Panera Chocolate Panini Recipes

COPYCAT PANERA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees (you want the oven ready as soon as you're done scooping!)
• Use a sharp knife to chop 1/2 cup of the chocolate chunks into small shards and slivers (Note: only chop HALF of the chunks - not the full cup we'll be adding). Set aside.
• In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and cover with a paper towel (will help for splattering). Melt the butter for 30-45 seconds until all is melted (no chunks left). You want it hot; if you hear it "pop" then it's most likely done. *If you've made these before, see notes section for this change in 2022.
• Pour butter into a larger bowl then add in white sugar and brown sugar and use a spatula to stir until combined (* do not use a mixer for this recipe). Add in egg and vanilla, then mix. Next, add in baking soda, baking powder, and salt and mix again. Add in flour and mix until all the flour disappears into the dough. Note: the dough WILL be wet and sticky, this is normal.
• Add the 1/2 cup of chopped chunks and 1/2 cup of whole chunks into the dough and mix. Allow dough to sit for 1-2 minutes to slightly set so it's not as sticky.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 3-tablespoon sized scoops then gently roll into your hands to create a ball. Flatten the tops so that they're a thick disc vs. a round ball. See image in post for reference. Without flattening, your cookies will be thicker and more cakey.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be slightly brown on top and look slightly underbaked (my oven was perfect at 11 minutes).
• Remove from oven and place entire pan on a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool on the hot pan for 10-15 minutes before removing them. This will allow them to finish baking on the hot pan. Once cooled, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

PANINI WITH CHOCOLATE AND BRIE

Steps:

• Preheat the panini grill.
• Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Grill the bread slices until they begin to turn golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the panini grill and place 2 ounces of cheese on 1 slice of bread (the bottom half), top the cheese with 1/3 cup chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of basil. Top with another slice of bread. Continue with the remaining sandwiches. Return the sandwiches to the panini grill until the chocolate begins to melt, about another 2 minutes.
• Cut the sandwiches into 2-inch wide rectangles or small triangles and transfer to a serving platter.