Deux.

It is quite difficile for me to think of anything that beats the crunch and taste of an Oreo straight from the blue re-sealable package. As much as I love my gourmet, lavender infused macaroons and freshly baked scones, an Oreo always hits the spot for me. So why you might ask, have I never dared to make homemade Oreos? I am now asking myself the same question. If I would have known how incredible these little things would be, I would have tried these years ago.

The recipe is a two-parter..the heavenly, chocolaty dough being part 1 and the famous "Oreo Cream" as part 2. Both steps are straight forward and not too time consuming.

Once the dough is made, it get's rolled up in "press and seal" and refrigerated for a few hours. After that, cut, bake, and voila! 

The frosting is super easy to whip up and you just dollop it on one cookie and sandwich another on top. Easy Peasy. The cookies are crisp and rich, the perfect balance. They were a big hit with my friends and family. I will definitely be making these again! 

mmmm mmm mmm

Here is the recipe for these delicious treats! Enjoy! 

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

vanilla cream filling-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until well combined.  Whisk in vanilla and chocolate chips.  Add the egg and whisk until thoroughly incorporated.
2. In another medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until well mixed.  Using a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture.  The dough will have the consistency of Play-Doh.  Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to firm up.
3. Transfer the dough in a 15-inch square sheet of parchment or waxed paper.  Using your hands, shape the dough into a rough log about 10 inches long and 2 1/2 inches in diameter.  Place the log at the edge of the sheet of parchment paper, and roll the parchment around the log.  With the log fully encased in parchment, roll it into a smoother log, keeping it at 2 1/2 inches in diameter.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.  The log may settle and sink a bit in the fridge, so reroll it every 30 minutes or so.  (At this point the dough can be well wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month.)
4. Preheat the oven to 325° and butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
5. Cut the dough log into 1/4 inch thick slices.  Place the slices 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch.  Check them frequently after 16-17 minutes by poking them in the middle.  Let cool on the baking sheet until barely warm or right at room temperature. 
7. While the cookies are cooling, make the filling by beating the butter on low speed for 30 seconds in the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) fitted with the paddle attachment.  Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar and beat until smooth.  Add milk and salt and again beat until smooth.
8. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto the bottom of one cookie.  Top with a second cookie, bottom-side down, then press the cookies together to spread the filling toward the edges.  Repeat until all of the cookies are filled.

Au Revoir,

-Ali