As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with enticing scents and the warmth of baking. One of my favorite treats to whip up during this time has to be my “Lump of Coal” Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies. You might be wondering why such a whimsical name, but trust me, these cookies are anything but a lump! With their rich, dark chocolate flavor and a hint of coffee, these cookies turn a classic indulgence into an irresistible delicacy.
After a particularly chilly afternoon, I was searching for a way to recreate the joy of festive spirit without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe popped into my mind, and it quickly became a family favorite. The best part? They come together in a jiffy and can easily impress guests or satisfy cravings any time of year.
Let’s dive into the delightful world of these stunningly dark, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why are Lump of Coal Cookies so special?
Unique Twist: These cookies are not your ordinary chocolate treat; the blend of black cocoa powder gives them a stunningly dark hue and rich flavor.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can impress friends and family.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, they’re sure to be a hit!
Time-Saving: The chilling time not only enhances the flavor but also makes them easier to handle.
Perfectly Balanced: The hint of instant coffee elevates the taste, creating a delightful bittersweet experience.
Imagine serving these alongside a cup of coffee or as a surprise treat for guests—check out more amazing cookie recipes here!
Lump of Coal Cookie Ingredients
For the Dough
• Cold unsalted butter – use diced cubes for easy incorporation into the sugar mix.
• Light brown sugar – packed for richness and moisture, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
• Granulated sugar – the perfect balance, plus extra for that delightful sugary coating!
• Large eggs – these provide structure; ensure they are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Pure vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
For the Dry Mix
• Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White Organic All-Purpose Flour – a reliable base for texture and bulk.
• Black cocoa powder – gives these Lump of Coal cookies their unique dark color and intense flavor.
• Baking powder – this helps your cookies rise and achieve that perfect chewiness.
• Baking soda – balances the acidity of the cocoa, ensuring rich, deep flavors.
• Instant coffee or espresso powder – enhances the bittersweet notes, making each cookie irresistible.
• Kosher salt – a must for balancing sweetness and amplifying all the flavors.
For the Finish
• Dark chocolate chips – choose high-quality chips for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, elevating those Lump of Coal cookies to the next level!
How to Make Lump of Coal Cookies
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Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee/espresso, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Shape the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into 18-20 balls, about 3 tablespoons each. Use your hands to reshape each portion with rough edges, keeping the shape slightly tall. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough balls in the reserved granulated sugar until evenly coated, then place them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
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Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges and tops are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they’re just set.
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for added decadence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Lump of Coal Cookies?
The warmth and richness of these dark, melt-in-your-mouth cookies can be beautifully complemented by a variety of delightful pairings.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A velvety cup of hot chocolate perfectly balances the bittersweet notes, creating a cozy indulgence. The warmth will enhance the cookie’s chocolate flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream to serve alongside. The chill of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, soft cookies for a blissful experience.
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Fresh Berries: A side of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a vibrant pop of color and a tart contrast that wakes up your palate.
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Espresso or Coffee: A bold shot of espresso or a steaming cup of coffee amplifies the delightful coffee flavor within the cookies, making it a perfect pairing for those cozy evenings.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cookies to elevate them into a decadent dessert that surprises and delights with every bite.
These pairings not only elevate the cookie experience but also bring an array of textures and flavors to your festive gatherings. Enjoy creating a warm and inviting dessert table that captures the holiday spirit!
Storage Tips for Lump of Coal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Lump of Coal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week, though this may slightly alter their chewiness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Lump of Coal Cookie Variations
Get ready to elevate your baking game with these delightful twists that will make your Lump of Coal cookies even more irresistible!
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Nutty Addition: Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an earthy crunch that complements the rich chocolate.
Adding a nutty element creates a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor, enhancing your cookie experience. -
Minty Fresh: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that brings the festive spirit alive.
The mint flavor pairs beautifully with the chocolate, leaving a delightful hint of coolness in each bite. -
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet chocolate.
This unexpected addition will awaken your senses and add a little adventure to your classic cookies! -
Seasonal Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy, warming flavor that’s perfect for colder months.
These spices enhance the sweetness and create an inviting aroma that evokes cherished holiday memories. -
Caramel Swirl: Drop a few dollops of caramel sauce into the dough before baking for a gooey, decadent surprise in every bite.
The rich caramel melting into the cookie makes for a delightful contrast to the dark chocolate, tempting any sweet tooth. -
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe and equally delicious treat.
With this swap, you won’t miss out on the joy of these cookies, ensuring everyone can enjoy them! -
Dried Fruits: Fold in ½ cup of dried cherries or cranberries for a tart element that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
The pop of fruit adds not only flavor but also a lovely chewiness that harmonizes with the chocolate. -
Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flair that enhances the chocolate’s richness.
This subtle twist brings freshness to the cookies, making them stand out as a delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Lump of Coal Cookies
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold and diced; this helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your cookies chewy rather than cakey.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It allows the flavors to deepen and helps cookies maintain their shape.
- Cookie Size Matters: Keep dough balls at about 3 tablespoons to ensure even baking and perfect cookie centers.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips; they elevate the richness of your Lump of Coal cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you shape the dough into balls, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled dough balls in granulated sugar and bake as directed. By chilling the dough, you’ll enhance the flavors and maintain that delightful chewy texture, ensuring each cookie is just as delicious as freshly baked!
Lump of Coal Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right black cocoa powder for the Lump of Coal cookies?
When selecting black cocoa powder, look for a high-quality brand that has a deep, rich color. The powder should smell intense and chocolatey without any off scents. I recommend using it sparingly in recipes due to its robust flavor, but in these cookies, it adds an incredible depth that transforms them into a decadent treat!
What’s the best way to store Lump of Coal cookies?
Store your Lump of Coal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful chewiness. If you’d like to preserve them for longer, refrigerating them in the container is a great option, extending freshness to about a week. While this might make them slightly firmer, they’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I freeze Lump of Coal cookies? How do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze these cookies, individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out a cookie and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a freshly baked taste, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to warm it up and revive that chewy texture.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This cooling process not only makes it easier to shape into balls but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember, a little stickiness is normal due to the moisture from the butter and eggs!
Are Lump of Coal cookies safe for pets?
While Lump of Coal cookies are a delicious treat for humans, they contain ingredients like chocolate and coffee that can be harmful to pets. It’s best to keep these delightful cookies out of reach from your furry friends and opt for pet-safe snacks instead!
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe for dietary reasons?
Very! If you’re looking to create a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute. For those needing gluten-free options, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but this may slightly alter the texture. Keep in mind that any substitutions can change the final result, so you may want to experiment with small batches first!
Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies That Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee/espresso, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into 18-20 balls, about 3 tablespoons each. Use your hands to reshape each portion with rough edges, keeping the shape slightly tall. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough balls in the reserved granulated sugar until evenly coated, then place them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges and tops are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until they’re just set.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for added decadence!