Chocolate Sugar Cookies

 This is a new recipe I made yesterday.  I figured I should make some chocolate cookies for the chocolate lovers though that whole thing eludes me.  Not only do I hate chocolate, I hate baking with it.  I saved the worst for last so these last few days I will be immersed  in all things chocolate.

 If you are a chocolate lover, these cookies are for you.  They are rich dark chocolate with crisp edges and chewy centers.

 The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 c. brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. espresso powder
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 3/4 c. + 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (I used cocoa rouge)
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 c. granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

1.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. 

2. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 

3. Add vanilla and espresso powder, mix until combined.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. 

5. Add the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. 

6. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, set aside.

9. Using a standard size cookie scoop (#40 or 1.5 tablespoons), scoop dough and roll in the granulated sugar. I made mine with a 1 tablespoon scoop.

10. Place on prepared sheet, then bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be soft in the center but set on the edges. Mine baked for 11 minutes.

11. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

 Early morning Willie.

Sleepy eyes.

And might this be a smile, Wils?  Maybe a tiny little smile from Grumpy Puppy.