MOCHA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup instant coffee powder*
2 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water and cook, stirring often, until melted; remove and allow to cool.

Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter with the sugar with mixer on medium speed, until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, coffee powder and then add the melted chocolate; beat until blended. 

With mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture just until blended.  With a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.  Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls, two inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies puff up and the dough loses its shine.  Allow to cool 1 minute before removing from the cookie sheet to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: Approximately 40 cookies.

 

Note: File Photo

*If using instant coffee granules, you need to crush them or powder them in a blender or food processor.