with the electric mixer, then stir in remaining flour with spoon.

Step 5: Shape dough into a 2-inch-diameter log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-24 hours or until firm enough to slice.

Step 6: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 7: Lightly grease cookie sheets.

Step 8: Cut log into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cookies look dry. Transfer cookies to cooling surface.

Vanilla Icing:

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and enough milk (1-2 tablespoons) to make drizzling consistency.

Step 2: Drizzle each cookie with icing, let dry.

Makes 40 cookies.

For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section.

Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

Walnut Chocolate Circles Cookie Recipe

For more great cutout and fancy cookie recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/cutout-and-fancy-cookie-recipes.html

For some great tasting chocolate chip cookie recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-recipes.html

For cookie baking tips and a wide selection of recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Recipe

The chocolate marshmallow cookie recipe is loaded with chocolate, in both the cookie as well as the frosting. Although with this cookie it's what's hidden inside that makes this treat unforgettable; a soft fluffy marshmallow!

Ingredients

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

18 large marshmallows, halved

Frosting:

3 tablespoons salted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 pinch salt

4-6 tablespoons milk

Hardware

Whisk

Large bowl

2 x medium bowls

Cookie sheets

Mixer

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed cream together the shortening and sugar.

Step 4: Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually beat flour mixture into the creamed mixture.

Step 6: Drop by teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 7: Bake for 8 minutes, remove from oven and place a halved marshmallow, cut side down, onto each cookie. Return to oven and bake for 2 more minutes. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling surface.

Frosting:

Step 1: In a medium bowl, cream butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt with an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add enough milk to achieve spreading consistency.

Step 3: Frost cooled cookies.

Makes 36 cookies.

For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section.

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Recipe

For more great drop cookie recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/drop-cookie-recipes.html

For some great tasting chocolate chip cookie recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-recipes.html

For cookie baking tips and a wide selection of recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert Pizza Recipe

What You Need

½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 ¾ cups sifted flour 1 1/21 teaspoons crushed instant coffee ½ cup softened butter or margarine 1 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 8 ounce 1 package softened cream cheese 8 ounce 1 box powdered sugar ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup flaked coconut

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

How to Make It

Prepare a pizza pan by lightly applying cooking spray and then set it aside until you need it.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine the baking soda, baking powder, salt, flour, and instant coffee in a large bowl and set aside until needed.

Using a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer cream the butter or margarine and then add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream well and then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and beat for about 2 minutes more until the mixture is light and fluffy in texture.

Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture gradually while beating until completely combined. Stir in the nuts and chocolate chips.

Press cookie crust mixture onto the prepared pizza pan evenly, forming a short rim as you work around the pan. Place in oven to bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the crust to completely cool to the touch before adding the filling and topping.

To make the filling you will add the softened cream cheese to a medium size bowl and cream until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and combine thoroughly. Fold in the nuts and coconut.

Spread this mixture over the cookie crust evenly and then place in the refrigerator to chill overnight or for several hours before cutting into individual serving slices.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert Pizza Recipe

When you make this mouthwatering dessert pizza you might want to consider drizzling some chocolate sauce as a topping. You can find other great pizza recipes on our website, be sure to visit us today to learn more!

GreatPizzaRecipes.com You Make the Pizza, We Help You Make It Great!