Easy Fair Trade Double Chocolate Cookies: A Chewy Recipe That Makes a Difference
There’s an undeniable comfort in a warm, chewy cookie, especially one laden with rich chocolate. But what if that indulgence could also be a statement, a gesture of support, and a celebration of ethical practices? Welcome to the world of easy Fair Trade double chocolate cookies – a recipe designed not just to tantalize your taste buds, but also to bring a deeper meaning to your baking. Imagine biting into a cookie with perfectly crisp edges and a soft, yielding center, knowing that every ingredient has a story of fairness and empowerment behind it. This isn't just a treat; it's a small act of kindness baked into every crumb.
Every year, particularly around special occasions like Mother’s Day, the Fair Trade movement shines a spotlight on the incredible women behind the products we love. Their "FairHer" initiatives aim to share these vital stories, connecting consumers directly to the lives positively impacted by their purchasing choices. This year, we invite you to join this celebration of women and ethical sourcing by baking a batch of these extraordinary Fair Trade double chocolate cookies. It’s a delicious way to participate in a movement that champions justice and sustainability, making every bite count for a better world.
The Heart of the Matter: Why Choose Fair Trade?
Baking is often an act of love – for family, friends, or even oneself. When you choose Fair Trade ingredients, that love extends far beyond your kitchen. Fair Trade is a global movement that ensures farmers and workers in developing countries receive fair prices for their products, allowing them to invest in their communities, support their families, and achieve greater economic independence. It’s about more than just a fair wage; it’s about safe working conditions, environmental protection, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
Consider the cocoa farmers, sugar cane growers, and vanilla bean harvesters, many of whom are women, working tirelessly to provide the foundational ingredients for your favorite baked goods. By opting for Fair Trade chocolate, sugar, and other components, you’re directly contributing to their well-being and empowering them to build brighter futures. This alignment of delicious indulgence with social responsibility is truly what makes these
Bake for Good: Fair Trade Cookies & Women's Stories so special. You're not just making cookies; you're participating in a cycle of positive change, ensuring that the hands that grow and process our food are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Crafting Perfection: Your Easy Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies Recipe
One of the greatest joys of this recipe is its sheer simplicity combined with its spectacular results. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve these wonderfully chewy double chocolate cookies. The batter comes together quickly, without requiring any complex techniques, yet the outcome is always a batch of irresistible treats with those sought-after crisp edges and a gloriously soft, gooey center. The secret, beyond the straightforward method, lies in the quality and ethical sourcing of your ingredients – making every element a part of the "double chocolate cookies fair trade giveaway" spirit.
Ingredients for Ethical Indulgence:
To truly embrace the Fair Trade ethos, aim to source as many of these ingredients as possible from certified Fair Trade suppliers. Your local supermarket or specialty grocery store will likely carry Fair Trade chocolate, sugar, and sometimes even vanilla.
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115g (1/2 cup) Fair Trade Butter, softened
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115g (1/2 cup) Fair Trade Light Brown Sugar (this is key for chewiness!)
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1 large Egg, preferably free-range
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1 teaspoon Fair Trade Vanilla Essence (or extract)
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150g (1 1/4 cups) Self-Raising Flour (or plain flour with 1.5 tsp baking powder)
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75g (3/4 cup) Porridge Oats (adds a lovely texture and chew)
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115g (about 3/4 cup) Fair Trade Plain or Milk Chocolate, roughly chopped
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115g (about 3/4 cup) Fair Trade White Chocolate, roughly chopped
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and ethically conscious cookies:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease two large baking sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Chocolate Prep: For varied textures, roughly chop your Fair Trade chocolate. You can do this by hand for rustic chunks or, for a quicker method, break the chocolate into large pieces and pulse it a few times in a food processor. This creates lovely uneven shards that melt beautifully.
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Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, egg, and vanilla essence. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined and creamy. If you're creaming by hand, ensure the butter and sugar are thoroughly blended before adding the egg and vanilla.
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Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the self-raising flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
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Add Oats & Chocolate: Now, gently fold in the porridge oats and the chopped Fair Trade plain/milk and white chocolates. You'll notice the mixture becoming quite dense and "rocky" – this is exactly what you want!
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Portion & Space: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, place spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets. Remember to leave ample space between each cookie – at least 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) – as they will spread significantly during baking. For perfectly round cookies, you can briefly chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. This slight underbaking is crucial for achieving that delightful chewy interior.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the trays for about 5 minutes. They will be very soft at this stage and might stick if moved too soon. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up, becoming wonderfully crisp on the outside and retaining their signature chewiness within.
The Secret to Irresistible Chocolate: Quality Matters
The magic of double chocolate cookies truly hinges on the quality of your chocolate. Choosing Fair Trade chocolate isn't just an ethical decision; it's a flavor enhancer. Brands like Camino, for instance, offer high-quality, organic, and Fair Trade chocolate chips, such as their 55% Chocolate Chips, which are specifically designed for baking. These chips melt beautifully, offering a deep cocoa taste with just the right touch of sweetness that elevates the entire cookie experience. You can read more about how important this choice is in our article on
Fairtrade Chocolate Chips: The Secret to Perfect Cookies.
Don't underestimate the impact of using roughly chopped chocolate from a bar versus standard chocolate chips. While chips are convenient, breaking down a quality Fair Trade chocolate bar into uneven pieces creates pockets of intensely gooey, melted chocolate throughout the cookie, offering a more luxurious and varied texture in every bite. This combination of superior ingredients and thoughtful preparation ensures your easy Fair Trade double chocolate cookies are not just good, but truly exceptional. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven can dramatically enhance the chocolate flavor.
Beyond the Bake: Sharing & Storing Your Delights
These Fair Trade double chocolate cookies are perfect for sharing. Package them up as a thoughtful gift, bring them to a potluck, or simply share them with loved ones over a cup of coffee. Knowing the ethical journey of the ingredients adds an extra layer of appreciation to every shared moment.
To store your cookies, once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature, or warm gently in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel. You can also vary the recipe by adding a handful of chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon, or even a different type of Fair Trade chocolate for new flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Baking these easy Fair Trade double chocolate cookies is more than just following a recipe; it's an experience that connects you to a global community. Each chewy bite is a testament to the power of ethical choices, supporting women producers and sustainable practices around the world. So, preheat your oven, gather your Fair Trade ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure that promises not only delicious results but also a meaningful contribution to a fairer world. These cookies are a sweet reminder that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness – like choosing Fair Trade – can make the biggest difference. Enjoy the warmth, the chewiness, and the knowledge that your delightful treat helps create a better future, one cookie at a time.
