Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies

Have you ever had a cookie so good it stopped you in your tracks? Well, be prepared to experience that with this recipe, first crafted nearly 20 years ago in Paris by Pierre Hermé. The cookies earned their unique name when a neighbor of culinary guru and cookbook author, Dorie Greenspan, commented that if everyone could taste these cookies, there would be world peace at last.

The cookies achieve a delightful, chewy consistency thanks to the addition of brown sugar. Plus, the chocolate chunks add a gooey texture that few can resist. If you have any chocolate lovers in your circle, this might be just the treat for them.

This recipe was considered, at the time of its creation, to be a fusion between French and American baking traditions. Brown sugar was not commonly used in French cuisine back then, and adding sea salt to sweets was a French trend that had yet to gain traction worldwide. The original recipe used French fleur de sel, which was not a common ingredient in sweet treats until maybe 10 years ago. This was long before salted caramel ice cream and salted chocolate bars lined grocery store shelves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a perfect blend of chewy and gooey, with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by a hint of salt. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla, and beat for 2 more minutes. Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low until just combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Turn the dough out onto a countertop or work surface and divide it in half. Shape each section into logs that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic and chill until firm, at least 3 hours.
6. Once chilled, slice the logs into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
7. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets 1-inch apart. Bake until firm around the edges but soft in the center, about 12 minutes.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape while baking, so don’t skip this step.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of these cookies offers a delightful balance of carbohydrates, fats, and a touch of protein, making them a delicious treat. Specific nutritional values will depend on the size of the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of sea salt added to the dough.

How long can the dough be stored?
The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I make the cookies thinner or thicker?
You can adjust the thickness by slicing the logs thinner or thicker, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These World Peace Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful experience. I invite you to try out this recipe and discover the magic for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experiences and let me know how your cookies turned out!