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Checkerboard Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

Checkerboard Cookies are a delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate dough arranged in a striking checkerboard pattern. These classic cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for gifting or sharing during festive occasions. With a simple mixing, chilling, and baking process, these treats impress both in appearance and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/4 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Additional

  • 1/4 cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg and egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the pure vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined to form the dough.
  5. Divide and Flavor Dough: Transfer half of the dough onto a work surface. To the remaining dough in the bowl, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and beat gently until evenly blended.
  6. Shape Dough into Rectangles: Shape each half of the dough (vanilla and chocolate) into rectangles approximately 2 inches tall and wide, and about 5 inches long. Ensure both rectangles are as similar in size and shape as possible. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
  7. Cut Dough into Strips: Remove dough from fridge and cut each rectangle into thirds lengthwise, then cut each resulting piece into thirds lengthwise again, yielding 9 long strips from each block. Trim any rounded edges to have perfect straight squares.
  8. Assemble Checkerboard Pattern: On a work surface, place one strip of vanilla dough, then a chocolate strip, then another vanilla strip side by side. Stack a second row on top with chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate strips. Complete with a third row of vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla strips. Repeat the process starting with chocolate strips to form a second block. Wrap both blocks in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
  9. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  10. Slice and Bake: Remove the dough blocks from the fridge and cut into 1/3-inch thick squares. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets with a little space between each.
  11. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges just start to turn golden and the centers feel set but still tender.
  12. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving.
  13. Make Ahead and Storage: These cookies can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the dough rectangles are as similar in size as possible to achieve the best checkerboard effect.
  • For sharper edges when cutting, chill the dough blocks well before slicing.
  • If desired, you can dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for added presentation.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Keywords: checkerboard cookies, vanilla chocolate cookies, butter cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/checkerboard-cookies-recipe/