By Marsha Adibah
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri has almost always been about traditional cookies like kuih bangkit and cornflake cookies, but how about trying something new this year?
Here I would like to share about the bake-well chocolate Nutella pods. Those fans of Nutella should try this out for the greatest satisfaction. It is one of life’s simplest but most delicious pleasures. Often served with an equally aromatic cup of coffee or tea it is full of sweetness in every bite that sparks the feeling of joy.
Add a creative spin to your Raya baking with these newfangled recipe below:
Servings: Make 24 cookie bites
Ingredients
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of Nutella choc (plus more for topping if you prefer)
1/2 cup of light brown sugar (you may use regular sugar also)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
1 cup of dark chocolate chips (you may use any kind of chocolate chips)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, Nutella choc, sugar, and beat on medium-high speed until creamed, then add eggs and vanilla and beat until it’s all incorporated.
3. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt, and beat on low speed until just combined.
4. Add the dark chocolate chips, and beat on low speed until just combined.
5. Using a 2-inch ice cream scoop, or your hands, form approximately 24 equal-sized mounds of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly and put the dough into the muffin tins.
6. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until edges are set and tops are golden brown. Don’t over bake! The cookies will rise in the oven and fall as they cool.
7. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 t0 10 minutes before removing them from the muffin tins. It is best eaten warm! They are great as it is or if you prefer you can add a dollop of some more Nutella choc on top.
8. Congratulations. I hope you bake well.
On top of the recipe, since there are a few more days left before Ramadan ends, I would like to share my Ramadan reminder of a quote from Mufti Menk’s advice: “Live each moment of Ramadan to the fullest. Our lives are short, this blessed Ramadan is even shorter. Connect with the Almighty in all ways.”
As we enjoy every sweetness in life, why do we still hold bitterness and hatred towards one another. Let’s use these remaining days of forgiveness during Ramadan to open our heart to those who have wronged us and forgive them as we beg Allah for forgiveness. Allahumma bariklana fi syahri Ramadhan. Aamin***