Sweet & Savory Red Miso Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches

Sweet Surprises and Summer Styles: The Ultimate Cookie Sandwich Recipe

Ah, summer! That glorious season of sunshine, al fresco dining, and the perennial wardrobe dilemma. Specifically, let’s talk about shorts. It’s a topic that sparks much debate, much like whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me). But before we dive into the delicious world of cookies, let’s get a pressing fashion question out of the way. What’s the deal with shorts these days?

The Great Shorts Debate: A Modern Style Conundrum

No, I’m not talking about jorts – please, let’s banish that term and concept back to the fashion graveyard where it belongs. Seriously, who championed the combination of “jean” and “shorts” into such a universally questionable garment? Urban Dictionary, in its infinite wisdom, defines jorts as “hideous attire, usually sported by NASCAR aficionados and men over 40.” Often accessorized with a rather unfortunate cell phone belt clip and a braided leather belt, jorts are truly a statement – just not the one most of us aspire to make. They speak for themselves, and what they say is often, “I gave up.”

But let’s pivot from the sartorial nightmare of jorts to the broader category of summer shorts. Are they still a thing? I mean, proper khaki or jean shorts, not the athletic kind you wear to the gym. Do people genuinely wear them as a daily fashion choice anymore? It feels like Bermuda shorts had their moment in the sun around 2006, but even those seem to have faded into the annals of fashion history. I confess, I’m utterly bewildered. If it were up to fashion titans like Rachel Zoe and myself (one can dream!), we’d simply float through summer in elegant maxi dresses and call it a day, prioritizing comfort and effortless style.

My reason for pondering the “yay or nay” of shorts isn’t purely academic. (Whispers conspiratorially) Don’t tell anyone, but I recently purchased a pair of black gingham shorts from Uncle Nordies, and I’m desperately trying to discern if it was a stroke of genius or a colossal style misstep. Un-whispers.

This was no ordinary shopping trip; it marked the first time I’ve bought shorts in over five years. A terrifying feat, I assure you. My usual summer uniform leans heavily towards skirts, dresses, or even comfortable leggings. The candid reason? (Prepare for a not-so-shocking revelation) I simply dislike my thighs. There, I’ve said it. Phew. The sheer relief of that admission is palpable. It has been an eternity since I willingly put on a pair of shorts, and frankly, these gingham shorts were nothing short of life-changing. More importantly, they passed the crucial “sit-down test.” Ladies, you know exactly what I’m talking about – the one where you sit, and your shorts don’t become a twisted, unflattering mess, nor do they ride up to uncomfortable new heights. A true victory! Finding a pair that offers both style and genuine comfort feels like discovering a hidden treasure in the vast, often unforgiving, world of fashion. Perhaps tailored shorts, worn with confidence, are indeed making a comeback – or at least, finding a place in my personal style playbook.

From Fashion Faux Pas to Culinary Masterpiece: The Ultimate Cookie Sandwich

Oh goodness, all this introspective fashion talk, and I’ve completely forgotten my manners – and more importantly, the reason you probably clicked here in the first place: cookies! Where are my priorities? We can all agree that few things in life rival the comforting embrace of a classic, perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie. That golden-brown edge, the chewy center, and those pockets of melted chocolate – it’s pure bliss. In my humble opinion, it deserves its own dedicated food group, a staple in any happy household.

But what if we could elevate that timeless treat to something truly extraordinary? What if we could introduce an unexpected twist that transforms a beloved classic into an unforgettable culinary experience? Prepare yourselves, because these aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies. These are the canvases for a truly magical frosting, a secret weapon that will redefine your cookie expectations and send your taste buds on an exciting journey.

The Secret Ingredient: Red Miso Buttercream

The magic, dear readers, lies in the frosting. It might sound a little… unconventional, perhaps even “bonkers” to some, to incorporate miso – a traditional Japanese fermented soybean paste commonly found in savory Asian cuisine – into a sweet, sugary buttercream. But trust me, it’s a stroke of genius. The flavor combination is a revelation, evoking the complex notes of a sophisticated salted caramel treat, but with an added layer of umami depth that is simply captivating. The saltiness of the red miso perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar, while its fermentation brings a subtle, earthy richness and complexity that is utterly addictive. It’s an unexpected harmony that will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried this sooner.

This unique frosting takes your standard chocolate chip cookie from delightful to absolutely divine. It encourages you to embrace the unexpected in your kitchen, pushing culinary boundaries and discovering new flavor harmonies that are both surprising and incredibly satisfying. The smooth, creamy texture of the buttercream, coupled with its intriguing taste profile, is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, chewy perfection of a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes: the slight crispness of the cookie’s edge, the tender chewiness of its center, and the luscious, sweet-savory embrace of the miso frosting.

This, my friends, is where I urge you – no, implore you – to assemble these into glorious cookie sandwiches. Don’t just eat the cookies, don’t just eat the frosting. Bring them together. The textural contrast of the crisp-chewy cookie with the silky-smooth, flavorful frosting creates an experience that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. It transforms a simple dessert into a sophisticated indulgence, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo with a cup of coffee. You will undoubtedly thank me later for this culinary revelation. Just promise me you won’t make me wear jorts while I accept your gratitude for these incredible cookie sandwiches!

Final product: Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches with Red Miso Buttercream

Print Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches with Red Miso Buttercream

Yield: Makes around 15 to 18 sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

For the cookies:
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 oz) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon red miso paste
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Directions:

For the cookies:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until just combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about a third at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Drop spoonfuls (approximately one tablespoon each) of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can usually fit about 8-10 cookies per standard baking sheet.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. For a chewier cookie, pull them out when they look just set.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial they are fully cooled before adding the frosting.

For the frosting:
1. In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and red miso paste until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.

2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, a quarter cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Stir in the lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix until just combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon tang if desired.

To assemble the cookie sandwiches:
1. Once the cookies are completely cool, transfer the red miso buttercream into a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (or simply use a spoon if you prefer).

2. Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently place another cookie on top, flat side down, and press lightly to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and frosting.

3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe adapted from Roder Family Cookbook
Red Miso Frosting inspired by Food and Wine Magazine

All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate