For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Katie, let me introduce you to the queen of decadent desserts that miraculously skirt the line between sinful and saintly. Katie’s blog, a treasure trove of guilt-free delights, is where magic happens, transforming classic sweets into healthier alternatives without skimping on flavor.
The Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe isn’t just any chocolate chip cookie recipe. Oh no, it’s a testament to Katie’s genius, offering a perfect chewy texture, rich chocolatey taste, and that comforting, home-baked cookie experience, all while being friendlier to your wellness goals. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Katie’s creations or a newcomer eager to delve into healthier baking practices, these cookies are a splendid starting point.
Table of Contents
How to make Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Covered Katie is the name of a popular food blog created by Katie Higgins. One of the signature recipes from her blog is the “Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies.” These Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies are known for being healthier versions of traditional chocolate chip cookies, often featuring ingredients like whole grain flour, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates, and sometimes incorporating vegan or gluten-free options.
Known for making delicious, healthier versions of classic treats, this particular recipe from Katie is a favorite among those who want to enjoy the decadence of chocolate chip cookies with slightly less guilt.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use an equivalent amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 1/4 cup (56g) melted coconut oil (alternatively, you can use another neutral oil or even melted vegan butter)
- 1/4 cup (84g) honey or maple syrup (use pure maple syrup for vegan options)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup (100g to 150g) unrefined or brown sugar, depending on desired sweetness
- 1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the components are combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate is carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly, as these cookies may not spread much during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Space the cookies well to allow for even baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, adjust the amount of sugar. Using more sugar will result in a crispier cookie; less will give a softer texture.
- Cool Completely Before Storing: To maintain their texture, ensure cookies are completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Besides chocolate chips, consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
What to serve with
Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary items can enhance your snack or dessert experience. Here are several detailed ideas on what to serve with these cookies, perfect for different occasions and preferences:
1. Beverages
- Milk: Classic pairings never go out of style. For a comforting snack, serve your chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy options like almond, soy, or oat milk).
- Tea: If you prefer tea, opt for a robust black tea or a soothing herbal infusion like chamomile or mint. These can complement the sweetness of the Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies with their subtle flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, serve these cookies with a mug of rich hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
2. Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches: Transform your Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies into an indulgent dessert by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. For an extra touch, roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of coffee ice cream along with warm cookies to blend the flavors of coffee and chocolate.
- Custom Sundaes: Create a sundae station with bowls of chopped nuts, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and cherries. Everyone can enjoy building their own sundae topped with a cookie.
3. Dessert Complements
- Cheese Plate: For a sophisticated twist, pair your cookies with a cheese plate featuring a selection of mild cheeses like Brie or a sharp cheddar. For balance, add some fruit like sliced apples, grapes, or pears.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with oranges, strawberries, and grapes can provide a light and fresh contrast to the rich chocolate cookies.
- Nut Mix: To complement the textures and flavors of the cookies, offer a bowl of mixed nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
4. Dips and Spreads
- Chocolate Fondue: Create a mini fond ute station with melted chocolate for dipping Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies. Include other dippables like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels.
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: A dollop of nut butter on a chocolate chip cookie can enhance its flavor profile, adding a creamy and salty note that contrasts with the sweet chocolate.
5. Wine Pairing
- Dessert Wines: For an adult gathering, pair the cookies with a dessert wine such as Port, which has rich fruit flavors that can withstand the intensity of chocolate.
6. Crafting a Dessert Board
Combine several of the above elements—such as a selection of cheeses, fruit, nuts, and different beverages—to create an attractive dessert board. This works wonderfully for gatherings, allowing guests to mix and match flavors to their liking.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies allows for flexibility with ingredients, offering room to substitute based on dietary needs, allergies, or simply what you have on hand. Here’s how to swap out ingredients without compromising the delightful taste and texture of these cookies.
All-Purpose Flour Substitutes
- Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour: Ideal for those avoiding gluten. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour offer blends that can directly replace all-purpose flour without additional adjustments.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a fiber-rich alternative, you can use whole wheat flour, though this might make the cookies denser. A mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour can provide a good balance.
- Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: For a low-carb, gluten-free option, almond flour can be used, but the cookies will have a different texture—often more tender and dense. Coconut flour is very absorbent, so less is needed. Start with 1/4 of the amount and adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
Baking Soda Substitutes
- Baking Powder: If you’re out of baking soda, use triple the amount of baking powder. However, this might alter the texture slightly, making them cakier rather than chewy.
Salt Substitutes
In baking, salt is essential for flavor balance. If avoiding sodium, use a potassium-based salt substitute in equal measure, but be mindful of dietary restrictions related to potassium levels.
Pure Vanilla Extract Substitutes
- Vanilla Bean Paste: Use the same quantity for a more intense flavor.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: If out of vanilla, a small amount of maple syrup or honey can add a different but pleasant flavor. Since these are liquids, the adjustment would be negligible, perhaps reducing the other liquid ingredients slightly.
Unsweetened Almond Milk Substitutes
- Any Milk Works: Dairy or other plant-based milks (soy, oat, cashew, etc.) can be used in equal amounts without significantly affecting the cookie texture.
Melted Coconut Oil Substitutes
- Unsalted Butter or Vegan Butter: If not avoiding dairy or preferring a different fat, butter can be used in equal amounts. Vegan butter works well for a 1:1 substitution.
- Other Neutral Oils: Vegetable, canola, or light olive oil can substitute for coconut oil in equal measure.
Honey or Maple Syrup Substitutes
- Agave Syrup: A vegan-friendly option, agave syrup can replace honey or maple syrup directly.
- Brown Rice Syrup: Thicker and less sweet brown rice syrup might require an adjustment in the amount of sweetener. Start with a direct swap and adjust to taste.
Unrefined or Brown Sugar Substitutes
- Coconut Sugar: Offers a similar flavor profile and is an excellent 1:1 substitute.
- White Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar can be used, though the cookies may lose some of their moist, chewy texture. Adding a teaspoon of molasses can help mimic the flavor and texture of brown sugar.
Chocolate Chips Substitutes
- Chopped Chocolate Bars: For a rustic touch, chop up any chocolate bar. Dark, milk, or white chocolate works, depending on your preference.
- Cocoa Nibs: For a less sweet, more antioxidant-rich alternative.
- Other Mix-ins: Consider dried fruit, nuts, or seeds in your cookies for a different texture and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to recreate Chocolate Covered Katie Chocolate Chip Cookies, which not only taste fantastic but are also friendlier to your waistline. Enjoy the baking and, even more so, the eating!
More Katie’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use an equivalent amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 1/4 cup (56g) melted coconut oil (alternatively, you can use another neutral oil or even melted vegan butter)
- 1/4 cup (84g) honey or maple syrup (use pure maple syrup for vegan options)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup (100g to 150g) unrefined or brown sugar, depending on desired sweetness
- 1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, and sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the components are combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate is carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly, as these cookies may not spread much during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
