I say, when in doubt, bake chocolate chip cookies! And I don’t mean just when you are trying to decide which type of cookie to bake. I mean when you are in doubt about anything! I mean really, if you can’t come up with a reasonable plan while munching on a fabulous chocolate chip cookie and sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee, maybe you aren’t anywhere close to fully understanding your uncertainty to begin with! Or, at the very least, you just might need a little more time or empirical study to make an educated decision. So a chocolate chip cookie couldn’t possibly hurt regardless!
Plus, at the very least, you will have baked up a wonderful treat for yourself, or if you are feeling magnanimous, a cookie your family and friends can also enjoy. After eating one of these cookies, you may even be able to see your “doubt” as a worthy challenge rather than an insurmountable problem. (See how there should never be a doubt that a simple chocolate chip cookie can make life better!)
Now having just said “simple” chocolate chip cookie, I almost hesitate to mention the fact that this is really not a simple cookie. Oh the preparation is simple, but the cookie itself is quite complex. (If a cookie can be said to be “complex” in the first place!)
And if I may be so bold as to say, this cookie has enough character to stand up to any overwhelming challenges that may be thrown your way. It is definitely not a wimp cookie. It’s ever so chocolatey, has just the perfect amount of crunch from the almonds, and chewiness from the coconut. And with the espresso powder to enhance the flavor of the chocolate and the almond extract to bring out the coconut’s finer qualities, this is a cookie that can be relied upon to help you celebrate life’s little pleasures as well as deal with life’s little trials.
So give this recipe a try. It’s a good recipe to have by your side. And yes I know. Some people rely on their best friends to help them through rough times. But can your best buddies raise your endorphin level like chocolate can? Can your friends be on call 24/7? Can they be with you at your desk at work, or in staff meetings, or be there after you make a fool of yourself by stating the obvious to your boss who watches reality shows and doesn’t think big time wrestling is choreographed? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you need to have these cookies in your life. May the Force be with you!
- 1 c. (2 cubes) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 c. packed light brown sugar
- ½ c. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1½ c. unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ c. cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp. espresso powder, opt.
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 1½ c. toasted coconut
- 1 c. mini semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 c. slivered almonds
Combine the butter and sugars in the bowl of your electric mixer; beat until soft and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs; beat until well blended. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 batches, beating well after each addition. Stir in the toasted coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped almonds until just incorporated. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. Using a small ice cream scoop (I use a 1¼-inch diameter scoop), drop dough onto parchment paper lined baking sheets 2½-inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingertips. Bake for 12-13 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Remove from oven and let cool a couple of minutes on baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.