MOCHA FROSTED COOKIES

Mocha Frosted Cookies image

Provided by Susan Bartley

Categories Cookies

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 21

1/2 c vegetable shortening
2 1 ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate
1 c brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 c buttermilk
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
1/2 c chopped nuts
1 c chocolate chips (i use mini chips)
MOCHA ICING
4 Tbsp butter, room temperature
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp instant coffee powder or espresso powder
dash(es) of salt
2 c sifted powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
milk or cream to thin

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder and soda and salt, set aside.
3. Melt shortening and chocolate together, either on the stove top or in the microwave. Let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, egg, vanilla and buttermilk. Add flour mixture and mix well. If using nuts and chips add them now.
4. Drop by spoon full onto parchment lined baking sheet, I personally use a medium sized cookie scoop*. Bake for about 10 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack and frost with mocha frosting when cooled. This is a soft cookie, and buttermilk is what makes it so nice and soft.
5. For Mocha Icing combine all items in mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer till light and fluffy, about 7 minutes. Add milk or cream if needed to thin icing.
6. *See Sur La Table's web site or any cooking supply store or website if your looking for a scoop. You want a good quality scoop and it will last you for years to come.