One little cookie is ok, right?

It is snowing right now in upstate New York. I would guess there is an inch or two on my deck. Therefore, I am not grilling dinner tonight. Hmm, so what do i have for dinner?

What heals a chilly evening soul? Chocolate Chip Cookies either as dinner or after dinner, depending on your mood!

I previously blogged a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, but it is time consuming and makes a ton of cookies.  Our empty nest does not need that many cookies hanging around.

Did someone say butter?

Thanks to the people who make and love butter, Land O’Lakes,  I have taken some liberty with their small batch cookie recipe. It makes only 12 so the damage to your psyche and diet is minimal.

What you need:

• ^{1 Half Stick (1/4 cup) Land O Lakes® Butter, softened}
• ¹/₄ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg yolk ONLY (I think this is the key to these cookies)
• ¹/₂ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹/₂ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹/₄ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹/₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹/₂ cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 heaping tablespoon of cocoa power
• A smidgen of espresso powder

What to do:

Heat oven to 350°F.

Beat butter and sugars together in small bowl until creamy. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat until well mixed. You could add a little Bailey’s…just sayin.’

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture and chocolate chips to butter mixture.

When the dough is still wet, add the cocoa power and espresso powder. Continue to mix.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. My oven is really quick so 9 minutes was enough.

I feel better already!

Now eat these while they are still warm. They are spectacular with a cappuccino or a glass of port.