5 Cookie Recipes For Grown-Ups

It's time for grown-ups to have their day... with cookies, that is. The baked treat has always been associated as a child's pot of gold; a reward after completing homework or a sweet respite during an after-school activity, but now it's time for cookies to become a sweet for adults as well.

Click Here to see 5 Cookie Recipes That Are Perfect for Grown-Ups

Web design professor and baker Kelly Cooper makes this possible with her new cookbook Cookies for Grown-Ups.  In her book, Cooper offers more than 90 different cookie recipes that are designed specifically for adults. Her recipes are not meant to oust the traditional chocolate chip cookie, or any childhood favorite for that matter, from an adult's heart, but she hopes they develop a mature conversation around cookies that go far beyond a glass of milk.

"Cookies for grown-ups are designed to satisfy the adult palate and evoke conversation," Cooper tells The Daily Meal.

Rather than serving a boring plate of cheese or a tired dip at your next cocktail party, Cooper says to serve one of her savory cookie creations instead. The familiarity of the cookies will tap into a person's nostalgia, while their new and unique flavors will spark a conversation that encourages people to reflect on what they're eating and prompts them to "talk rather than eat and run," says Cooper.

Along with each of her recipes, Cooper offers a drink pairing of a cocktail, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drink, hoping that each sip will help someone savor the taste of the cookie and entice them to take another bite. Cooper's work comes with high praise from professionals in the industry as well; the pastry chef of Gramercy Tavern described her book as a "baking adventure [that's] highly rewarded," and food critic Gael Greene described it as "bold and quirky."

Cooper's collection of cookie recipes will show you that there is a not-so-sweet side to cookies, and it's pretty darn good. It's time to be mature about our cookies and start acting like grown-ups, so make some of Cooper's savory combinations and start the conversation.  

Anne Dolce is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce