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Bready or Not Original: White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

Posted by on Dec 4, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies, mint | 0 comments

Last week, I posted a Peppermint Bark Cookies recipe modified from Bake from Scratch Magazine. This week, I share a reworked version of the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies I’ve made for about two decades. This White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies recipe includes white chocolate melted into the dough, resulting in a smooth, sweet cookie that gets only better with the addition of peppermint bark.

Bready or Not Original: White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

A whole bag of white chocolate chips is included in this recipe. A cup is melted for the dough; the rest is added as chips, right along with the coarsely chopped peppermint bark.

Bready or Not Original: White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

These cookies are incredible. I preferred them over last week’s take, though both are excellent.

Bready or Not Original: White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

Modified from Bready or Not: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies.

Bready or Not Original: White Chocolate-Peppermint Bark Cookies

Melted white chocolate chips make this dough especially smooth and sweet, the resulting cookie crisp, chewy, and soft all at once. Use a pretty peppermint bark to make this especially pleasing to the eye. Modified from Bready or Not’s White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies.
Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: chocolate, cookies, mint
Servings: 34 cookies
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • microwave-safe small bowl
  • cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces white chocolate chips divided
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 11 Tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups peppermint bark coarsely chopped, divided (about 12 ounces)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in short increments, 20-25 seconds, and stop to stir between passes until the chips blend smoothly; take care, as it can burn fast! Set aside to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs until they are creamy. Mix in the melted chips. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Fold in the remaining chips and 1 cup of peppermint bark.
  • Use a tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon to place dough in rounded lumps on cookie sheet. Using the reserved stash of peppermint bark, press a few pieces onto the top of each dough ball. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops just begin to turn light golden brown. Immediately add a few more pieces of peppermint bark onto the top of each cookie. Cool on the sheet for several minutes, then move to a rack to set for about 3 hours; this process can be speeded up by briefly placing cookies in the fridge.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature. Best eaten within 5 days.

OM NOM NOM!

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    Bready or Not: Peppermint Bark Cookies

    Posted by on Nov 27, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies, mint | 0 comments

    This Peppermint Bark Cookies recipe, modified from a holiday Bake from Scratch issue, is the first in a small series of such experiments.

    Bready or Not: Peppermint Bark Cookies

    One thing I’ll say straight up: peppermint bark can be expensive, and this recipe will look much prettier with nicer bark. I used cheap Palmer Peppermint Bark from Dollar Tree for this recipe, and it doesn’t look as nice as my other experiments.

    Bready or Not: Peppermint Bark Cookies

    That said, the cheap stuff can still make tasty cookies. These morsels are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate and peppermint flavor. They make for a great holiday treat. If you want to make them year-round, stock up on peppermint bark while you can get it–if you’re lucky, score some on clearance right after Christmas.

    Bready or Not: Peppermint Bark Cookies

    Bready or Not: Peppermint Bark Cookies

    These chewy cookies are imbued with chocolate and peppermint. Note that the dough needs to be chilled for at least a few hours prior to baking. Modified from Bake from Scratch November/December 2023.
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: chocolate, cookies, mint
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • plastic wrap
    • parchment paper
    • large cookie scoop

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
    • 3/4 cup white sugar
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 10 ounces peppermint bark chopped, divided
    • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
    • flaked sea salt for topping optional

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until they are light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
    • In another bowl, combined the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, beating until just combined. Measure out 1 cup of the peppermint bark and add that to the dough, folding it in. Add the chocolate chips and fold in.
    • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and stash in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.
    • Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
    • Use cookie scoop to dole out dough, spaced out, on cookie sheet.
    • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies are set and turning golden brown. Immediately press a piece or two of the reserved peppermint bark onto each round. Add a small pinch of flaked sea salt to each, if desired. Let set until bark pieces solidify, then transfer to a cooling rack.
    • Store cookies in a sealed container up to 4 days.

    OM NOM NOM!

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      Bready or Not: Chewy Molasses Cookies

      Posted by on Nov 20, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, cookies | 0 comments

      These Chewy Molasses Cookies are perfect holiday cookies. They are loaded with warm spices, with just the right hit of sugary icing.

      Bready or Not: Chewy Molasses Cookies

      These are not massive cookies. They are dangerously bite size, the cookie chewy with the icing forming a pleasant sweet crunch.

      Bready or Not: Chewy Molasses Cookies

      Note that the dough needs to be made ahead of time so that it can chill for at least an hour, but up to a few days is fine. You can also freeze the dough, if desired.

