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Dear My Bank,
We’ve known each other for a long time. You know how I deposit my humble paychecks every so often, how I rarely use the ATM, and how I hate to use my debit card at the gas station. I know that you like to decorate with bullet-proof glass… guns, I get it… have pens that don’t always work, and always want me to sign up for your credit card. As much as I hate to admit it, we sort of have a thing going.
Let’s be honest Bank. We’re not friends. We don’t even really like each other very much. I know that you have rules. You know… if you’re being honest with yourself, that I do my very best to follow your rules. And I do… Bank…..! Unless, I suppose, I just forget to add one payment to my balance books, leading me to believe I have several hundred dollars in you, Bank… instead of less than zero.
Here’s my beef with you… Bank! Jerky bank. When you penalize me several times in a row for spending money that I thought I had, well… that doesn’t get me any closer to having the money that you’d like to take. How on Earth did you determine that $33 was an acceptable overdraft charge? Why are you allowed to take money that I don’t have? You know what I think? I think you’re taking advantage of my mistake. You know me, Bank. You know that I don’t like to spend money I don’t have… and when I do… accidentally… you use that as an opportunity to take advantage of me.
That’s reeeeeaal crappy.
Nobody likes you. I’ve done the research. It’s true.
Nobody will ever… not even once… make you cookies just because you’re nice. Why? Because you’re not nice.
Now you know.
Love,
Joy
These cookies inspired a delicious wave of selfishness. I did not want to share. Certainly not with my jerky bank… but not with anyone else either.
The wafer cookies are deep dark chocolate with a saltiness that demands that you devour at least three sandwich cookies in one sitting. They dough does not need any rest of refrigeration and goes straight from the mixer onto the table to be rolled.
The espresso filling adds just the right complexity to the cookie. It’s sweet, with just a hint of bitter. Divine with the chocolate wafers.
Hands down, the best darn cookie I’ve made in a long time. Dreamy good. Do it. Make ’em!
Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies
Don’t have espresso powder? Feel free to skip it, and just make these cookies without. You’ll have what looks like homemade Oreos!
adapted from The Essence of Chocolate
makes about 3 dozen sandwich cookies
For the Filling:
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
heaping 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
For the Cookies:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cup plus 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder
15 Tablespoons (7 1/2 ounces) unsalted butter, but into 3/4-inch cubes, at room temperature
For the Filling:
In a small saucepan, bring the cream to boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the white chocolate and espresso powder. Make sure all the chocolate is covered by the cream. Let stand for 1 minute, then whisk the white chocolate until completely melted.
Transfer the filling to a small bowl and let stand until room temperature. You’ll need the filling thicker to assemble the cookies, so cover the filling and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or an hour, until a thick consistency is reached. If the filling hardens too much, it can be rewarmed in the microwave for a few seconds.
For the Cookies:
Position the racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder and mix on low speed. With the mixer running, add the butter a few pieces at a time. The mixture will have a sandy texture at first and then will begin to form peddle-size pieces. As soon as the dough starts to come together, stop the mixer.
Form and roll the dough straight from the mixer. The dough becomes hard to work with if chilled.
Transfer the dough to a board and use the heel of your hand or a pastry scraper to shape the dough into a block about 5 by 7 inches. Cut the block into two pieces.
One at a time, roll each block of dough between two pieces of lightly floured parchment paper until about 1/8-inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut into 2 inch rounds. Place 1/2 to 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. You can form and roll the dough scraps once after the first roll.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through the baking. Remove from the oven and cool on the sheets for 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
To Assemble the Cookies:
Place half of the cookies upside down on a work surface. Whip the filling lightly with a whisk to loosen it. It will lighten in color and fluff up. Don’t overwhip or the filling may begin to separate.
Transfer the filling to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip. I just scooped my filling out by the scant teaspoonful. Pipe or dollop one teaspoon of filling in the center of each upside down cookie. Gently, using your fingers, press the cookies together until the filling comes just to the edges.
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Sophie
I just made these cookies (YUM!) and found that the filling needed thickening up, so I was about to grab my powdered sugar when – NONE LEFT! I panicked, but then reasoned with myself, grabbed some caster sugar and my electric spice grinder and made my very own powdered sugar! It totally works! But then, during my glee, I dropped a bunch of bananas over the cookies on the cooling rack. Karma. So essentially, Joy – thank you for providing me with: these great cookies, the knowledge that one can make powdered sugar at home, and yet another insight into my clumsiness. It’s been a learning curve.
