Are you craving a rich, intensely chocolatey treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Devil's Food Cookie recipe is your answer. These cookies are intensely fudgy, boasting a deep chocolate flavor that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they're also surprisingly quick to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Get ready to experience the ultimate chocolate cookie indulgence!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Add Buttermilk: Gently stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. If using milk and lemon juice/vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before adding.
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Optional Mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, if desired.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Devilishly Delicious Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. You should be able to easily press your finger into it.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes. Every oven is different!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Peppermint Devil's Food Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
- Espresso Devil's Food Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder for an intense coffee flavor.
- Salted Caramel Devil's Food Cookies: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce after cooling.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on size and additions)
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These Devil's Food Cookies are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness!