Mocha Walnut Cookies

Chocolate is quite a pick-me-up, is it not?

If you have any doubts about the day-boosting power of chocolate, try adding coffee. Now that will perk you up!

We weren't sure how these cookies would turn out, so we only made half the recipe... that was our only mistake. These little guys were decadent. Seriously. Starbucks should sell them - not as huge monster cookies, but as dainty little bites to pair with coffee (like those cute mini vanilla scones they have).

Recipe (from AllRecipes):

2 cups chocolate chips

2 tablespoons instant coffee powder

2 teaspoons boiling water

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• Melt a 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips (over hot water on the stove, or in the microwave on a very low setting), stir until smooth, and let it cool to room temperature.
• Dissolve the instant coffee in the water, and set aside.
• Combine in butter, sugars, and coffee. Add egg and chocolate. Mix well.
• Add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt). Note: it's a good idea to stir them together first, but we confess that we're lazy and we always skip this step.
• Stir in the remaining chocolate chips, along with the walnuts.
• Form dough into small balls (we made them about the size of a quarter), and place on cookie sheets.
• Bake at 350 F for 10 - 12 minutes.

Be forewarned: the coffee taste is powerful... they are very rich!