Thursday, April 11, 2013

Red Velvet Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies - You Must Make These

Holy downpour Batman, it was raining cats and dogs here today.  We had to make a trip across town  and this is what it looked like on Briley Parkway.  Visibility was practically zero at times.
There are lots of hills going around the north and west side of town.  I took this picture trying to show the tops of all the hills encapsulated in clouds.  It didn't work very well, but it was so dark and raining so hard that we could barely see.  Taking pictures from a moving car is not the easiest thing in the world either.  At least, not for me.  Trying to miss the windshield wipers flinging back and forth is a challenge.

I have to remember, April showers bring May flowers.  Otherwise, I am not a fan of these gulley washers.  At least we didn't get the awful storms they had predicted, so I guess I will be happy with lots and lots and lots of rain.  For now.  I have the tools and the gopher wood handy in case an ark is in our future.

Our son mentioned that it was his boss's birthday today and his boss loves to eat according to Tyler.  (Like somebody doesn't?)  So, I told him I would make him some cookies.  My understanding is he really, really likes cookies.  What could be more perfect for such a gloomy day than beautiful red velvet cookies with lots of chocolate chips in them, oh and coffee for the mocha flavor.  Yum.

I found this recipe at petitfoodie.com and they are fantastic.  I decided on red velvet cookies because  -1. I had several red velvet cake mixes on hand, and - 2.  almost everyone loves red velvet anything.  That made for an easy choice.  All ingredients were in house and cookies are easy to make.  Here is what you need:

1 box red velvet cake mix
1 stick butter, slightly melted
1 egg
4 Tablespoons strong brewed coffee
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.  I used a hand mixer on medium.  Scoop a tablespoon of batter for each cookie.  Bake for 10-13 minutes, remove from the oven.  Let sit on baking sheet for a minute to cool down before removing with a spatula.  I will tell you, I had to let them bake the full 13 minutes.  Otherwise, they were still really mushy.


Look at the chocolate chips peeking out of that beautiful red cookie.  Outstanding!  These are delicious with a nice cup of hot coffee let me tell you right now.  They were just perfect on this yucky, rainy day.  Oh.  Oh.  Oh,  yes, we did sample a few (oops) before packaging some up for the "Boss".  I am sure he didn't mind.  Really.  Someone had to taste them to make sure they were okay.  Right?

I put some cookies on a little silver plate I had from the Dollar Tree.  Then I wrapped them in clear cellophane to make them look festive and gift like.  Nice.
"Boss"man was so appreciative he walked out to the car in the pouring rain to thank me AND asked me how I knew red velvet was his favorite?  How did I know?  I am a mom.  I am observant.  I listen to people's comments about food.  The majority of people will say red velvet cake is their favorite; therefore, why wouldn't they love red velvet cookies too?   Good call on my part, huh?

I hope these deliciously beautiful cookies brightened his special day.  They certainly brightened ours.  We do have a few here for our enjoyment.  This recipe made 3 dozen good sized cookies and I doubled the recipe.  That made our resident "cookie monster" very happy indeed.  Give them a try.  You are gonna' love them.

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

Keep some cake mixes on hand for when you need a quick "gift."  Make a cake, cupcakes, or cookies.  Everyone loves a good sweet treat that has been made with love - especially red velvet and you don't have to mess with all that food coloring when using the cake mix.   donna