Chocolate Pearl Cookies
These little gems are slightly chocolate-y, but not too sweet, and are the perfect way to end a meal. They are so easy to prepare! The batter is made ahead, and then you roll the cookie in King Arthur pearl sugar to give them a beautiful crunchy white appearance like a pearl. Be careful – they will become as rare as pearls as they will disappear off your table!
Instructions
1. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350º F for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool.
2. When cooled, place the toasted walnuts in your food processor, and process until they are finely ground, similar to course sand. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Set aside.
4. In your mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the milk, vanilla, and egg; beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour- nut mixture, mixing just until incorporated, batter will look thick.
6. Place the dough in the refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours, or over night.
7. Pre-heat the oven to 350º F.
8. Place the pearl sugar into a small container.
9. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, scoop a teaspoon of the dough into the palm of your hand and roll into a 1-inch ball. Then roll the ball into the pearl sugar coating it well. Place the cookie on to a baking sheet repeat with the remaining dough. Bake at 350º F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let cool. Place on platter and enjoy.
TIPS & TRICKS
• The dough can be made and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Once the cookies are baked, they can be refrigerated for a week. They can also be frozen.
• Pearl sugar is this amazing crystalized sugar that doesn’t melt at high temperatures. You can top your favorite cookies or muffins with it. You can purchase it at www.kingarthurflour.com
Ingredients
1½ cup Walnuts
½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
¼ tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Salt
¾ cup Butter room temperature
¾ cup Golden Brown Sugar
¼ cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Egg
1 cup Pearl Sugar or Confectioners Sugar
