Jumbo Chocolate Chip & Ruby Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Two halves of a jumbo Chocolate Chip & Ruby Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Copyright 2022 by Lisa Maliga

This recipe is similar to the big, 6-ounce Levain-style cookies, but there are distinct differences. My recipe calls for ruby chocolate, the cookies are slightly smaller at four ounces, and I used three different types of sugar to enhance these distinctive cookies’ flavor. I also used a good amount of Neilsen Massey’s pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract. I had a difficult time refraining from eating the batter because it was so tasty!

Below is a photo of my newest addition: a Kitchen Aid 5-quart stand mixer with a white bowl. I also have the original shiny bowl. Two bowls are better than one, especially when making cupcakes and frosting. Even better, I invested in a flex-edge beater attachment which thoroughly creams the sugar and butter in seconds. I only had to scrape the bowl once. If you have a 4.5 or 5-quart Kitchen Aid stand mixer, I highly recommend this helpful, time-saving attachment. Kitchen Aid flex edge beater attachment link: https://amzn.to/3K99aGl

New 5-quart Kitchen Aid stand mixer with white bowl and lots of chocolate and other baking ingredients.

JUMBO CHOCOLATE CHIP & RUBY CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES RECIPE

Oven temperature: 400 degrees Fahrenheit/205 degrees Celsius

Bake time: 11-12 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, cold, cut into cubes
2 large eggs, cold
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 ounces chocolate chips
3.2 ounces chopped ruby chocolate bar OR ruby chocolate callets
1/2 cup chopped walnuts [optional]

Equipment:

Hand or stand mixer
Mixing bowl
Sifter
Measuring cups/spoons
Whisk
Spatula
Cookie/ice cream scoop
Large baking sheet[s]
Baking/cooling rack
Parchment paper/Silpat
Kitchen scale

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, corn starch, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, and sugar until it’s well-combined, which will be a paste-like texture. You can also use a hand mixer or mix with a whisk or wooden spoon.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Blend well.
• Stir in the dry ingredients until well blended.
• Mix in the chocolate chips, ruby chocolate chunks [or chips], and walnuts.
• Form into balls approximately 4 ounces [120 grams]. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Refrigerate for one hour.
• Preheat oven.
• The cookies should be at least 3 inches apart. Bake on center rack for about 11-12 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTES:

This recipe made a dozen [12] 4-ounce cookies.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

If serving the next day, bake in oven/toaster oven for about 5-6 minutes at 350 degrees.

You can also heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator before baking helps to keep the cookies higher so they won’t spread a lot. You want dry dough. Mix minimally but mix enough to ensure that everything’s well incorporated.

Adding nuts makes cookies healthier, more rustic looking, and helps hold the shape better. If you don’t like walnuts, substitute pecans, macadamia, cashews, etc. Or don’t use any at all.

Watch the recipe video!

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No Bake Cookies Recipe & Video Tutorial

By Lisa Maliga

Copyright 2021

No Bake Cookies

These No Bake Cookies contain Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa powder, a very fine chocolate that I’d bought a few months ago and just got around to testing. Even though these are what I refer to as ‘stovetop cookies’ as no oven is used, the rich flavor of this brand of chocolate stands out.

According to the company: “Our gourmet baking cocoa is Dutch-processed for rich flavor and appearance. Our cocoa contains one of the highest levels of cocoa butter on the market, ensuring superior chocolate flavor. From rich hot cocoa to fudgey brownies, Rodelle Gourmet Baking Cocoa makes a difference you can taste.”

I also used a salted peanut butter so that no extra salt needs to be added.

This recipe is so easy to make, any time of the year. If you don’t want to turn your oven on this summer, and crave homemade cookies, I definitely recommend making these!

NO BAKE COOKIES RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

½ cup granulated sugar

1 cup coconut sugar https://amzn.to/3lyrPB8

½ cup milk

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted https://amzn.to/3CrpCNV

½ cup peanut butter https://amzn.to/3lvYuaa

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract  https://amzn.to/3yqnSC7

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats https://amzn.to/3Aq5aLx

Stovetop Temperature: Medium

In a large saucepan, add butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined. Boil for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla extract and mix. Add peanut butter and oats and mix until well combined.

Use either a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop cookies on parchment or wax paper.

Let cool for several hours. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They probably won’t last that long.

Yield: makes about 25 cookies.

I provide links to items on Amazon that I’ve bought and used or have used in the past. For butter, I recommend Kerrygold, Plugra, Vital Farms or President. Perhaps there’s a dairy in your area and that would be the best for you. As always, the better the ingredients, the better the cookies!

Want gluten-free cookies? Make sure your oats are labeled as gluten-free.

