In the Kitchen

I've spent the past few afternoons doing some baking and decorating, because I'm hoping that I won't have quite as much free time in the near future. As soon as I know for sure, I'll definitely let you know what is going on.

Here was yesterday's project:

 Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies--YUM!

Here's the recipe for you to enjoy!

Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1-1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup Nutella
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Mix together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and set aside.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in Nutella and vanilla extract. Add in egg and mix until combined.
3. Add flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. *Optional step: Chill dough for 1/2-1 hour. (It can make a big difference in the cookies)
5. Drop tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until the edges look set. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then carefully remove to cooling racks.

I didn't think that the cookies looked done after 10 minutes, so I left them in a little bit longer. They definitely got a little bit crispier than I prefer, but Brad didn't seem to mind. :)

This afternoon I started prepping goodies for this weekend's activities. I made this homemade icing, which will go on top of dark chocolate cupcakes.

Cappuccino Icing

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3-4 Tbs. strong brewed coffee, cooled

Directions: 

1.  With an electric mixer, beat the butter till smooth. 
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 Tbs. coffee.  
3. Mix again until well blended.  
4. Gradually add more coffee, by the teaspoon until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

So easy! Enjoy!

Blessings,
Nikki