Tag: sweets

Johnny Iuzzini’s Killer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Johnny Luzzini's Killer Chocolate Chip Cookies

I feel like a have a thousand chocolate chip cookies on the blog, and all are noteworthy. So when my mom tried this new chocolate chip cookie recipe, I wasn’t expecting much.

Boy was I wrong. Johnny Iuzzini’s killer chocolate chip cookies are wonderful, and definitely in my top 4! (Neimans chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip dream cookies, and Jolene’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies tie for #1, #2, and #3. I like them all for different reasons and can’t pick a winner).

Each cookie is unique in it’s own way. The Neiman’s cookies are great because they are super easy and have espresso powder in them. The chocolate chip dream cookies have instant vanilla pudding mix, and Jolene’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies have everything; oats, milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and nuts!

What makes Johnny Iuzzini’s recipe unique you ask? It’s the almond extract. I’ve never had a chocolate chip cookie with anything but plain ole vanilla extract, and I could immediately taste the almond extract, which was delicious. These cookies also have a little bit of cinnamon, which I love in desserts, but it’s not very predominant;  so don’t worry. Sea salt is included, which is a perfect combination to the sweet chocolate chunks.

Johnny Luzzini's Killer Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are also easy to bake, and don’t require refrigeration of the dough. A lot of cookie recipes require refrigeration, which I find is super annoying, even if it makes the cookies taste better. I’m impatient, and don’t like chilling the dough. I want to bake and eat them as fast as I can!!

Who is Johnny Iuzzini? Besides having a really cool name, he is an American pastry chef, television celebrity, and cookbook author, who resides in New York. His latest cookbook, Sugar Rush: Master Tips, Techniques and Recipes for Sweet Baking just came out in September. According to Amazon, it “is a complete baking course in a book with everything a home baker needs to confidently turn out 150+ sweets with sophisticated flavors.” To purchase Iuzzini’s book, visit Amazon HERE. (Note: I actually discovered this cookie recipe via Monique’s lovely food blog, Ambitious Kitchen.)

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Johnny Luzzini's Killer Chocolate Chip Cookies

This isn’t a chocolate chip cookie, but she’s pretty sweet! She says “give me a cookie!” 🙂

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Johnny Iuzzini’s Killer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 3 – 4 dozen
Source: adapted from Ambitious Kitchen
Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
  • 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 14 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
  2. Put the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar into a standing mixer bowl and toss with your fingers until the butter is coated. Attach the bowl and paddle to the mixer and beat the butter and sugar on medium-low speed until a thick paste forms with no visible butter lumps.
  3. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. With the motor on low speed, add the egg and egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well between additions. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  4. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon; sprinkle the kosher salt on top. With a mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stopping frequently to scrape down the bowl. Mix until just combined; removed the bowl from the mixer and fold the chocolate into the dough by hand.
  5. Using a small 1/2 ounce ice cream scoop, scoop level balls of dough and arrange them around 2 inches apart on the lined cookie sheets.
  6. Bake for 12-13 minutes, rotating the pans once, until just set and bottoms are beginning to brown. Cool for 10 minutes on the pans before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
  7. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

 

S’mores Cookie Bars

S'mores Cookie Bars

If you like S’mores, you should love these decadent, buttery blondie cookie bars infused with a graham cracker base, gooey marshmallows and sweet milk chocolate chunks running throughout.

My sister or mom found this recipe online via Mel’s Kitchen and bookmarked them to make soon. Of course, church/social functions and potlucks always make for an opportune time to try a new recipe, so my sister and mom baked these up for their most recent potluck.

These were a hit among all the desserts that were brought, and I can see why. These bars are no doubt rich, so a little will go a long way. In addition, the texture was extremely unique due to the magically delicious marshmallow fluff (don’t use real marshmallows or mini marshmallows or else they will disappear after baking). The graham cracker crumbs also added a nice texture, while the milk chocolate make you feel like you are eating one gourmet backyard s’mores!

Enjoy!

S'mores Cookie Bars

S'mores Cookie Bars

S'mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cps packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups marshmallow topping, like Marshmallow Fluff or Creme
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the 2 short sides. Grease the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until light, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
  3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Divide the dough in half.
  4. Press half into the bottom of the prepared pan until the dough is evenly flattened. Dollop the marshmallow topping on top of the cookie base and gently spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Scatter the remaining dough over the top in climbs. Don’t worry about completely cover the top, the marshmallow and chocolate chips should peek through.
  5. Bake the bars until golden brown, about 30-32 minutes. Cool completely. Remove the bars from the pan using the foil overhangs. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Don’t be tempted to substitute mini-marshmallows for the fluff/creme. Mini marshmallows will completely dissolve in the oven. The marshmallow fluff/creme stays gooey and soft in the oven.