Kelly
Hi Joy. I’ve had this recipe tagged forEVER. (okay… only since you posted it.) I’m thinking of using the cookie part for an ice cream sandwich. but I want a cookie taht is nice and soft (more cakelike). Is this cookie super crunchy? is it going to smush my ice cream out the sides when I bite into it? PS. I [super heart] your blog. and you.
joythebaker
I’m afraid these are more crunchy than cakey but would work if the whole sandwich were refrozen to get hard before eating.
Beth
this blog is amazing!!! i have been printing out recipes all week and trying to make as many as i can!! the oatmeal apple cinnamon cookies are to die for! i made these today, except instead of the espresso filling (which sounds absolutely delicious to me, but not to my friend for whom this was a bday present) i used the peanut butter filling from your other recipe https://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/10/laurens-peanut-butter-sandwich-cookies/ and they were AMAZING. the only thing better than chocolate and coffee is chocolate and peanut butter. i definitely recommend them!!!! thanks so much for all your wonderful recipes!
i think i’ll go for a 5 mile run now….
Cory Lewandowski
I know just how you feel. I bought a textbook from our campus store and the dumb little girl working at the desk didn’t think it worked right the first time so she scanned my card again without me knowing. This $160 book turned into a $320 book, and every following payment I made charged me a new $30. This includes paypal that magically decides it’s okay to try charging me for a $8 wine corker 2 different ways, then charging me it’s own overdraft charge for each time it tried to charge me, which in turn gives me a new overdraft charges in my bank as well as the two overdraft charges incurred by paypal.
The bookstore “decided to bend the rules a bit and refund the way they charged me twice.” This gave me back $160 but still didn’t take into account the other $180 I was charged in overdraft charges alone from that wine corker and a cup of coffee. It wasn’t even that good of coffee.
Speaking of coffee, I should probably get on with why I’m posting here. Could I use actual espresso in this? And I have a problem like Michelle’s, I don’t have an electric mixer. Any good ways to remedy this?
Michelle
Hi there joy,
I don’t have a stand mixer so when I tried this recipe yesterday, i just ended up pressing the butter into the flour mixture with my hands, although it never really came together properly – when i rolled out the ‘dough’ i had pressed together, it was very delicate. I cookies was good, but the process took me much longer than i had expected. do you have any suggestions on how to do this without the stand mixer?
Lauren
Hi Joy, love your blog! Question- I don’t have a paddle attachment. Can I use a whisk attachment instead?
Caral
:(
My bank made me very sad this summer. I have had an account there since I was a little girl – a savings AND a checking, now.
I went away. I had made a mistake like yours, Joy. Can you say HUNDREDS – yes, HUNDREDS – of dollars over a week’s time, with me blithely spending the money I thought I had? (Well, I did. Just in the wrong account.)
The only thing that could possibly make me feel better? These cookies!
Erin
Sara, i’ve made these twice now in the 2 weeks since this was originally posted. The first time my filling was oozier than i’d like. The second time i whipped up 6 tablespoons of butter plus 3/4 cup powdered sugar then incorporated the chilled cream and chocolate mixture and the cream was much more like oreo filling. Hope that helps.
joythebaker
Rad Erin! I like your style. Great addition to the filling!
Sarah
Thanks, Erin and Joy! I’m going to try these again very soon, and I’ll definitely give this a shot!
Michelle
Amen to the Bank blast.
Sarah
Thanks for the recipe, Joy! I made these last night and they were delicious, but my filling ended up coming out with a consistency more like caramel than like Oreo filling, the way yours looks, even with whipping. Still tasty though! What did I do wrong?
joythebaker
I chilled my filling and found that it helped tremendously, but I love Erin’s suggestion below!
Caro
definitely on my to bake so that others can eat list!
Jenny
I’m sad to see so many people bashing banks on here. I used to work at US Bank as a teller so I know all about the nightmares of overdrafts. I would call people every day to tell them that their account was overdrawn and these angry people would call me back and yell at me demanding to know why they had gotten hit with so many overdraft fees.My advice, the only way to avoid getting hit with overdraft fees is to track every purchase you make, your debit card can get you into a LOT of trouble because that $3 latte could have a $37 fee attached to it if it causes your account to go negative. If you choose not to track every purchase then you need to maintain a large liquid balance in the account or get overdraft protection if you have the credit to qualify for it.
Debbi
I’ve got you all so beat!!! Yes, Joy, even you!!! I, in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, had 3 accounts in the bank on the corner; personal & business checking, and savings. My (&^%**$## bank bounced 2 business checks, added $35 for EACH, because I was short…..get ready for it….. 5 CENTS!!!! Yes, a lousy nickel!!! Now, they had called me many times to check other things, since I knew a couple of the girls that worked there, but did they call me to get the nickel?? Did they just move the nickel from one of the other accounts? NOOOO…..they made me pay $70 for the checks. They also made me take all 3 accounts to another bank!!! Oh yes. I made these cookies and they are to die for!! Tomorrow, I going to ride past the bank and hold one out the window so they can see what they’re missing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mwahhhh ha ha ha!!!
Claire
Thanks for this recipe, I made the cookies and they were so yummy! I skipped the espresso powder. I think they would be really good with peppermint extract in the filling (w/out espresso powder, of course).
Chris
I was with a bank that would charge $39.00 for every single overdraft. I ended up storming into the bank and demanding all my money, and that was the end of that. Credit union for me!! Cookies look great. :-)
rachel h.
more. please.
thanks.
i keep craving these now.
love.
Carrie
Hi Joy! I’m totally with you on the bank issues. What I really like is when they make it almost impossible to stop the automatic deposit from your checking account into your savings account, causing the account to overdraft. Is it my fault their dumb website is IMPOSSIBLE to navigate when it comes to trying to cancel something? And well we just won’t mention that I kinda miscalculated my payment schedule… lol.
On a more uplifting note I cant wait to make these cookies! They look like the perfect housewarming gift for a friend. Thanks!
TheWoman
Oooooh I need to make these! I’m a chocolate nut, TheHusband is a coffee junkie and this cookie brings the best of both worlds together. What’s not to like?
Jessica
Hi Joy! My bank and I are not exactly kindred spirits either, but I have have that calling customer service and politely explaining the situation will usually lead to reversed fees ESPECIALLY in this economy. Banks don’t want to lose you as a customer, so they can be really accomodating!
The sandwich cookies look deliccccious!!!!!! They seem like perfect finger food at a cocktail party! Thanks for sharing the recipe and your beautiful photos!
Becky
This happens to me all the time. Fortunatly I’m with a credit union so the charge is a bit smaller $25 each time.
I love your good taste, yummy pics, your writing style and your whole site!
Cookie!
Banks have profited over 38 BILLION dollars this year alone from overdraft fees!! My bank charges $35, I was just dinged $70 this week!! Greedy, nasty banks!! Can you say “Catch-22”?? Just try to cash a check without having a bank account of your own!! I got my fees refunded by informing them that their online statement info was not up to date, leading me to believe I had money to eat with!! I’m out of work & desperately needed that $70!
On a lighter note, I LOVE your site & check in everyday! Can’t wait to see what yopu come up with next!!
Beth D.
BANKS SUCK. Sorry for the yuckiness you’ve experienced Joy. I think you SHOULD bring them some cookies-it might help your cause! Especially if they’re THIS good. You rock Joy. :)
Jenny
Banks suck. The jerks that run them get millions in bonuses and they still can’t break even – they have to charge us for nonsense. Once my husband lent some woman on the train 20.00 (dumb I know…but) – she gave him her business card – and I emailed her – asking where our $20 was – she said she mailed it to us in cash. Liar liar pants on fire. Then she apologized and sent us a check. . . – hear that noise – bouncing bouncing bouncing. They bank charged us $20 for her bad check – so now we’re out $40.00 – stupid bank, stupid lady, stupid nice husband….love your site!
SoMD_Baker
Hey all, I feel your pain. Bank, heat, delicious cookies that are NOT in my mouth RIGHT NOW. To help alleviate some of the frustration, here’s a recipe for NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE/PEANUT BUTTER GOODNESS. Not trying to steal your thunder Joy, not at all. I don’t think these are on the same plane as the recent cookie post. Just thought I’d offer a lil’ something to those sweatin’ out August.
