There’s something delightfully unexpected about these “Lump of Coal” Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies. As I pulled the first batch from the oven, the deep, dark color and enticing aroma reminded me of cozy winter nights spent by the fireplace. Each bite reveals a rich, bittersweet flavor, making them the perfect antidote to the mundane fast-food routine. Little did I know that a simple craving for chocolate would lead me to create these intriguing treats, which are not only visually stunning but also unbelievably delicious.
In just under 12 minutes of baking, you can transform humble ingredients into a dish that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a sweet escape, these cookies offer a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip experience. Say goodbye to ordinary and hello to gourmet in your own kitchen! Ready to dive into this chocolaty adventure? Let’s get baking!
Why Choose Lump of Coal Cookies?
Irresistible allure: These cookies boast a striking appearance, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Deep, bittersweet flavor: The blend of dark chocolate and cocoa creates a rich taste that elevates your cookie experience.
Quick baking time: In just 10-12 minutes, you can indulge in warm, homemade goodness that’s far superior to fast food.
Versatile treat: Ideal for any occasion—holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in!
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a pro baker to create these gourmet delights.
Lump of Coal Cookie Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need to make these delicious cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter – diced into cubes for easy mixing to achieve that perfect dough consistency.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar – adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – contributes sweetness and helps create that delightful crunch.
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (extra to coat the cookies) – use this for rolling to give the cookies a sweet, sparkly finish.
- 2 large eggs – these will bind the ingredients together and provide richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the bitterness.
For the Dry Mix
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White Organic All-Purpose Flour – the base of your dough; ensure it’s leveled for accuracy.
- ½ cup black cocoa powder – brings a deep chocolate color and a bold flavor, perfect for our “Lump of Coal” theme.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – adds lift to the cookies, ensuring they don’t turn out flat.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – provides an extra rise and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder – intensifies the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – balances sweetness and enhances the cookie’s flavors.
For the Chocolate
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips – the stars of the show, providing melty pockets of chocolate bliss in every bite!
Now that you have all your ingredients lined up, let’s roll up our sleeves and start baking these delightful Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies!
How to Make Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly, creating that perfect chewy center and crisp edges.
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Cream together the cold unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugars in a large bowl until smooth. This mixture should be light and fluffy, which helps the cookies rise beautifully.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the pure vanilla extract. This will add richness and depth of flavor to your cookie dough.
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Whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee or espresso powder, and kosher salt in another bowl. This dry mix is crucial for achieving that signature bittersweet taste and perfect texture.
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Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined, as over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie has gooey pockets of chocolate.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Roll each mound in the extra granulated sugar before baking for a sweet, sparkly finish.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly without falling apart.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Lump of Coal Cookie Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookies with these delightful twists!
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that balances the chocolate.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a surprising burst of warmth that dances with the sweetness. Just a little can go a long way!
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Minty Fresh: Swap in 1 teaspoon mint extract with the vanilla for a refreshing peppermint flavor that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. Perfect for holiday baking!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies accessible for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
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Vegan Delight: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs for a dairy-free, vegan version that still delivers on flavor and texture.
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Decadent Swirl: Fold in ½ cup of peanut butter or almond butter to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the bittersweet chocolate. Who could resist that?
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Dried Fruit Addition: Mix in ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast that enhances the overall taste profile.
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S’mores Style: Top each cookie with a mini marshmallow and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers before baking for a fun s’mores-inspired treat!
Each variation is a chance to create something uniquely yours, making your baking experience all the more joyful.
How to Store and Freeze Lump of Coal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy melted chocolate goodness again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes from frozen, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
What to Serve with Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies?
Creating a delightful dessert experience is easy when you pair these rich cookies with satisfying sides and drinks.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor perfectly complement the bittersweet chocolate, creating a heavenly contrast.
- Fruity Tart: A light fruit tart brings a refreshing element that balances the richness of the cookies. Fresh berries add a burst of freshness, enhancing your dessert table.
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: The bold flavors in your drink echo the coffee essence in the cookies while intensifying the chocolate experience.
- Milk: Nothing beats classic chocolate chip cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, which enhances the cookies’ sweetness and richness.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A decadent drizzle over the cookies offers an extra layer of indulgence, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A mix of roasted nuts brings a pleasant crunch and healthy fats, making it a great counterpoint to the chewy cookies.
- Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping adds a lovely contrast, making for an elegant finish to your dessert spread.
- Chocolate Stout: Pairing these cookies with a rich chocolate stout creates a delightful harmony between the dessert and beverage, celebrating chocolate in every sip.
- Fruit Sorbet: A vibrant sorbet rounds out the meal with a refreshing taste, cleansing the palate after the luxurious richness of the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: For an extra dose of chocolate, pair your cookies with a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Expert Tips for Lump of Coal Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your cold butter is just a bit softened before creaming. It helps create a lighter dough and ensures even mixing.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy cookies instead of soft, delightful Lump of Coal treats.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can intensify the flavors and help maintain the cookie shape while baking.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on those cookies! Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft for that perfect fudgy bite.
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips. The better the chocolate, the richer and more satisfying your cookies will be.
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Extra Flavor Kick: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for an unexpected twist that elevates the bittersweet profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld while also maintaining the dough’s freshness. If you want to plan further ahead, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, scoop the chilled or frozen dough onto your baking sheets, roll in sugar, and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This allows you to enjoy fresh, gooey cookies without the hassle of prep on busy days!
Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
I recommend using black cocoa powder for its rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the dark chocolate chips. It gives the cookies their characteristic color and a gourmet touch. If you can’t find black cocoa, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will work too, but the color will be less intense.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Absolutely! Store your Lump of Coal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, just be sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! To freeze your cookies, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet without touching and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes if frozen.
What should I do if the cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is sticky, don’t worry! You can sprinkle a bit more flour onto your work surface, or add in a tablespoon at a time while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency. A little stickiness is normal, but it shouldn’t be unworkable by any means.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! This particular cookie recipe does not include any nuts, making it a great option for those with nut allergies. However, always check the labels of your ingredients, especially for chocolate chips, to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle nuts. If you’re baking for someone with severe allergies, it’s safer to use brands that guarantee nut-free production.
Lump of Coal Bittersweet Chocolate Cookies You'll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the cold unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugars until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee or espresso powder, and kosher salt.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet and roll in the extra granulated sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.