15 April 2012

Random Recipe - Chocolate Raspberry Sandwiches










I made the prettiest little cookies today! So subtle and not overly sweet ... think chocolate shortbreads with seeded raspberry jam and those sprinkled top layers with a peek-a-boo to tempt you. That's it ... in a nutshell ...



Speaking of nutshells, the next time I make them, I will spread Nutella instead of the raspberry jam ... yum!

This recipe is not only a nod to my husband's sweet tooth. It is this month's Random Recipe for Dom over at Belleau Kitchen. His challenge this month was to bake a 'something sweet' ... so I chose Nick Malgieri's book, bake! ... flipped to the cookie section and then closed my eyes and turned to a page in the section. Voila !

Chocolate Raspberry Sandwiches
courtesy of Nick Malgieri


Ingredients:

2 c. all-purpose flour
⅓ c. alkalized cocoa powder, sifted after measuring
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ c. sugar
¼ tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract

¾ c. raspberry jam - seedless or seeded-your choice
confectioner's sugar for dusting

Makiing the Cookies:

1. Place the softened butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand-mixer and mix for about 5 minutes until the sugar and butter are thoroughly incorporated and there are not distinguishable sugar crystals ... smoothness completely.

2. Whisk together the flour and sifted cocoa. Add the dry to the wet in three different additions, stirring it in slowly.

3. Divide the dough into four equal pieces. No need to chill this dough ... roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface to ¼ -inch thickness.

4. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350° F.

5. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to make the cookies, placing them on the parchment paper sheets about an inch or two apart (minimal spreading here).

6. Place them in the pre-heated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.

7. Remove them immediately from the hot sheets and cool on a foil-lined counter.

8. When all the cookies are baked, match up the perfect sandwich fits. Spread jam on one side (use the underside for the jam so that the cookies look perfect from all angles). Dust the top layer with confectioner's sugar and carefully top the sandwiches.

9. Place cookies on a pretty platter and have a tea party!




10 comments:

  1. soooooo pretty... !! I just love them... and so simple, I think I may have to knock up a batch now... isn't it great discovering something from a book you've had for ages!... These will make a wonderful addition to my blogaversary table, so thank you for taking part once again xx

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  2. I love raspberries and chocolate. I like how they look a little like a Linzer cookie.(hope that's spelled right) Nutella also sounds like a good choice.

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  3. Chocolate and raspberry...an irresistible combination.

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  4. OMG, my mouth is aching and watering I want one of these so bad . . . and Nutella, how naughty and decadent! Have a wonderful week!

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  5. I love the combination of chocolate and raspberries so I know I will love this!

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  6. They look pretty indeed. and I say a big YES to Nutella! :)

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  7. Great flavours and such cute looking cookies. Irresistible, I'd say. Love the raspberries, but I could be easily persuaded by the nutella.

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  8. What a lovely looking cookie! They would totally be great for a tea party like you said :)

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  9. These cookies really look lovely! Love the combinations of chocolate & raspberry jam! Sounds amazing & great tea time treat too! Have a lovely day! :)

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  10. These look very tasty and really cute. Perfect pinked edges like little postage stamps. They'll be delicious with Nutella. GG

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