Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies
If there’s a cookie that could live up to its name, Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies might be it, especially for salted dark chocolate cookie lovers.
If there’s a cookie that could live up to its name, Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies might be it, especially for salted dark chocolate cookie lovers.
Comfort in a Cookie
I took a step back this week. Certain things needed my attention – namely family. And friends. My focus each morning has been to bring the true spirit of Christmas to everything I do. I don’t want this season to whiz by with any regrets, or simply, not feeling as though Christmas ever happened at all.
This morning, after a whirlwind drive to LA and back to celebrate the life and sudden passing of one of my favorite uncles, I am allowing myself some time to linger in my robe. Sitting here in my pajamas makes me feel as though I can still feel the hugs of my brother, sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
During times like these, you can find comfort in the little things – the most important things – and it makes you appreciate the holidays even more.
All I want right now is to bake and nourish, and if it is possible to find comfort in a cookie, then I do believe it.
Cookie Exchange
I found comfort among friends last weekend, when we stayed in from the pouring rain, for our annual holiday brunch. The potluck dishes we bring are a highlight, but it’s the cookie exchange that steals the show.
Each year we bring cookies to share – some are old favorites, and some are new experiments. I was feeling the pull of a salted dark chocolate, and quite honestly, was persuaded by a name.
World Peace Cookies
You may have already heard of Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies – they’ve been featured all over the internet, and in her latest book, Dorie’s Cookies (affiliate link), but even if it weren’t, the promise of world peace was too alluring to pass up. Does the cookie live up to the hype… to its name?
I’m happy to tell you that it most certainly does. As far as cookies go, it’s an odd mix of textures, techniques, and familiar flavors. You’ve got a salted dark chocolate chip cookie living in a shortbread dough, one that Dorie herself claims can be finicky to mold, but will eventually and consistently succumb to your hand.
It is tender and flakey, dark and chocolatey, and with a hint of sea salt, never overbearing. I made several batches. I made some to share at our cookie exchange, and I am keeping a few logs in the freezer for more gatherings with family over Christmas. Or for that unexpected need for a cookie hug.
You just never know when you might need one.
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Love the World Peace Cookie? Try More Holiday Cookie Recipes!
Alfajores
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate Butterscotch Cookie Brittle
Nutella Berry Filled Waffle Cookies (Pizzelle)
Lemon Spritz Cookies
Coconut Cookies
Cranberry Curd and Hazelnut Shortbread Bars
Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 11 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) cut into chunks, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate chopped
Instructions
Mix Dough
- In a small bowl, sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer using the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is soft and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl, add the salt and vanilla, and mix until blended.
- Turn off the mixer, then add the flour mixture all at once, mixing first at low speed. As the dough starts to come together, beat the dough on medium-low speed until the dough forms chunky pieces.
- Add the chopped chocolate and mix to incorporate. The dough is usually crumbly and sandy — do not worry, it will come together as you work the dough!
Work the Dough and Chill
- Turn the dough out onto a work surface (I like using a silicone mat. If you don’t have one, don’t worry!). Use your hands to gather the dough together, don’t be afraid to work it, even if crumbly, it will eventually come together.
- Divide in half and continue to work one half of the dough, pressing and rolling, forming it into a log 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Repeat with the other half of the dough.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Bake the Cookies
- To prepare the cookies for baking, preheat the oven to 325°F with a rack placed in the center. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Work with one log of dough at a time, keeping the other log chilled. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/2-inch rounds. If you’re working with frozen dough, allow the dough to soften a bit.
- Place the sliced rounds onto the baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven. The cookies will still be soft, but they will change in texture as you let them rest for a few minutes on the tray.
- After about 4-5 minutes, gently transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. The cookies are especially good while warm, but if you can resist the temptation, they’re also wonderful when completely cool.
- Repeat the process, baking the remaining dough. Once the cookies are cool, store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
This recipe was so easy, and really delicious! It reminds me of a chocolate version of “Ice Box Cookies” that my Great Grandmother used to make. I love having a roll of cookie dough in the freezer that is easy to slice and bake – while still being 100% homemade!
I forgot my biggest tip! Knead 1/2 the cookie dough in a separate bowl to get it to form together BEFORE you put it onto your work surface. It keeps all of the little crumbs contained and helps to minimize the mess.
World peace cookie recipe
I’ve tried to make these cookies twice now and I can’t figure it out. I can barely role the dough into logs because the dough is so crumbly. Then they crumble when I cut them apart. What’s the secrets to get nice uniform rounds?
Hi Kory, Dorie Greenspan herself claims that this cookie dough can be finicky, so I understand where you are coming from. I have found that I really have to manhandle the dough — as you keep working the dough into a log form, the heat from your hands eventually helps to bring it all together. A few crumbs when slicing the rounds are normal, just press it back in place. I hope this helps!
I must try these cookies, they sound fabulous! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, and Happy New Year! :) xo
Happy New Year, Laura! Yes, you must add these cookies to your list to try! I know you’ll love them.
Liren – so WONDERFUL to see you and the girls for our annual potluck and cookie exchange. I agree there was a comfort to the gathering and it was so much fun. Your cookies were rich, tasty and memorable. Thank you for sharing the recipe! Happy Holidays to you and your family!!! CHEERS!
Lisa, the coziness was because of all you wonderful friends, and also because you are the perfect hostess! Thank you for welcoming us into your cozy, festive home and making it so special. And I know that my family looks forward to your cookies as much I do. I look forward to our gatherings every year :) Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!! xo