Peanut Butter Trailmix Bars
from Smuckers Natural PB Cap
3c rice krispies
3c old-fashioned oatmeal
1 1/2 c raisins (or craisins, or chopped dried apricots, or chopped dried dates)
1/2c flaked almonds or walnut or pecans, toasted (use 9×13 pan BEFORE GREASING, and toast under broiler quickly for about 1 min.)
1 c honey
1/2 c sugar (white or brown)
1, 16 oz. jar Natural PB, stirred to even consistency
1 tsp vanilla
1 c bittersweet choc. chips (Ghirdelli are nice)
Lightly grease 9×13″ pan with butter.
Combine rice krispies through almonds in LARGE mixing bowl.
In med. saucepan, on med-low heat, melt honey and sugar. Simmer 1 minute. Add PB, chocolate chips, and vanilla.
Stir until PB and chips are melted. Remove from heat.
Pour over cereal mixture, mix with rubber spatula until evenly combined.
Pour trailmix into 9×13″ pan and firmly press with spatula. Allow to cool then cut and eat. Unless you have little willpower and licking the bowl isn’t enough, then dig into the gooey dessert.
Cheryl
Awesome!
Jerky bank! Boo
Chrys
Funny letter! You tell em’! These cookies look delish!
Darcy
Ouch…looks like they missed out bigtime…..really….Big mistake.
I’m sooo making these for a BBQ this weekend. thanks!
wizzy
Tooo funny your letter to the bank. I wonder would they accept payment in cookies? I’m telling you a batch of these should more than cover their made up fees.
Bonnie
Joy,
Thanks for living the motto, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” When the bank treats you disrespectfully and unfairly, you could be cranky. But no, you turn around and make FABULOUS cookies that make all your readers VERY HAPPY. Thank you for putting all this lovely chocolate and espresso out into the world.
So, who’s got the better karma now, Mr. ATM, hmmmm??
–Bonnie
Maureen
These cookies look perfect! I was JUST looking at the Tribeca Treats website yesterday (www.tribecatreats.com) and thinking that I should find a way to make some of their really cute and delicious looking sandwich cookies. Now I have a jumping off point thanks to you… so Thank You Joy!
Alisa
Boo to the Bank, but yea! for the cookies. Try calling them and explaining the situation to them. A while back we had this same issue and they refunded a few of the charges, not all, but enough to keep us happy.
Good luck!
Sagan
Chocolate oreos! Yum!
Kristen
I hope your banker reads this then they’ll be really jealous about the fact that they don’t get any of these amazing cookies!
Ridiculous fees…makes no sense whatsoever.
Millie
That stinks to hear about your bank. Have you tried a credit union? As someone who has worked for one for almost a decade, I can happily tell you that they don’t usually go so heavy handed with the fees. They generally have a field of membership, so just see what they require. (I know I reverse fees almost all day. No big deal, usually.) But, holy cripes! $33 for an overdraft fee?! WOW! Yeah, I’d agree with the others and say “Reverse my fees or I’m going somewhere else!” Sheesh. As for the cookies, they look great and I can’t wait to try them, once I have some space in my kitchen! =)
Lara
This is the summer of the overdraft, I think. Mitch and I have both been hit. He’s good at talking the bank down, though. I need to work on this.
Kim
You crack me up. And make really pretty cookies :)
Sarah
Uggh, been there, it stinks :( I agree with all the advice advocating a new bank, they’re not all created equal. In the meantime, thanks for the great recipe :) These look yummy!
Food Hunter
I hear you about the bank…and i want some of those cookies
Graciela
I think we probably bank at the same place because that’s exactly what they charge at mine. They recently covered up their old logo with a big blue one. You know, I get that we make mistakes. We’re humans! So I’m not totally up in arms on the concept of overdraft fees. But 33 bucks? Now that’s insane and opportunistic. There’s gotta be a smaller fee we can all live with. And not charge it every single day so it turns into a hundred bucks or something.
Tanya
Loving your letter to the bank… I’ve been there when some jerks stole my card number and racked up over $600 in charges- In a state I’d never even been to! It was a mess… here’s hoping your situation gets better soon.
Veronica
I’m with you on this 100%! The same thing happened to me. It’s horrible. But your cookies look amazing!
Lisa S
Joy – I love cookies and these look yummy! As for the bank trouble….if this is your business account, then tell them you might have to switch banks if they will not waive the fees. They like those business accounts.
Zoe K.