      Bready or Not: Chewy Molasses Cookies

      Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking 2021.

      Bready or Not: Chewy Molasses Cookies

      These cookies are the epitome of holiday flavor, hearty, warming, with just the right hit of sweetness. Note that the dough needs to chill prior to baking. Modified from Centennial Kitchen Fall Baking 2021.
      Course: Dessert, Snack
      Keyword: cookies
      Servings: 43
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • small cookie scoop or spoon
      • parchment paper
      • spoon

      Ingredients

      Cookies

      • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks) softened
      • 1 cup brown sugar packed
      • 1/3 cup molasses
      • 1 large egg room temperature
      • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
      • 2 teaspoons baking soda
      • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt

      Icing

      • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
      • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
      • 3 Tablespoons half & half or milk

      Instructions

      • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the molasses and egg.
      • Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure everything is combined. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for anywhere from an hour to a few days.
      • Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
      • Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to dole out dough onto pan. Flatten each ball slightly; they won’t spread much.
      • Bake for 10-11 minutes, until set with a crackling top. Let cool a couple of minutes, then transfer to a rack to completely cool.
      • Once the cookies are cool, combined the icing ingredients. Glaze should be thick but spreadable. Coat the back of a spoon and transfer that to the top of a cookie, spreading to evenly coat. Cover cookies until icing is used up; the amounts should be a close match. Let them set for an hour for the icing to solidify, then pack into a sealed container.

      OM NOM NOM!

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        Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

        Posted by on Nov 13, 2024 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, british | 0 comments

        Whether you are coping with cold weather right now or psychologically easing into winter (something I know well from my time in Arizona), these Earl Grey Shortbread Bars will make you feel warm and cozy. Also, caffeinated.

        Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

        These bars are dense, soft, and a touch crumbly, the flavor of warm spice throughout. The drizzle of glaze adds sweetness and prettiness.

        Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

        The tea flavor is quite strong here–it actually seemed to get bolder after a day–so the 1/4 cup amount is best made for people who like Earl Grey. I used Bigelow bags, but the amount of tea likely varies across brands. If you want a milder flavor, use less tea.

        Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

        Bready or Not Original: Earl Grey Shortbread Bars

        Soft, chewy texture and warm spices makes these shortbread bars a perfect treat!
        Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
        Keyword: bars, tea
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • 9×13 pan
        • spice grinder or mortar and pestle
        • wax paper or plastic wrap
        • heavy glass or other weight
        • piping bag or freezer bag

        Ingredients

        Dough

        • 1/4 cup Early Grey tea leaves about 4-5 Bigelow bags
        • 4 cups all-purpose flour
        • 1/2 teaspoon salt
        • 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks) room temperature
        • 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
        • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

        Glaze

        • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
        • 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk or half & half

        Instructions

        • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
        • Use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to grind the Earl Grey leaves down a bit more, but not fully to powder. Move the tea to a medium bowl and stir with the flour and salt.
        • In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, followed by the vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gradually beat in the flour mixture to incorporate.
        • Dollop the dough into the prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap to spread out the dough, then use something like a heavy glass to evenly compress the dough into the pan.
        • Bake until shortbread is firm with golden edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
        • After the pan comes to room temperature, mix the glaze ingredients. Transfer them to a piping bag or to a freezer bag. Snip the corner to pipe the glaze in stripes over the pan. Let set for an hour, then use foil to lift contents onto a cutting board to slice into bars.
        • Store in sealed container at room temperature. Bars will keep for an least 2 days.

        OM NOM NOM!

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          Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

          Posted by on Nov 6, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, cake, nutty | 0 comments

          This Raspberry Frangipane takes a little work, but the result is gorgeous and absolutely delicious. This is a great special occasion treat–and it’s easy to make a day ahead!

          Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

          Layer cakes get a lot of the attention and fuss, but I think loaf cakes need more love. They can be stunning, too. This one certainly is. It contains homemade frangipane, one of my favorite things, and is convenient to make year-round by using frozen raspberries.

          Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

          As this loaf does involve some labor, I found it simplified things to prepare it over two days. Day 1: make frangipane and chill it. Day 2: make loaf and glaze. Day 3: serve to my husband’s co-workers.

          Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

          I found the cake kept beautifully, wrapped, for up to 4 days after baking.

          Bready or Not Original: Raspberry Frangipane Loaf Cake

          This luscious loaf cake is fantastic to make ahead of time for a stunning breakfast or brunch.
          Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
          Keyword: almond, cake, loaf cake, raspberries
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • 8×4 loaf pan
          • parchment paper
          • nonstick spray
          • kitchen shears

          Ingredients

          Frangipane

          • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
          • 1/2 cup almond flour sifted
          • 1/4 cup white sugar
          • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
          • 1 large egg white
          • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

          Batter

          • 1 1/4 cups frozen raspberries
          • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) room temperature
          • 1 cup white sugar
          • 2 large eggs room temperature
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
          • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour plus 1 Tablespoon
          • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
          • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1/2 cup full-fat vanilla Greek yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
          • 2 Tablespoons sliced almonds

          Glaze

          • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
          • 1 Tablespoon half & half or milk
          • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla

          Instructions

          Frangipane

          • Frangipane can be made immediately before the batter or prepared a day in advance.
          • In a medium bowl, stir butter until creamy. Add almond flour, sugar, all-purpose flour, egg white, salt, and almond extract. Stir until combined. Cover with plastic wrap pressed to the top, and place in fridge until ready to use.

          Loaf

          • Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit inside an 8×4 loaf pan like a sling extended up both long sides. Spray inside of pan with nonstick spray, then spray parchment.
          • Use kitchen shears to break frozen raspberries into pieces of various size, measuring out 1 1/4 cup total. Stash raspberries back in freezer until ready to use.
          • In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by the extracts.
          • In another bowl, sift together the 1 3/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet, mixing alternatively with the yogurt. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is combined.
          • Fold the frangipane into the batter.
          • Pull out the raspberries. Toss them with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Set aside 1/4 of coated berries for the top; fold the rest of the berries into the batter.
          • Spread batter in prepared pan, evening out the top. Sprinkle reserved raspberries on top, followed by the sliced almonds.
          • Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Continue to bake until the top is golden and the inside registers an interior temperature over 200 degrees, which will be about another 40 minutes. (Total baking time will be between 55 minutes and 1 hour 5 minutes.) If the loaf is looking brown early on, cover with a small piece of foil.
          • Let cool in pan about 20 minutes, then use the parchment sling to lift the loaf onto a rack to completely cool.

          Glaze

          • Once the loaf is completely cool, mix the glaze. It should be fairly thick; add a touch more confectioners’ sugar if needed. Drizzle over loaf so that the top is covered with glaze dripping down the sides.
          • Give the glaze at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into the loaf, or wrap loaf to serve later or the next day. Loaf will keep well, wrapped at room temperature, for up to 4 days.

          OM NOM NOM!

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            Bready or Not Original: Big Batch Sugar Cookies and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

            Posted by on Oct 30, 2024 in Blog, Bready or Not, chocolate, cookies | 0 comments

            This recipe for a Big Batch Sugar Cookies and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies makes it easy to get two kinds of cookies in one batch. It makes about 90 total cookies!

            Bready or Not Original: Big Batch Sugar Cookies and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

            One thing to keep in mind: there is such a huge quantity of dough, stirring it can be tricky. Use your biggest bowl. I did a lot of the mixing in my KitchenAid, then had to finish stirring my hand.

            Bready or Not Original: Big Batch Sugar Cookies and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

            The foundation of this recipe is a classic sugar cookie. Soft, sweet, and crumbly. That base is fantastic with additional chocolate. Do note that mini chips are a must here, because the dough is so crumbly.

            Bready or Not Original: Big Batch Sugar Cookies and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies

            Split this big batch of dough to get both sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Note that mini chocolate chips are a must, as the dough is crumbly. Give the dough time to chill, or freeze it to make even later. Makes about 90 total cookies.
            Course: Dessert, Snack
            Cuisine: American
            Keyword: chocolate, cookies
            Servings: 90 cookies
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • cookie scoop or spoon
            • food scale

            Ingredients

            • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
            • 1 cup vegetable oil
            • 1 cup white sugar
            • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
            • 2 large eggs room temperature
            • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
            • 4 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
            • 1 teaspoon baking soda
            • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
            • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

            Instructions

            • In a large bowl, beat together the butter, oil, and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet. This will be a lot of dough; if an electric mixer was being used, it may be necessary to switch to stirring by hand.
            • Use a food scale to divide the dough in half. Place one half back in the bowl. Remove a small handful, transferring that to the other portion. Add the mini chocolate chips to the bowl and stir to combine.
            • Wrap each portion of dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Freeze if it needs to be baked beyond that time frame.
            • Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
            • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough. The chocolate chip kind will need to be compressed slightly to make it cohesive.
            • Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until cookies are set and tinted golden. Set on a rack to cool, and then place in sealed containers at room temperature.

            OM NOM NOM!

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