What an incredible journey it’s been! Today marks our spectacular 100th blog post, a significant milestone that fills my heart with immense gratitude and joy. And can I let you in on a little secret? This celebratory post found its way to you a bit earlier than planned!

In my excitement and determination to be prepared for an early Mother’s Day celebration (we’re getting a head start to beat the crowds, you see!), I had almost everything ready. I meticulously typed out all my thoughts and planned content, but instead of hitting ‘save’ as intended, my finger found its way to ‘PUBLISH’. Whoops! Perhaps it was an “unintentional accident” or fate’s way of adding a touch of spontaneous charm to our big day.

It was late (or perhaps very early morning), and I was simply running on fumes. Discovering I couldn’t “unpublish” it, I decided to embrace the moment! So, here we are, celebrating a little ahead of schedule. But hey, it means you get a sneak peek and potentially two delightful posts to explore today! A 100th-day celebration should definitely be memorable, don’t you think? And we’ve certainly started it off with a memorable flourish!

How exciting is this? A hundred posts! I truly feel like we should be throwing a grand virtual party to commemorate this fantastic achievement. So, let’s do just that! Imagine this: everyone grabbing their favorite beverage, settling into their comfiest spot, and virtually joining me right here in my cozy little computer room. Help yourselves to a plate piled high with virtual baked goodies from the table – no calories, all the fun! Sit back, relax, and let’s get to know our wonderful community better.

I know it’s not a real-life gathering, but the thought of you all here, sharing in this joy, warms my heart. So, with a metaphorical clink of a glass, drawing your attention amidst the wonderful chatter, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Before we dive into the delicious details of today’s post, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for being here, for reading, for engaging, and for making this blogging adventure so incredibly rewarding.

This blog began from a simple passion: my love for baking, my joy in writing, and, let’s be honest, my immense pleasure in eating everything I bake! But what truly elevates this experience, what makes it extraordinary, is you. Yes, you! I’m speaking directly to YOU, the reader, the baker, the supporter, the friend. Thank you for taking the time, whether it’s today, another day, or every single day, to click onto my blog. Your consistent presence and effort mean more to me than words can convey.

The comments I’ve received over these 100 posts have been a constant source of inspiration and happiness. It genuinely melts my heart when you take the time to leave a message, share your thoughts, or simply say hello. It’s a wonderful confirmation that there’s a vibrant, supportive community out there, sharing this passion for baking and good food. Your engagement makes this space feel alive and connected. Have I told you how much I appreciate you?

I truly do.

In celebration of our incredible community, and as a token of my profound appreciation for your support, I am absolutely thrilled to announce an exclusive giveaway! And, naturally, since this is a baking blog, our prize is something truly special for all fellow baking enthusiasts.

The reason I asked you for your all-time favorite cookie isn’t just for fun (though it is fun to read your answers!). It’s because our grand prize is none other than the magnificent Martha Stewart’s Cookies Book! I stumbled upon this gem in a store and instantly fell in love. As I flipped through its pages, filled with endless cookie inspiration, I immediately thought of all of you. It’s a treasure trove of 352 pages brimming with delicious goodness, all from the legendary Martha Stewart herself.

This isn’t just any cookie book; it’s a comprehensive guide. It begins with a stunning collection of photographs featuring EVERY cookie in the book, beautifully categorized by texture: soft & chewy, crisp & crunchy, and more. Martha also shares invaluable insights on essential tools every cookie maker should own, along with expert tips on perfect packaging and creative decorating. It’s truly a must-have for any baker, from beginner to seasoned pro.

Honestly, I ALMOST decided to keep this magnificent gem for myself – it’s that good! But I already have a copy, and this one is destined for one lucky reader.

But wait, there’s more! To complement this fantastic book, I’m also including a charming set of those wonderful measuring spoons I recently picked up at ABC Cake Decorating Supply. They are incredibly cute, practical, and truly, no baker’s kitchen is complete without a reliable and stylish set like these!

Entering this fantastic giveaway is simple and fun. Follow these steps to ensure your chance to win:

1. Leave a Comment: Tell us in the comments section of this very post what your all-time favorite cookie is and, more importantly, *why* it holds that special place in your heart. Your comment must be posted by Wednesday, May 11th at 12 a.m. PST to be entered into the drawing.
2. Winner Selection: One lucky person will be chosen randomly using the trusted Random.org platform.
3. Shipping Information: I will contact the winner directly to obtain your shipping address. Please be assured that this information will be used for the sole purpose of shipping your prize. Kindly note that I will only be shipping the prize book and measuring spoons to addresses within the United States and Canada.

