Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin cookies have become a staple in my life. I have tried to share these cookies with all of my nearest and dearest friends, as they were shared with me. These cookies may be simple, but they are as much of a comfort to me as the company of a good friend.
My friend Natasha shared this recipe with me years ago. Whenever either of us makes it, we make it a point to share these cookies with each other. We may not see each other often, but when we do we try to make the most of it. Once, after not seeing each other for months, the moment we met face-to-face she thrust a bag of these cookies in my hands. I've been saving these cookies for you in my freezer, she said. Do you know how hard it was not to eat these for two months?
I made a batch of these cookies for a snowboarding trip with my physics friends. I thought they would make a good treat after a day on the slopes. So I loaded up my car with cookies and people and off we went. Twenty minutes in, I managed to flip and total my car on the icy roads. After everyone was confirmed in good health (though shaken) and the panic subsided, the next immediate question became ARE THE COOKIES OKAY?
These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, moist, and cake-like. The pumpkin provides a mild base while the chocolate really makes this cookie pop. If you are looking for a crunchy cookie, this isn't it. These cookies are so delicious straight out of the freezer (which can be oh so dangerous if you are saving them for a later date). These cookies bring back memories of fall and friendship for me. Go make your own memories with these cookies.

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Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies

I made these cookies as a going away present for my sister. She loves coffee, she loves shortbread, and she recently headed off to college as a first time freshman. As she seemed a bit nervous about making new friends (although she would never admit this), I thought cookies would be the perfect gift. She could lure new and exciting people into her life by bribing them in with baked goods. What better conversation starter is there than ”Hey, would you like a delicious cookie?” I thought this was ingenious. I thought I was oh so clever. Of course my plan backfired on me faster than you could say “milk and cookies.”

As my sister later informed me, she was able to bribe off one (only one?) cookie. What self respecting college students turn down free food? Much less free cookies?! Ohh, freshmen. They have got a lot to learn…

So now, as my sister eats them all by herself, she mourned that she is one step closer to gaining that freshman fifteen.

Although seemingly snubbed by college freshman everywhere, these cookies are a fantastic representation of taking a basic shortbread recipe to the next level. These cookies still have that classic sandy texture shortbread is known for, but the espresso flavor is so distinct it redefines the entire cookie. The bittersweet chocolate points these cookies closer to a mocha flavor. I never had the chance to dip one of these in a hot cup of coffee, but I only have reason to believe it would be fantastic.

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Chocolate Chip Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

It was four years ago. It was a potluck picnic in a park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I spotted these cookies, these beautiful cookies, in a small, decorative tin on a table covered in layers upon layers of food. However, as far as I was concerned, the table might as well have been completely empty because I simply could not take my eyes off of these divine specimens. It was love at first sight. And then, shortly thereafter, love at first bite.
For four years, these cookies and I had an infrequent affair. On rare occasions, we would meet and I would devour this dear cookie whole, savoring each and every bite. Twice. Thrice. Once is never enough. Finally, after much exaltation, begging, and pleading (only once on hand and knee), this recipe was released unto me. And so, dear readers, I shall release it unto you, so you, too, can embark on the love affair of a lifetime.
This cookie has heft. It has volume. It demands your full, unwavering attention. This cookie is also sugar-free. There is not even a sugar substitute present. The sugar comes solely from the chocolate chips and raisins. 'What?' You may ask. 'A sugar-free cookie? You fell in love with a sugar-free cookie?' Yes, I did. And you will too. The sugar is not missed. You will not realize it is gone. In that fact is where the true beauty of this cookie lies. Your relationship with Mr. Sugar-free will always be much healthier (and tastier) than with any other second-rate cookie that catches your eye.

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