Charmed by Chocolate:
The Ultimate Cooking Guide

Beloved around the world, and a revered holiday tradition, chocolate defines desserts. This delicious and versatile ingredient, made from the seeds of the cacao tree, ignites passions among chefs and gourmands everywhere. Are you in the mood to make some chocolate magic? Just consult our cooking guide — we dish out a dessert for every palate.

An indulgent French dessert made fluffy with an egg-white custard mix, the classic soufflé starts conversations around the dinner table. Try this better-for-you Chocolate Soufflé recipe made with bittersweet chocolate and a splash of cream for richness.
Almond paste, a timeless baking staple, takes center stage in this recipe for Chocolate-Almond Coffee Cake. Pair this crunchy dessert with a bold, rich roast to bring out the spicy hints of cinnamon.
These airy golden beauties melt in your mouth — and at first glance, you might not guess the dominant flavor, chocolate. Simple and fun, this recipe for Cinnamon-Chocolate Meringues pleases cocoa aficionados of all ages.
Biscotti, a hard-and-crunchy Italian cookie, make a perfect snack and a much-welcomed gift. Serve these Double Chocolate Biscotti with a foamy latte, your favorite cappuccino — or, for a change of pace, with a tall iced mocha.
Want to make your favorite person smile? Bake a batch of Fudge Brownies and serve them with cold, fresh milk. These dreamy, fudgy bars are lighter and milder than traditional versions. The secret ingredient? Applesauce.
What do you get when you combine the goodness of chocolate with the refreshing powers of strong black tea? Why, a Chocolate Black Tea Sorbet, of course! This easy recipe makes good use of extra tea — or if you prefer a sunnier take, fresh orange zest — and cools and refreshes you anytime.
Eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Why not take healthy eating to the next level, deliciously? This recipe for dense, hazelnut-flavored Chocolate Bundt Cake includes a second power ingredient: flaxseed, an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Chocolate-coconut decadence abounds in this recipe for a dessert chef's classic, Sweet German Chocolate Cake. Make this delicious dessert in just 25 minutes, and whip up its essential topping, Coconut-Pecan Frosting in just five more. Top your cake with dark chocolate squares and maraschino cherries for extra panache.
A quintessential dessert, snack or special-occasion treat, the chocolate chip cookie symbolizes the sheer versatility of dessert-making. This recipe for Chocolate Bliss Chunk Cookies features simple ingredients and breezy preparation. Even better — you can substitute equivalent weights of coated chocolate candies, white chocolate or dark chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate in the recipe. Or, add three to four tablespoons of cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor. (Editor's note: Cooking times may vary with substitutions — so keep your eyes on those cookies!)
If you crave an ultra-rich dessert, this Chocolate Truffle Loaf will delight your palate. Made with semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream, then drizzled with raspberry sauce and crowned with fresh raspberries, this dessert demands that you slow down and savor every bite.