If I’m honest, the last few weeks have not been the best for me. Just the stuff of life. With a dash of frustration. A pinch of missed opportunity. And a cup and a half of failure.
No biggie.
But one of the major benefits of growing longer in the tooth is that you learn to self-soothe. Don’t you think?
So when I found myself on the couch at the end of last week, surrounded by no less than 3 empty cartons of Ben & Jerry’s Greek Frozen Yogurt, listening to the dulcet tones of Hanson, and weeping over a particularly emotional commercial for Tillamook cheese, I saw the writing on the wall. It was time to kick the self-soothe machine into high gear.
I hit the gym for some Sweat Therapy. I hit the stores for some Retail Therapy. I hit the business end of my remote control for some Reality Therapy. And, of course, I hit the kitchen for some Calorie Counseling.
You know, the usual recipe for feeling better in no time.
But what’s this?
What to do when all the usual suspects aren’t answering with the warm wash of comfort?
Peanut butter, pizza, impulse shoe shopping and Say Yes To The Dress don’t fail me now!
So I made like Darwin and evolved.
I had to!
There will be no natural selection in this dojo.
These cookies were the very first step in my new routine for turning frowns upside downs.
I like them because they’re made with ground chipotle chiles. And chocolate. And they’re good. And they’re just unusual enough to trick your brain into thinking a little differently about things.
So here’s what I think we’ve learned today:
1. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
2. Don’t watch commercials for Tillamook cheese when you’re sad.
3. Do consider a batch of Chipotle Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
And with that, today’s lesson is concluded. You’ve earned an A+. And a cookie.
Chipotle Chocolate Chunk Cookies
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c. white sugar, granulated
2 large eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder, unsweetened
2 tsp. chipotle chile, ground
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. instant espresso powder
1/2 tsp. salt
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a large bowl cream sugar and butter together. Add eggs and beat until just incorporated.
In a medium bowl sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, salt and ground chiles. Gradually beat dry ingredients into creamed mixture, beating just until dough is uniform and smooth. Fold in chopped chocolate.
Pull off tablespoon-sized chunks of dough and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies spread when they bake so I would recommend baking no more than 8 at a time on a standard-sized baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool or serve immediately for melty, gooey cookies.
YIELD: approximately 26-28 cookies
Great combination! Hope you’re feeling a bit better with your retail therapy and a few of these delicious cookies. You take what you can and just roll with it. Best way of dealing for sure!
Wow, that must have been a hell of a cheese commercial!
I approve of your methods of self-soothing although mine would probably have included a cocktail. 
How could I have forgotten? Yes, a cerveza or two may have been involved…
duuude..i tear up during all kinds of commercials. cookies always help. and these ones look optimus prime.
Yes. For days that are just a little bit megatron.
Oh girl, I hope things get better soon! Chocolate is always a great way to self-soothe! As is garbage tv and shopping!
These cookies look fantastic. Love the chipotle chile in there too!
Luscious!. The chipotle and the espresso is quite a combination in a chocolate cookie. So sorry life’s been rocky lately. I know the feeling. Don’t think I’ve seen that cheese commercial, though,
Hanson is the music for all moods. Happy or sad (especially sad) they make everything better! I’m glad someone else appreciates the healing powers of Middle of Nowhere and cookies as much as I do
Mmmmbop, my friend. Mmmmbop.
Aw, spice and chocolate are very good soothers. Hope you feel better!
What an interesting recipe!
I hope things are starting to look up- I can totally see how these shake up regular thought-trains… or, erm, trains OF thought(?). Chipotle and chocolate are some of my favourite things, together= total flavour decadence. Thanks for an awesome recipe.
Aw. We’ve all been there, only the difference between you and I is that your calorie counseling comes in the form of amazingly creative cookies and mine comes in the form of store-bought cupcakes with more frosting than cake
I love chipotle, and I love chocolate, so why not combine the two? They look amazing.
If I were there, I’d give you a hug. Hug therapy can work wonders! And these cookies are on my “Must Try” list!
Oh I know that feeling all too well and sometimes nothing helps as much as a cookie does. Especially one filled with chocolate and spice.
Like to say I look forward to your postings, the food, the pictures, the text…. they are all good. Thank you, Ax
aw i hope things get better soon! (or that you at least have lots of cookies to cheer you up in the meantime)
We just spent four and a half years in the land of a dash of frustration, a pinch of missed opportunity, and a cup and a half of failure. It feels so good to come out the other side. I think for us, these cookies will be a celebration treat. I hope you come out soon as well.
Whoa. This sounds insanely delicious! Love that chipoltle in there!
these sound and look amazing….so much chocolate! love that.
and I am so sorry about your life’s struggles of late…that opening paragraph says it all. So sorry.