Chocolate-Dipped Cookies and Confections

For a creative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day - as well as enjoy some homemade sweet treats - try out this fun and simple recipe that’s sure to please any chocolate lover! Terranea Resort’s Executive Pastry Chef Pierino Jermonti leads you through dipping and decorating crunchy chocolate peanut butter bites, chocolate-dipped chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate covered strawberries. Post photos of your own creations to social media and tag @TerraneaResort and #Terranea!
What You’ll Make:
• Crunchy chocolate peanut butter bites
• Chocolate-dipped cookies
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries
What You’ll Need:
• 18 chocolate chip cookies - suggested recipe included, but your favorite cookie will do!
• 6 large-stemmed strawberries, washed and dried thoroughly
• 1 small jar of spreadable smooth or crunchy peanut butter
Decorating ingredients:
• 24 ounces of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, for cocoa chocolate crumble
• 4 ounces of dark chocolate chip or chunks, for melted chocolate
• 6 ounces of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 ounces of cocoa nibs
• Your choice of colorful sprinkles in a small bowl
How You’ll Prepare:
Crunchy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Take 9 pre-made cookies, break into small pieces, and place in a food processor.
Pulse on low setting to create a crumble. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter in order to create a hard paste once combined.
Scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it with your hands, to form a perfect round ball.
Place on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper, and place it in the freezer or refrigerator to firm, roughly 10 minutes in the freezer. Leave in until ready to use and move on to the melted chocolate decorating.
Cocoa Chocolate Crumble
Combine in food processor the cocoa powder, 4 ounces of chocolate chips or chunks, and cocoa nibs (optional).
Blend to a fine ground consistency. Do not over blend or chocolate will melt. Set mixture aside in a bowl.
Melted Chocolate
Pour 24 ounces of the chocolate chips or chucks in a bowl over a double boiler. Stir occasionally at medium heat to melt.
Once the chocolate is melted, remove double boiler from heat. Do not touch the bottom pot as it will be hot!
How You’ll Decorate:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place your chocolate peanut butter balls, bowl of melted chocolate, and cocoa chocolate crumble nearby.
For bites: Using a small fork or skewer, dip chocolate peanut butter crunch balls in melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into bowl. After, roll the ball in the cocoa chocolate crumble. Place on lined baking sheet.
For cookies: Dip chocolate chip cookies in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into bowl. After, dip cookies into the sprinkles. Place on lined baking sheet.
For strawberries: Holding strawberry by the stem, dip in the melted chocolate, covering about ¾ of the fruit, and letting excess drip back into bowl. After, dip into the sprinkles or cocoa chocolate crumble. Place on lined baking sheet.
Wishing you a sweet Valentine’s Day celebration - Enjoy!