Festive Double Chocolate Cookies
This week I'm turning my blog over to Leah Clapper, who will be sharing her delicious Festive Double Chocolate Cookies with us. Leah has been running her own vegetarian food blog, Zest & Finesse, since May 2018 and hopes to inspire others to enjoy delicious and nutritious food.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Leah through Gym America in Ann Arbor, where I taught dance classes for the competitive gymnasts. Leah is an extraordinarily talented gymnast, beautiful dancer, and amazing cook! I find myself checking out her food blog and IG feed every week for a little yummy inspiration!
Without further adieu!
I'm Leah Clapper - influencer, food blogger, and small business owner. As a student-athlete on the University of Florida gymnastics team, I am passionate about athletics and empowering others. I enjoy creating content that inspires people to live happier and healthier lives.
I believe…
Food is fun fuel. Our bodies need it to live, thrive, and be our best selves. Luckily, it can taste pretty amazing too. Eat what makes you feel good, what energizes your body best, and what makes you happy!
My festive double chocolate cookies are always a huge hit, and the recipe simply radiates holiday vibes!
Satisfy your chocolate craving with these rich, soft in the middle, and wonderfully indulgent cookies. They make for the perfect little gift for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season, as they look quite fancy but are actually super easy to make! Simply dipping them in melted white chocolate and sprinkling on crushed peppermint adds a lovely holiday flare, but these cookies are still absolutely delicious on their own (hint hint: anytime of year!)
Festive Double Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
½ cup butter softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chocolate chips (to melt)
½ cup chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
about 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Directions
Cream butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla and mix in.
Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir to incorporate.
Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Chill dough for at least 10 minutes (up to 36 hours).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove dough from the refrigerator and roll into balls, about one inch in diameter. Using a medium-sized melon baller works great for scooping the dough, especially since it is pretty stiff once chilled.
Place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1.5 inches between balls.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set.
Let cool on the pan for at least two minutes. Then, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave. Use 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 15-second increments until fully melted and smooth.
Dip cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Tip: place dipped cookies on a baking pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking when they harden.
Chill to let the chocolate harden and enjoy! Store cookies in an airtight container.
Leah has a short demo video of the recipe on Instagram
You can follow Leah on Instagram @zestandfinesse
Her personal IG: @leahclapper5 A great place to watch Leah defy gravity!
Leah’s Zest & Finesse Blog
Last but certainly not least…
Balance Palace
Leah and Claudia Kretchmer, the owner and director of Gym America, have created a fun, positive, and inspiring board game.
They envision a culture where young athletes find their own balance of sport and life. If you’re looking for that perfect gift for the athlete on your list, you should take a look at Balance Palace! It is beautiful, inspiring, and fun!
There is a Balance Palace under the Mueller Christmas tree!
xo
Renee