Yeah, that happened to me 6 months ago…I made a credit card payment with one too many zeros, and had a mini panic attack when I saw that $1000 had been debited instead of $100. I think I got hit with $350 worth of overdraft fees. Thankfully they were very helpful and waived the fees!
Kristina
p.s. I forgot to mention the cookies look amazing, and like just the perfect cure for a bad banking day :)
Kristina
AHHH I hate overdraft fees! Here is my U.S. Bank fun story, from back when I was working 2 jobs (at a shoe store and a theater company) to make ends meet.
So I deposit my paycheck on Friday. Then I use my debit card to purchase coffee at Caribou and a couple of other small, piddly things (milk maybe?). Then on Monday I go to the dentist and have some extensive work done, which I put on my debit card (which was probably my mistake – I should have written a check or put it on my credit card, but … I didn’t)
Guess which order the transactions go through in. Yup. First the massive dentist payment which causes me to overdraft. Then the little piddly things, which, since I”m already overdrafted, cause me to overdraft several more times (even though I actually made these purchases BEFORE I went to the dentist). THEN my paycheck, which I deposited before making ANY of these transactions, goes through. Long story short I now owe about $125 in overdraft fees for an overdraft that technically never happened. Special.
This is several years in the past. But it still makes me mad when I think about it.
dawn
sounds like it’s time for a new bank, one that’s a bit nicer. been there and finally found one.
oh how you are such a tease when it comes to baked good. I must admit I try my best to stay away from your blog, not because I don’t like you but because you baked goods are just such a tease on my hips.
Justin at Bitchin' Kitchen
Joy, I feel for ya. Every time I have to have any dealings with my own bank outside of a basic deposit/withdrawal scenario the idea of keeping my money in an ol’ jar on top of the fridge becomes more and more attractive. I guess the silver lining is that these cookies seem to be designed to make anyone feel better about financial woes! Sounds delicious and I’m definitely trying out the recipe with my gf later tonight. If you have a moment to give some advice to a novice baker, it’d be great if you could recommend some other ways to flavor the filling to mix things up a bit.
Patty
Joy,
Two words for you…credit union. If it were ever necessary, ours would transfer the money from our savings, money market, or Visa to avoid overdraft. (No charge for the transfer.)
The cookies look and sound wonderful.
Vivian
hi joy! something similar happened to me recently, and when i tried calling my bank to see if i could fix the situation, it was a frustrating nightmare.. i ended up going to my bank in person and left within five minutes, with most of my overdraft fees canceled. go in person if you can!
Dajda
How awful with the bank! I’m on friendly terms with mine but I can imagine how it feels when you’re not.
Jen
joy, if you can find a credit union to join instead of a bank its so much nicer. I am lucky enough to be in a state credit union and they are not jerks and even if I do overdraft, they only charge a small amount of money and only one time, not 80 billion times to steal as much money from you as possible. Credit Unions ftw, banks ftl!
joythebaker
You all are just the most lovely people ever! Thank you for all the bank advice. I’m going to call those yahoos this week and try my hardest to get a few of those fees refunded. Thank you!
For the cookies, if you don’t have instant espresso powder on hand, give instant coffee a go… should work out just as well!
Angie @ Many Little Blessings
Love your letter, and the cookies look amazing!
So sorry about the stupid bank though! :( A couple of months ago, I had a $15 fee come out of my bank account. I called them because I happened to notice it right away. It turns out they were charging me a fee because someone wrote me a check that bounced! Seriously! I said to them, “Okay, so THEIR check bounced, and you’re punishing me with a fee?”
Their answer?
“Yes, but we suggest that you let the person know that you were charged the fee, and hopefully they will give you the money for the first check, plus the fee so you won’t be out the money.”
Nice. (gag!)
Amy
Hi Joy! Quick question about the cookies… can I use instant coffee instead of the espresso powder? I happen to have some in my cupboard and I refuse to actually drink instant coffee, so I need to use it in something else. Thanks!!
ShannonOfDoom
I have had 2 jerk bank fees in 2 weeks! the worst part is my bank is really slow at displaying transactions & having accurate account balances on display due to the fact it’s a visa debit card…so you spend money thinking you have some & then you get stuck with $35 overdraft fee + the money you spent in the first place gone! GRRR!
Moral of the story being that I need a raise, fast!