Want to boost your chances? You can obtain up to 2 additional entries by engaging with us and spreading the word:

• Share on Facebook: Share this post with your friends and like our page on Facebook.
• Blog About Us: If you have a blog, write a post linking back to our 100th-day celebration here. Let your readers know about our milestone and this exciting giveaway!
• Discover on StumbleUpon: Share this post on StumbleUpon (now Mix.com).

After you’ve completed any of these additional entry methods, please come back here and leave a separate comment (or comments!) letting me know what you did. Unfortunately, I’m not on Twitter, so that platform won’t count for additional entries for this particular giveaway. My apologies!

Now, let’s dive into the heart of today’s culinary celebration – a truly special recipe! Directly from the pages of Martha Stewart’s Cookies, specifically page 195, we present “Surprise Cookies.” This delightful recipe comes from the esteemed editors of Martha Stewart Living, published by Clarkson Potter/Publisher, a division of Random House, Inc. (ISBN 978-0-30739434-5). When it came to choosing a recipe for our 100th post, I entrusted the decision to my brilliant daughter, and I must say, she absolutely nailed it! I’m confident you’ll agree that these cookies are perfectly suited for such a joyful occasion.

The name “Surprise Cookies” hints at the delightful treat nestled within each bite – a soft, gooey marshmallow center that adds an unexpected layer of texture and sweetness. These chocolatey delights are a true testament to Martha Stewart’s impeccable taste and will surely become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure it’s not Dutch-process for this recipe)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• About 15 large marshmallows, halved crosswise

• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¼ cup plus 1½ teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (again, not Dutch-process)
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
• ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Prepare the Oven & Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and delightfully fluffy, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Gradually incorporate the egg, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until just combined.
4. 
5. Combine Wet & Dry: With the mixer still on low, gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, ½ cup at a time, mixing until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Portion the Dough: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1 ¾-inch ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. 
8. Initial Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through the baking time, until they are firm to the touch.
9. Add the Surprise: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one marshmallow half onto the center of each hot cookie.
10. Final Bake: Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows begin to soften and slightly melt.
11. 
12. Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets, placed on wire racks, before proceeding to the frosting stage. This is crucial for the frosting to set properly.

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Place the confectioners’ sugar in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Melt Butter & Cocoa: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt the butter with the cocoa powder, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine: Add the warm butter and cocoa mixture to the confectioners’ sugar in the bowl.
4. Whisk to Smoothness: Whisk in the whole milk and pure vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth, glossy, and free of lumps.
5. 
6. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared frosting on top of each cookie, ensuring it generously covers the marshmallow.
7. Set the Frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or until the frosting has fully set.

Storage Tip: These delicious Surprise Cookies can be stored in single layers in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining their freshness and wonderful flavor.

As I embarked on baking these “Surprise Cookies” for our special 100th post, I must admit, I initially had grand visions of baking 100 cookies! However, upon reading the recipe and considering the cooling process needed for each batch, I quickly realized that feat was simply not going to happen today. Baking and cooling 100 cookies, especially with the marshmallow step, would have taken an eternity! So, I settled for a more manageable and equally delightful batch.

Having now baked and frosted them, I can confidently say these cookies are nothing short of delicious – and wonderfully rich! The combination of the deep chocolate cookie and the sweet, soft marshmallow, encased in a luscious chocolate frosting, is absolutely divine. During my baking adventure, a spontaneous idea struck me: what if I added a toasted marshmallow element? So, after the cookies emerged from the oven with their marshmallow tops, I grabbed my hand torch and carefully toasted the marshmallows until they were beautifully golden and slightly caramelized.

A word of caution, however, if you plan to try this step, especially if you’re serving these to guests. I found myself holding the torch a bit too close at times, and a few marshmallows briefly ignited. To my immediate family’s amusement (and my swift action), I had to blow out the small flames! While I’m certainly not a germaphobe and these particular cookies were for immediate family consumption, I highly recommend taking extra precautionary measures if you opt for the toasting method. Safety first, always! Nevertheless, the flavor of the toasted marshmallow on those cookies was absolutely yummy and added an extra layer of gourmet delight. It truly elevated the “surprise” factor.

I typically rate my baked goods on a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the absolute best. These “Surprise Cookies” confidently earned a solid 3½ rolling pins from me – a testament to their exceptional taste and delightful texture. I genuinely love this Martha Stewart Cookies book, and I have no doubt that the lucky winner of our giveaway will cherish it just as much as I do!

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being an integral part of today’s magnificent 100th-day celebration! This incredible milestone wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support, your thoughtful comments, and your shared enthusiasm for all things baking. It truly means the world to me to have such a wonderful community.

By the way, have I told you lately how much I appreciate you?

Happy baking, and here’s to many more sweet adventures together!