In my area, flour has turned into a limited resource, and to satisfy my baking cravings, I opted to create a recipe that incorporated buckwheat flour, which was the only type I could purchase this week. I discovered several recipes and ultimately crafted a blend of my own, using as a foundation a recipe from Nigella Lawson and another from David Lebowitz. They are truly rich, soft, and intensely chocolaty. Furthermore, they were the best gluten-free cookie I’ve ever baked; achieving a good, chewy-soft gluten-free cookie is quite challenging, so it was a major success.

Ingredients: (yields 12)

  • 125 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)
  • 25 g cocoa powder
  • 125 g buckwheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 60 g soft butter
  • 125 g soft brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon strong espresso
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 g dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I prefer Maldon)

Preheat your oven to 170 C. Melt the dark chocolate using the microwave or a bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Sift the cocoa, buckwheat flour, and baking powder together. Cream the butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and espresso until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating until fully mixed. Add the flour blend and stir with a wooden spoon. Fold in the chocolate chips and mix thoroughly. Line two cookie sheets with non-stick paper and drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the trays, spacing them about 6 cm apart. The mixture should be very soft and gooey. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are firm yet the centers remain quite soft. Allow them to rest on the trays for several minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. If you’re impatient, the extremely soft cookies may flatten, resulting in chocolate mush.

baking, recipes, snacksbaking, chocolate, comfort, cooking, food, gluten free, recipes


**Decadent Triple Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Difficult Times**

During periods of uncertainty and tension, a little self-pampering can significantly boost morale and comfort. One of the most enjoyable ways to indulge yourself is by whipping up a batch of luxurious triple chocolate cookies. These cookies are not only indulgent and gratifying but also simple to prepare, providing a soothing retreat into the realm of baking. Here’s a detailed guide to crafting these delightful confections.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup white chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, beating until the mixture is light and airy. This should take around 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed.

3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:**
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mix with the wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.

5. **Fold in Chocolate Chips:**
Carefully fold in the semisweet, milk, and white chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.

6. **Shape the Cookies:**
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. **Bake:**
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers appear slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up on the baking sheet after they’re taken out of the oven.

8. **Cool:**
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for approximately 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Enjoyment:**

These triple chocolate cookies are best relished warm from the oven when the chocolate remains melty and gooey. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgent experience. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed alone, these cookies are bound to offer a moment of joy in tough times.

**Storage:**

Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

In summary, baking these decadent triple chocolate cookies can be a comforting and fulfilling endeavor during difficult periods. Not only do they cater to your sweet cravings, but they also provide a sense of achievement and a delightful escape from daily stress.