Mocha Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• Cookie Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (may substitute non-dairy butter), at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 large eggs (may use egg replacer)
• 11 oz (2 1/4 cups) chopped chocolate, about 1/3-inch pieces
• Frosting:
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (may substitute non-dairy butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Optional garnish:
• pearl sugar

Directions:

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt; set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugars in a large bowl until smooth. Add vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time, until blended. On low speed, slowly add flour mixture and beat until incorporated. With a spatula, fold in chocolate chunks.
4. Drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto lined baking sheet. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. To make frosting, combine cocoa, coffee, melted butter, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. (Optional: sift the powdered sugar before adding it.)
6. Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Or transfer frosting to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Cut 1/8 inch off at the tip, and pipe the frosting starting in the center of each cookie. Garnish with pearl sugar.