March Cookie of the Month: Short & Stout
March is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in a cookie inspired by one of the month's most iconic beverages—Guinness stout! Meet Short & Stout, our March Cookie of the Month, a rich and chewy chocolate cookie that pays homage to the creamy, malty goodness of a perfectly poured pint.
The Story Behind Short & Stout
This cookie has a special place in my heart. It was one of the first recipes I developed when *Top Shelf Cookies* was still just a dream. In those early days, the dough was sticky, and the cookies spread too much in the oven. But I kept tweaking until I created the cookie I had envisioned—a chocolatey treat with just the right balance of stout flavor and sweetness.
When it came time to name this creation, I turned to my friends on Facebook for inspiration. Someone suggested "Short & Stout," and it was perfect. As a thank-you, I sent them a batch of cookies, and the name stuck. Now, it's one of our most beloved seasonal offerings.
How We Make It
The magic of Short & Stout begins with a combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar creamed together until smooth. Next, we add cage-free eggs and a generous pour of Guinness stout. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dough its signature richness.
Then comes our unique cocoa blend—black cocoa, Dutch-processed cocoa, and natural cocoa—which blooms beautifully in the dough, creating layers of deep chocolate flavor. To this, we add King Arthur Flour (our go-to for its quality), baking powder, baking soda, and a touch of kosher salt to balance the sweetness.
Finally, we fold in white chocolate chips to mimic the creamy head on a pint of Guinness. Each cookie is hand-scooped and baked to perfection—chewy on the inside with just enough crispness on the edges.
Why You'll Love It
Short & Stout is more than just a cookie; it’s an experience. The subtle bitterness of stout enhances the chocolate flavors while the white chocolate chips provide a creamy sweetness that ties it all together. It's like enjoying dessert and your favorite pint in one bite!
Celebrate March with Short & Stout
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply welcoming spring, Short & Stout is the perfect treat to elevate your month. Pair it with a cup of coffee or even a pint of Guinness for an indulgent experience you won’t forget.
Don’t miss out—this limited-edition cookie is only available during March. Stop by Top Shelf Cookies or order online to enjoy this seasonal favorite while it lasts!