The ingredients used in these cookies are simple and classic, ensuring that the delicate balance of flavors shines through brilliantly. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a tall, cold glass of milk to further enhance your indulgent moment. And remember, while baking is a science, it’s also your canvas, so feel free to add personal touches with nuts or flavored chocolate chips to make these treats your own.

Recipe Details

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, and extra for rolling
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 198g (14 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 120g (1 cup) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 large egg yolk, reserve the white for assembly
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, or beans scraped from 1/4 vanilla pod
• 30g (2 tablespoons) unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
• 30g (2 tablespoons) semi-sweet chocolate, very finely chopped
• Coarse sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Sift the all-purpose flour along with the salt into a bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with confectioners’ sugar using a mixer until the mixture appears pale and fluffy. Next, blend in the egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt blend to form your dough.
2. Create Chocolate and Vanilla Doughs: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Mix cocoa powder and finely chopped chocolate into one half, ensuring the chocolate essence is fully integrated. For both the vanilla and chocolate doughs, shape each into logs about 25cm (10 inches) in length.
3. Chilling Time: Wrap the dough logs in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, brush the chocolate log with a bit of egg white, then press the vanilla dough atop it, ensuring they stick together. Re-wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Slice and Bake: Cut the logs into 6mm (1/4-inch) thick cookies. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced well apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until the cookies are golden at the edges, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes.

Tips for Success

• For even slicing, warm the knife with hot water to smoothly cut through the chilled dough.
• Preparing the dough in advance? Feel free to freeze it, but for consistent thickness, thaw slightly before slicing.
• Is the dough crumbling? Let it rest at room temperature for a few moments for easier handling.

Notes

These tantalizing cookies strike a flawless balance between the boldness of chocolate and the sweetness of vanilla, punctuated by the gentle crunch of sea salt. The elegance of this recipe makes it perfect for preparing in advance and freezing. This way, you can savor a freshly-baked luxury at a moment’s notice.

FAQs