“Black Magic” Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Activated charcoal was once the hot trend, with influencers using it to brush their teeth and even adding it to recipes. Its not only striking in appearance with its black hue, but activated charcoal also carries potential detoxifying effects on the body. And let's be real - using something meant for detoxifying poisons makes it the perfect spooky ingredient for Halloween! These cookies may be black in color, but they taste just like your classic chocolate chip cookies - chewy and delicious. The subtle grittiness from the charcoal is noticeable to some, but it's certainly not a deal breaker. You can also opt for black food coloring instead if you prefer. Let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Begin by beating the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Add in the egg, activated charcoal powder, vanilla extract, milk, kosher salt, and baking soda. Continue to beat the mixture until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour. Mix in with a spatula until the flour is almost fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips evenly into the dough, ensuring theyre distributed throughout.

Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up, resulting in better cookies.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Scoop or spoon just over 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between the cookies as they will spread while baking. Aim for 8 cookies per pan to ensure they bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes. The exact time will vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them. As a guide, the edges should be slightly crisp, and the center should still be chewy when cooled.

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Cook's Note

Since these cookies are black, it can be hard to gauge doneness by appearance alone. Like traditional chocolate chip cookies, once they've cooled, the edges should be crisp, while the center remains chewy. If you're unsure, use the texture as your guide - the outside edges should feel slightly firm, and the inside should be soft and flexible.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	161
Total Fat	8g (11% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	5g (26% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	21mg (7% Daily Value)
Sodium	94mg (4% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	21g (8% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	14g
Protein	2g (3% Daily Value)
Calcium	10mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron	1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium	49mg (1% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you're following a medically restrictive diet, please consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

Origin of the Black Magic Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Black Magic Chocolate Chip Cookies were crafted by Chef John, a popular culinary personality known for his creative spins on classic recipes. This particular variation incorporates activated charcoal, which gives the cookies their striking dark hue. Activated charcoal has been used in various culinary applications for some time, often in drinks, ice creams, and desserts, due to its detoxifying properties. While the recipes distinctive color and ingredient may seem modern, chocolate chip cookies themselves have been around since the 1930s, created by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Over time, chocolate chip cookies have become one of the most beloved American treats, and this Black Magic version adds a spooky twist to an age-old favorite.

Regional Variations

While the classic chocolate chip cookie is an American staple, regional variations of cookies can be found around the world. For instance, in the United Kingdom, variations of cookies similar to the American chocolate chip variety often include digestives or oat biscuits instead of chocolate chips. The Black Magic cookies are notably popular around Halloween, where their dark, eerie appearance makes them a perfect addition to any spooky-themed party or event. The use of activated charcoal in baking has gained traction in recent years, especially for creating eye-catching and unusual treats. In some regions, it is even considered a trendy ingredient for detox or health-conscious recipes.

How It Differs from Other Chocolate Chip Cookies

At first glance, the "Black Magic" chocolate chip cookie might look like a regular chocolate chip cookie, but the addition of activated charcoal gives it a unique twist. Traditional chocolate chip cookies are made with brown and white sugars, flour, butter, and chocolate chips. These cookies, however, include activated charcoal, which not only imparts a distinctive dark color but also contributes a slight grittiness to the texture. The charcoal, when used in small quantities, does not overpower the flavor but rather complements the rich sweetness of the chocolate chips. Additionally, the black color makes them stand out visually, which is why they are especially popular for Halloween treats. The Black Magic cookies stand out from their classic counterparts by being both visually striking and offering a subtle texture variation.

Where Are They Typically Served?

The Black Magic Chocolate Chip Cookies are often served at Halloween parties, where their spooky color and unique ingredient make them the perfect conversation starter. Their appearance is striking, making them an ideal choice for themed events, potlucks, or gatherings where guests expect something a little out of the ordinary. Aside from Halloween, they are also great for any occasion that calls for a fun, bold dessert. Because of their unexpected look and mildly gritty texture, they are sure to be a hit at any casual get-together or social event where you want to surprise and delight your friends.

Interesting Facts

• Activated charcoal is often used as a natural remedy for detoxification, though its effects on the body when consumed in small amounts, like in this recipe, are still debated.
• Despite the black color, these cookies taste just like regular chocolate chip cookies sweet, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness.
• The idea to use activated charcoal in baking came from the rising trend of "black" foods, which have been a novelty in modern food culture, especially in Instagram-friendly recipes.
• The cookies' grittiness is a result of the charcoal, which gives them a slight texture difference from classic chocolate chip cookies. This may not be noticeable to everyone, but some might find it intriguing.

FAQ about “Black Magic” Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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