If you want these to be vegan-friendly, use coconut oil or vegan butter.

Allergic to peanut butter? Substitute almond butter or sunflower butter.

Happy Cooking!

VIDEO

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Froot Loops Macarons Recipe & Video Tutorial

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018-2020

This is for fans of Froot Loops or similar types of sweet and colorful cereal.

Froot Loops Macarons

INGREDIENTS:

160 grams powdered sugar, sift with almond flour
160 grams almond flour, sift with powdered sugar
150 grams egg whites
185 grams confectioners’ sugar, sieved
2-3 Tablespoons crushed Froot Loops cereal for sprinkling
1 Tablespoon [8 grams] arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon [3 grams] cream of tartar
Pink or purple gel food colorant

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder and set aside.
Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Place bowl over steaming pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium heat until it steams. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F [54 C].
Remove from heat and place bowl back onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar.
Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.
Add food coloring and whisk until the color is incorporated.
Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].
Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture.
Turn mixer to low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Test for the ribbon stage. When you lift your spatula above the bowl, the batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.
Pour batter into a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip.
Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets.
When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles. If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick.
Sprinkle crushed Froot Loops on the macaron shells
Let shells rest on a flat surface in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. The surface will change from glossy to matte. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 or so minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.
Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or the parchment paper and the shells don’t stick.
Remove from oven and gently slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack. The shells should be cool enough to remove after 10 minutes.
Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling. Match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.

Froot Loops Ganache filling

For a sweet and colorful macaron filling, this easy to make white chocolate ganache only takes a few minutes to prepare. If you want a slightly thicker version, just add a little more crushed cereal.

INGREDIENTS:

170 grams [6 ounces] white chocolate chunks
473 ml [2 cups] heavy [double] cream
15 grams [1/2 cup] crushed Froot Loops cereal

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat the heavy cream in a microwave until it’s very hot but not boiling. Pour into the bowl of white chocolate chunks. Stir until smooth. Add the crushed Froot Loops, mixing until incorporated. Cover with cling wrap and put in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, until it’s no longer runny. Spoon into a piping bag with no tip.

From the book BAKING MACARONS: THE SWISS MERINGUE METHOD. Available in eBook and paperback formats.

All stores: https://www.lisamaliga.com/book-baking-macarons-the-swiss-meringue-method

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
All other bookstores: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

VIDEO TUTORIAL

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Banana Coconut Macarons Recipe & Video Tutorial

By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2018

Shopping for a fruity tropical taste of sweetness? This is a great combination for those who adore such a compatible flavor duo. It’s also a marvelous summer treat! 🙂

Banana Coconut Macarons Recipe

Ingredients:

160 g powdered sugar, sift with almond flour
160 g almond flour, sift with powdered sugar
150 g egg whites
180 g confectioners’ sugar, sieved
½ teaspoon [3 grams] cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon [8 grams] arrowroot powder
Yellow food gel
Colorful sprinkles [optional]

OVEN TEMPERATURE: 300 degrees Fahrenheit/150 Celsius

Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl. Stir in the arrowroot powder and set aside.
Put a template on a baking sheet and place a silicone mat or parchment paper over it. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites and confectioners’ sugar. Whisk until well combined.
Place bowl over pot with just enough water, as you don’t want the water touching the bowl. Heat on medium until meringue is hot. Test to make sure it’s hot enough by sticking your clean finger in the meringue near the center of the bowl. If using a candy thermometer the temperature should be about 130 F [54 C].
Remove from heat and place bowl onto stand mixer. Add the cream of tartar.
Whisk on medium to high speed until firm peaks form. Egg whites should be glossy and if you flip the bowl upside down, nothing will come out.
Add food coloring and whisk until the color is incorporated.
Remove the whisk and add the paddle attachment [if using one].
Add the presifted almond flour and confectioners’ sugar mixture.
Turn mixer on low or medium speed and mix for up to 10 seconds. If that doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly, mix for another 10 seconds. Turn off mixer and with your spatula, run it around the sides and bottom of bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Test for the ribbon stage. When you lift your spatula above the bowl, the batter should fall back to the bowl as one continuous stream and create a ribbon pattern.
Pour batter into a pastry bag [14″ or 16″] fitted with a large round tip.
Pipe onto the silicone or parchment covered baking sheets.
When finished with each sheet, bang baking sheet on counter to remove air bubbles. If you see any air bubbles, pop them with a toothpick.
Add the sprinkles on top of the macaron shells.
Let shells rest on a flat surface in a cool, dry area for about 30 minutes. The surface will change from glossy to matte. To make sure they’re done, gently touch the edge of one with your finger. There should be no trace of batter on your finger.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. This will vary depending on your oven. Carefully monitor the baking process and check your oven thermometer. After 8 or so minutes, rotate the tray to ensure even baking.
Macarons are done when you peel back the mat or the parchment paper and the shells don’t stick.
Remove from oven and gently slide the parchment or silicone mat onto a cooling rack. The shells should be cool enough to remove after 10 minutes.
Place macaron shells on a wax paper covered baking sheet or tray for filling. Match similar sized shells together. Pipe the filling on the flat side of one shell and gently place the second shell on top.

