Transition into Fall Baking

Fall baking is my favorite time of the season. Whether it’s the plethora of pumpkin flowing in the grocery store aisles, or the weekend adventures to orchards to whip up an apple treat, fall baking is just the best. Truth be told, I sort of loathe baking in the summer, because my apartment gets way too hot. But in the fall, it’s just the right amount of warmth to mix in the window breeze. Although Chicago’s weather has not transitioned over to fall weather (no complaints here), I started crafting recipes that would aide the changeover from summer baking to fall baking.

It begins with these salted brownie cookies.

If you’re an avid follower of Gilly’s you will know that I absolutely love two desserts: chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Out of all the treats I can skillfully craft, I stick with the classics. Last week, I whipped up brownies and so it seemed natural that the cookie craving would approach. It was Sunday and I was deeply involved with Season 3 of Breaking Bad. Upon the cliffhangers and me screaming at the television, I wanted some chocolate. Researching recipes, I wanted a circular shaped dessert that was easy to bake. I will say some of this craving was inspired from Cupcake Jemma's YouTube page. Brownie cookies equated to the perfect Sunday bake, and proved to be a fantastic recipe to transition into fall.

What makes these crownies (brownie + cookie) so good? They’re simple! You know exactly what they will taste like. The flavor is soft and fudgy, and the best part is they bake on the thinner side so you can have 7 without anyone noticing.

After research, I found the recipe from Jen's Favorite Cookies. All the ingredients needed are often found in anyone’s pantry. To begin using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and butter until smooth.

In the bowl of the stand mixer, mix the eggs and sugar. I used the method Cupcake Jemma mentioned in her YouTube video. Using the whisk attachment, mix the eggs and sugar on a medium speed for 5 minutes until it’s light and volume rises in size. Next add the melted chocolate and mix on a low speed.

Finally add the rest of the ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Mix on a low speed until incorporated. Since the mixture was watery, I placed my blend in the fridge for 30 minutes. I should mention that I excluded white chocolate chips because I did not have any.

After 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drop spoonfuls on the sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes and move to a wire-baking sheet. I topped my crownies with some sea salt and it was amazing.

Try out these treats and get ready for fall baking!

Brownie Cookies

recipe from Jen's Favorite Cookies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, cut into chunks
• 1 bag (10 - 12 oz.) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup + 2 T. sugar
• 2 T. cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ¾ cup flour
• ½ cup white chocolate chips 

Instructions:

1. Over a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
2. Meanwhile, mix together eggs, cocoa powder, and sugar, beating 3-4 minutes on high.
3. Add melted chocolate to egg mixture, and mix well.
4. Add vanilla, salt, and baking powder, and mix. Add flour and mix just until combined.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips.
6. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes.