Erica’s cookies were a perfect addition to our Concert on the Beach dessert menu!
Each summer there are several traditions that we look forward to, and the summer isn’t complete unless we’ve participated in these traditions.
One such tradition is the annual Concert on the Beach: an ocean-side philharmonic orchestra concert. Part of the lure of this event, other than the stunning scenery and amazing musical performance, is the fact that it’s been taking place for almost 40 years and of those almost 40 years I’ve been to almost all of them, and my children have never missed one in their lives yet. When we lived out of state, we traveled home for this concert, it means that much to us.
Another lure of this event is the fact that we attend the concert (which is free) with a lot of our family and friends. It’s hugely attended by thousands of people and you bump into people all night long. “Everyone” goes to the Concert on the Beach.
Each summer as the date of the concert gets closer, we begin to plan our menu. Everyone brings a little something until we have compiled a huge potluck dinner spread which we’ll eat on the beach. As the sun sets and the moon appears, we transition from dinner to dessert, and each year I am “on” for bringing a dessert, as it’s my favorite part of the meal. Each year I try to think of something special, something unique, and something new to try out as my dessert contribution for the concert.
This year I had come across a recipe from the blog, “Erica’s Sweet Tooth,” a recipe for Peanut Butter Nutella Swirl Cookies.
Really, Peanut Butter and Nutella in a cookie?? What’s not to love? I decided to give these cookies a try for the concert. And, having faith in a good ingredient combination, I doubled the recipe. I’m so glad I did! These cookies were awesome!! I am putting Erica’s recipe below, just as she has it on her blog. You can see my cookies pictured above. They look amazing right??
I did substitute I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter for the unsalted butter, but otherwise my ingredients were the same as she has them here.
Our view of the sunset and Super Moon from our seats in the sand as we watched the Concert on the Beach this year.
PEANUT BUTTER NUTELLA SWIRL COOKIES FROM ERICA’S SWEET TOOTH
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup Nutella
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the egg and vanilla and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. With mixer on low, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
Microwave Nutella for 20 seconds and then drizzle over the dough. Fold in Nutella with a spatula until well-distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes and then roll small balls by hand.
Place about an inch apart on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and use a fork to press down the balls slightly.
Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 2 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
The view of the audience behind us. People listening and enjoying as far as the eye can see, in all directions.
The Whole bag of Chips 
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