As I wandered through the vibrant markets of Marrakech, the air filled with the warm scents of spices and sweet treats, I stumbled upon a stall overflowing with colorful spices. Among them, the enchanting aroma of cardamom caught my attention. It sparked an idea that would take the classic chocolate chip cookie on a delightful international journey. This recipe melds the comforting flavors of chocolate and butter with the exotic warmth of cardamom and a hint of sea salt, creating a cookie that’s both familiar and wonderfully unique.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Begin your adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will create the perfect base for your cookies, ensuring they’re soft and chewy.
Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. These ingredients will enhance the sweetness and provide a rich flavor.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. The cardamom will infuse your cookies with a subtle, aromatic warmth that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Every bite should be decadent and chocolatey!
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading.
Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This contrast of sweet and salty will elevate your cookies to a whole new level.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These Exotic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cardamom and Sea Salt are perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea. The spicy warmth of cardamom, combined with the rich chocolate and a hint of sea salt, will transport you to a bustling market in Marrakech with every bite. Enjoy your culinary journey!