Hot Cocoa Cookies

Well it's finally winter time here in Northern Nevada... If by winter time you mean 2 inches of snow and hoards of tourists driving like there's a blizzard outside when the roads are merely damp (yes, damp is an appropriate term). 

"What IS this fluffy white stuff falling from the sky?" Then panic. Slam on brakes. Panic. Oogle at snow. Slam on brakes. Panic. *KABOOM* 

Ok, slight dramatization... But my psychic powers tell me their thought process is along those lines.

When all the while they could have been snuggled inside like little snow bunnies watching smart touristy shows like Bizarre Foods and eating Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Silly tourists.... I hope I inspire you.

Cookie Dough:

(adapted from Rachael Ray Magazine)

1 stick unsalted butter

12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

2 bars (3.5 oz each) milk chocolate

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar

3 eggs at room temperature

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

20-30 marshmallows

-In a medium saucepan melt together the butter and chocolate chips, stirring frequently over medium low heat. Once completely melted take off of the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

-In a bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

-Using a stand mixer, or a hand mixer, beat the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla on low speed until smooth and combined. Mix in the cooled, melted chocolate mixture until just blended. Add the flour in 2 batches, mixing on low (as not to antique your kitchen) until just combined. The dough will look similar to a cake batter. Now refrigerate for at least an hour.

-Position a rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil. Eye-ball about a tablespoon size amount of dough and roll between palms to form a 1-inch ball. Arrange on cookie sheet 2 inches apart and flatten slightly. Bake until the tops of cookies are cracked, around 12 minutes. 

-Meanwhile cut each marshmallow in half with scissors and stick a stick a 1/2 square of chocolate unto each cut side.

-Remove the cookies from the oven and press the marshmallow/chocolate (chocolate side down) gently into the middle of each cookie. Bake about 4 minutes longer. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.

You can top with shaved chocolate, graham crackers or leave plain if you like! Enjoy.

And you know I'm just playing with you tourists... I have nothing but love for you!!!