Banana Coconut Filling

Ingredients:

2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
½ cup cream cheese, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR vanilla bean paste
2 teaspoons banana extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
5 drops yellow food gel

Instructions:

Beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add the vanilla while continuing to beat. Sift in the powdered sugar through a sifter. Mix for about 5-7 minutes. Add extracts. Spoon into a piping bag.

Amazon link: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method
All other bookstores: Baking Macarons: The Swiss Meringue Method

VIDEO TUTORIAL

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Maliga is an American author of contemporary fiction and cozy mysteries. Her nonfiction titles consist of how to make bath and body products with an emphasis on melt and pour soap crafting. When researching her cozy mystery, she discovered the art of baking French macarons. She has written three dessert cookbooks, including two on macarons. When not writing, Lisa reads an assortment of books, takes photos, and is working on a series of baking and soaping video tutorials. Visit her website at: https://www.LisaMaliga.com

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Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes Recipe Tutorial & Video

Copyright 2017-2018 by Lisa Maliga

Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes Recipe Tutorial

For lovers of chocolate and coconut! The virgin coconut oil and organic coconut palm sugar make these cupcakes healthier and more delicious. This recipe is from the book Baking Chocolate Cupcakes and Brownies: A Beginner’s Guide by Lisa Maliga.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped [3 oz.]
1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
3/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup organic coconut palm sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons virgin coconut oil [3 oz]
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons [fresh] lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla

Makes 12 cupcakes

Oven temperature: 350 Fahrenheit/177 Celsius

Directions:

Place the chopped chocolate and sifted cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Pour the hot water over the mixture and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.

Add hot water to chocolate chunks and cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. The rack should be in the center. Line a standard-size muffin pan with liners.

Sift the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly.

Whisk the virgin coconut oil, eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract into the cooled chocolate. Add the flour mixture and mix until smooth. DON’T OVERMIX!

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake until the cupcakes are set and just firm to the touch, 17 – 19 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, and then remove the cupcakes from the pan and place on the wire rack to cool completely.

 

Coconut Frosting

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces butter at room temperature
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons heavy cream
Shredded coconut for sprinkling [optional]

FROSTING DIRECTIONS:
With an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter. Add coconut extract, vanilla and cream.
Mix on low until well blended, and then on medium for another two minutes.
Pipe onto cupcakes and top with a sprinkling of shredded coconut.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Amazon link: Baking Chocolate Cupcakes and Brownies: A Beginners Guide

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Blue Velvet Cupcakes Recipe Tutorial & Video

Copyright 2017-2018 by Lisa Maliga

Blue Velvet Cupcakes Recipe Tutorial

Get ready for any holiday or happy event with these delectable blue cupcakes topped with yummy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is from the book Baking Chocolate Cupcakes and Brownies: A Beginner’s Guide by Lisa Maliga.

This recipe has a slightly different color than the one featured in my book as I used another  brand of gel food color. If using AmeriColor food gel, you’ll only need to add several drops rather than an entire bottle of conventional gel coloring. The color of these cupcakes turned out to be turquoise rather than sky blue.

 

BLUE VELVET CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS:
2 cups granulated sugar
8 ounces unsalted room temperature butter
2 Eggs [room temperature]
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder [sifted]
1.5 Tablespoons blue gel food coloring
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Makes 24 cupcakes

Oven temperature: 350 Fahrenheit/177 Celsius

Directions:

In a large bowl cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar.
Add the eggs, one at a time.

in a small bowl mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and blue food coloring. when thoroughly mixed add to the large bowl and mix well.

Add the flour, salt and buttermilk alternating between the two ingredients so you don’t get any lumps.

In the small bowl, add the baking soda and vinegar. They’ll react together by fizzing up. Add to the large bowl, mixing well.

Scoop into cupcake liners.

Bake on center rack. Rotate pan midway through baking.

Bake for about 25 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners’ or powdered sugar
Dash of fresh lemon juice
Sprinkles for decorating [optional]

FROSTING DIRECTIONS:
Beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla with the mixer running. Increase to high speed and beat for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and beat until thick and creamy.

Pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Amazon link: Baking Chocolate Cupcakes and Brownies: A Beginners Guide

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