THE MIDNIGHT EMPRESS
Intense dark-chocolate richness layered with jewel-like cherries and finished with a molten cherry-jam centre.
She arrived after nightfall.
Forged in deep dark chocolate and black cherry richness, The Midnight Empress was not created for daylight company. Her origins lie in indulgence taken seriously — Black Forest chocolate of depth and bitterness, cherries chosen for their intensity rather than sweetness, and a molten centre introduced mid-bake, by design rather than chance.
Whispered about long before she was formally presented, she earned her place through excess handled with control. Richness, sharpened. Indulgence, disciplined. Every element deliberate, every flourish earned.
Her admission to the Society was inevitable. Where others charm, she commands. Where others linger, she endures. She is reserved for late hours, quiet rooms, and those who understand that true luxury does not announce itself.
The Midnight Empress does not court favour.
She accepts allegiance.
At her best when served just warm, allowing the dark chocolate to relax and deepen while the cherry notes soften into richness. A short rest after warming lets the bitterness, fruit, and sweetness settle into a composed, lingering finish.
Coffee & Tea
Best accompanied by a flat white or cappuccino, where milk softens the dark chocolate without blunting its depth.
A well-balanced espresso works beautifully too, its bitterness echoing the intensity of the chocolate.
For tea, a malty Assam or a smooth Keemun complements her richness, while Earl Grey introduces a subtle lift that sharpens her cherry notes without brightening them too far.
Cold Sips
Cold brew coffee pairs elegantly, drawing out the chocolate’s depth while keeping the cherry restrained.
A lightly iced latte offers a gentler contrast, adding creaminess that tempers her intensity without diminishing her authority.
For a non-coffee option, sparkling water with a twist of orange peel refreshes the palate between bites, keeping each mouthful deliberate.
Creams & Complements
A spoon of lightly sweetened mascarpone softens her edges and amplifies her indulgence.
Crème fraîche brings a cultured sharpness that quietly mirrors the cherry’s depth rather than its brightness.
Dark fruits — fresh cherries, blackberries, or a few slices of ripe plum — provide a restrained, elegant counterpoint.
For a Finer Moment
Served warm with vanilla bean or cherry gelato, she becomes indulgent without excess, dark chocolate and fruit unfolding slowly together.
Presented on a dessert board with dark chocolate shards, amarena cherries, and plain shortbread, she holds her place with ease — composed, unapologetic, and unmistakably late-hour.
Best enjoyed on the day of baking, when their centres remain soft and their edges hold their refined crispness.
Short-Term Keeping
Store in an airtight tin or jar at room temperature.
They will remain at their best for 2–3 days, retaining their tender centre and gentle chew.
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, as the chocolate may soften.
To Restore Their Composure
Warm gently in a low oven (around 150°C) for 3–5 minutes.
This will revive their molten heart and revive the browned-butter aroma beautifully.
Longer Storage
Cookies may be frozen if required.
Place in a well-sealed container or bag, removing excess air.
Defrost at room temperature, then warm briefly to return them to society-worthy condition.
Notes on Texture
Sourdough cookies naturally deepen in flavour over time. Their edges may soften slightly after the second day, but their muscovado warmth and chocolate richness remain reliably composed.
WHEAT flour ( WHEAT flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), sourdough starter (WHEAT flour, water), unsalted butter (MILK), black forest chocolate (dark chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (SOYA lecithin), vanilla extract), freeze-dried cherries, natural cherry flavouring), golden caster sugar, dark brown muscovado sugar, dried cherries (dried cherries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), cocoa powder, EGG yolk, black cherry conserve (black cherries, sugar, brown cane sugar, concentrated lemon juice, gelling agent: fruit pectin), baking powder (raising agents: disodium diphosphate, sodium hydrogen carbonate; rice flour), bicarbonate of soda (raising agent: sodium hydrogen carbonate), sea salt (anti-caking agent: sodium ferrocyanide), vanilla extract (water, ethanol, sugar, vanilla bean extract).
Suitable for Vegetarians
Allergens: See ingredients in CAPITALS. Made in a kitchen that handles gluten, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, sesame and soya
Dark, decadent, and dangerously indulgent.
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Price range: £2.00 through £6.00