Kristine
Sorry about your banking troubles–I used to work for one of the largest banks and always felt horrible when that happened to people. Just call them..they’ll reverse the fees if you don’t have a history of them. I love your blog by the way..it always makes me smile and wish I had an oven in my tiny Korean kitchen. =(
sarah
sorry about the stupid bank–the cookies look like the perfect way to get over it though!
Glenda
I’m sorry Joy :( I worked in the bank for 6 years and still think $33 is an unacceptable charge. I feel you, if you didn’t have the money before, how is tacking on $33 for every time you used your debit card going to make it better.
I can tell you that they CAN reverse the charges, you just have to get the right banker and ask sweetly. I bet a nice plate of these cookie wouldn’t hurt either. And if that doesn’t work, tell them how many subscribers you have on your blog, then threaten expose them. Maybe name a cookie after them :)
Jenn
i completely agree w/ you and understand how you are feeling. i hate banks.. but i can’t wait to try your cookie recipe, i absolutely love sandwich cookies.
Noreen
oh, I especially love when I get an overdraft on a $3.00 charge!! My bank likes to run all my charges through BEFORE my deposit….pretty darn special, huh??!! Oh, but I will take those cookies, no overdraft needed. I really do love your blog!!!
MariaT
Your note to the bank was hilarious. I love when you do things like that. I had to share it with my hubby and he laughed pretty hard. Sorry about the fees, happens to me too. And I will definitely make those cookies, thanks.
Michelle {Brown Eyed Baker}
Oh these sound so delicious! And even better that you don’t need to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out and baking!
Puppydogs
I love your sense of humor. And I whole heartily agree with you, banks are mean and they should never get cookies!
Jen @ MaplenCornbread
Since there is a nice dose of caffiene infused in these, does that mean I can eat them for breakfast? Gosh they look and sound amazing!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, banks are evil.
Teresa
Your cookies look delicious – wish there was smellovision. I use to work for a bank and just to let you know banks alter the way your debits post, highest to lowest. The high dollar amount debits come out first whittling down your balance and then the lower amounts. You get more overdraft charges that way. If they reversed it and let the smaller items come out first then you may have only gotten one overdraft charge instead of several. They need to make money for their shareholders and it sounds like they socked it to you. You can ask for the overdraft charges back. Sometimes they do refund all or a partial amount. Love your site! :D
Sugar Duchess
I’m so sorry, Joy. What a frustrating thing. If I worked at your bank and saw that letter, I would waive your fees. And then I would send you cookies.
Becs
Here is a song for your troubles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqxnm6t3QMw . The Flight of the Concords really summ up the Jerky or Mother Ukering (who uck with you shey) Banks. Hope it makes you smile :)
zoe dawn
a similar thing happened to me lately! Only, I guess I forgot to hit submit when paying my credit card bill online so they never got my payment. I had it written in the check book and everything. So I got hammered with a late fee AND interest. Blah.
Mmm, and those cookies do look good enough to chase away money blues! Might have to try them!
Deanna
Banks – Im in on that. Ughh! But these cookies will help make my week better. Thanks again Joy!
Debbie
You need to look into banking with a credit union. I work for a credit union here in California and we will reverse the charges if we think that you have made an honest mistake…..and if does not happen often. Our charge is $19 not $33….that seems a bit much……
I am new to your site and so far I love it………….I have not made anything yet but have printed out a lot of recipes.
Jaemac
Awww, babe! LOL,I had that happen about 6 months ago. I purchased something on the internet and when paying for it the site didn’t let my choose “from credit card” before the purchase, so it came out of my bank account instead. I got an overdraft charge then the bank had the GALL to charge an overdraft on the fact that there were insufficient funds to cover the overdraft fee!!! WOW, thank GOD my aunt works at my banking institution and fixed that little unfairness. Thank you for being you, Joy. I smile daily just reading your blog and my recipe box is getting fatter by the day!! Your bank should feel duly punished, hey, it’s like they have a cookie overdraft! hehehe.
Martina
Aw, bummer! I just did that recently for the first time and I was so upset with myself! Three NSF fees in one day. I had success talking to the manager at the bank where I opened my account (on the phone) — the branch by my office said they couldn’t do anything but suggested I called the other branch. The woman on the phone was really nice and helpful too. She saw that I’d been a customer for years and never overdrafted before, blah blah blah and refunded me 2 of the 3 fees; much better! I hope that works for you!
itsworthalook
For your next bank… find one with real time on-line accounting. (If I stop for gas on the way home, it’ shows up on the computer 5 minutes later when I get home). You’ll never have to worry about a missed entry again!
The cookies look great – but it’s been about 97 degrees in Philly this week…
kimberly
Joy, I’m so sorry to hear that you are having bank problems. Shame on them! Really, shame on them for being able to charge such exorbitant fees especially for first time offenders. I would definitely recommend talking with them and hopefully you are successful. Thanks for sharing another delicious looking recipe. Best of luck : )
Jessanna
Joy- I really love and appriciate how you encorporate your real life thoughts and feelings into your blog- along with, of course, your incredibly delicious recipe’s! Thanks for being human- and making mistakes too:) Oh- and for the record Banks aren’t just jerks to you- they are- a feelingless corporation that cares for no one (not even their employees…) ok so enough- down to the YUM of your coooooookies!!
lisa
My bank just did the same thing to me! I must make these cookie. I promise I won’t share! ;)
Elizabeth
Joy – I feel your pain. I just broke up with my last bank. My new bank is working out well, but I don’t like to fall too hard too fast, you know? I just made the chocolate wafer sandwich cookies from Martha’s cookie book and they like these, but without the espresso yumminess…must make these soon.
Sharon
Poor Joy. *Hugs*
I was wondering if you would be so kind as to write a post on the necessary pans that one would need to get into the baking groove. Many a time I get excited seeing a particular recipe that you have, only to discover that I do not have that particular pan to try that recipe. Or say, do I need TWO round pans, or 1 springform pan, 1 or 2 cookie sheets? Do I really need a Bundt pan? What are the must haves, or what could be the good-to-haves?
I cannot emphasize how much I love your site. You always make my day. :) Thank you.
Christine
Joy, sorry about your banking woes. Unfortunately it happens to the best of us. But, unlike the bank, you still like us!!! Thanks for sharing!!
carmen
I’ve been there – once – it STINKS – I never thought to call and try to get the money back as some of the other commenters mentioned. Too late for me, but perhaps you can try! The cookies look delicious. :)
Toni
Ohhh Jerky bank and I have had a long and tumultuous affair . No doubt about the overdraft fees ! stupid overdraft fees!!! I’m getting annoyed just thinking about it ! But these cookies look like they might make it all better :)
Kristilyn
Aww, that really sucks! I don’t have an overdraft on my account – the Husband does, but he says it’s good that I don’t or I would go way over what I have and end up paying the bank once I get my cheque.
These cookies, on the other hand, are lovely. I’ve never been too much of a coffee person, but I may have to whip up a batch for my mom who LOVES the stuff.
K
Sprouted Kitchen
the chocolate cookies look amazing! agreed, overdraft charges are ridiculous!
Jeff
Yeah, definitely mint.com. I had a similar nightmare overdraft experience before signing up, and now I get an email if I’m ever running low on funds. Go to the bank and talk to somebody, for real! It works — I got my overdrafts cut in half.
Also — can’t wait to make these. Today or tomorrow.
Marianne
Yeah, the banks are using us to pay back their bailout money. Cute, no? NO.
Joy, please help me. It is too hot to bake. My sons want baked goods. It’s tooooooo hoooooooooooot!
Lizzy
Omg, I have totally had all the exact same thoughts about my bank. Once I went under by literally like 5 cents and they charged me $33. And what about when I moved abroad and they forgot to lift the security hold off my visa card so I couldn’t get any money out of the ATM? Could I have charged them $33 for everytime they inconvenienced me? Yeah, probably not.
Those cookies look amazing by the way! I’ll make them for someone nice :-)
Courtney
I love this, only because I can relate. I love your site!!!!!
Tom
Does your teller wear a mask? Mine does..:o)
I was trying to figure out where I saw these cookies before than I realized I had the same book as you…Daahhhhhha :o)
Michelle
You go, girl!
And bring on those cookies too. They look yummy.
Megan
I would like to eat all of those cookies for dinner.
Banks are bitches.
Tom
Boo on the bank! Go find yourself another one, or better yet, a credit union. Take yer bidness & yer cookies someplace where they appreciate both . . .
Kim Vukovich
Joy, this happened to me also. It it a crappy trick to pull on the bank’s part isn’t it? I racked up $150 in overdraft fees before I realized what had happened; why do they let you keep taking money out that’s not there???I was so irate that I went in & asked to meet with the bank’s manager and told them what an unfair policy they had. I also said how much I enjoyed banking with them until now and how I would hate to have to switch banks over this unfortunate mishap…which worked because they took my fees off! You should try it Joy; it just might work!
maybelles mom
Oh, sorry about the bank–though I bet they can’t bake as well as you.
When Pigs Fly
Yum! Okay, I have got to start baking again. And, I wouldn’t share those cookies with too many people either.
Evan
Joy, i love you…
i would gladly pay your $33 fee in return for writing such wonderful little letters :)
they make my life complete… :)
Kaitlin
Aww, sorry about your overdraft charges! What a bummer!
The cookies sound and look fab, though!
Michelle
A few weeks ago I came across your blog when googling for chocolate chip peanut butter cookies. I did make them and have to say they were amazing! These cookies look yummy as well. Can’t wait to try them out.
I am so glad I found your blog. Now I know where to go for some dank baking recipes.
Kelly
That is the worst feeling ever! What a scam!
Lindsay
Remind me not to read your blog when I’m hungry again. I’m *supposed* to be working, but it’s taking all my willpower not to run down to the kitchen and make these. right. now. *drool*
Sara @ Our Best Bites
Ha! You’re hilarious. I love the letter to the bank. I don’t like those meanies either ;)
Baking and Mistaking
These look great, I’ll have to try them (sans espresso powder) ASAP. Sorry about the suck bank – they’re not known for being nice!
Christina
That happened to me just a few days ago. UGH. And how one earth did they think of that number $33? Good question. :(
But at least your cookies are amazing. :)
Dave
Just yesterday, there was a story on Minnesota Public Radio about banks making loads of money off of people via overdraft charges. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/10/am-overdraft-fees/
These cookies look great. Have you tried to make English muffins before? I made some lemon cranberry ones based off of Pete’s “Pete bakes website” http://www.peterandrewryan.com/baking/2008/09/english-muffins/
though I’d love to see your take on them.
Thanks. I love your blog. Great photos.
Kati
sorry to hear about the bank sitch–never makes sense but somehow they always make money–at least you made out with the best darn cookie ever and a chance to vent about the stinky bank–enjoy your cookies and try not to let em get you down–hugs
Stef
couldn’t agree more! but i won’t rant, …. i’ll just sing-song to myself about these glorious cookies until i get to go home and make them toniiiiight ;) joy, you’re a joy!
(groan groan, i know, you’ve heard that a million times… but still, its a joy ;))
The Duo Dishes
You’re not the only one with bank woes. Makes you want to get an envelope and stuff money in the mattress. Then eat cookies!
Amy
A few months ago I deposited a check from someone (who apparently doesn’t have any money !) and the check bounced. I got charged an outrageous fee. Me. What a bunch of horse puckey.
Rachel
aw man Joy – that stinks. I feel your pain. love your website and your witty remarks!
sheree
wow, that blows! banks = jerks!! boo on them.
PS i just found your blog and the browned butter blueberry muffins are like a staple in our house. so thanks for sharing your yumminess our tummies thank you.
Danielle
Yes. Yes. Yes. I must make these!
Nicole
oh man, I feel for you Joy! That happened to us once when my husband was working for a company that decided to cut checks with no funds (nice) and we got hit with several overdraft charges AFTER the bank happily accepted the check! SO mad. Maybe they’ll change their rules after knowing they’ll never get your delicious cookies. There.
Kate @ Savour Fare
Boo on the jerky bank. I have to say that mint.com is very helpful..
Tracey
The cookies look amazing! I’m definitely making them as soon as temps drop below 90! Sorry about the bank. Overdraft fees are absolutely ridiculous!
Linda
speak to jerky supervisor!
hah…bank…you loss cuz joy rocks! you could never be invited to her parties…acting the way you do!!
in any event, i too am going to make these delish sounding cookies!!!
Angela
Hey Joy- this same thing happened to me just a few weeks ago. TWO identical fees for the same overdraft (they’re tricksters with the not notifying the first time). It was an absentminded mistake, and I haven’t done it for years, if ever. So I called them and was just like “Hey, I made a silly mistake. I’ve been with this bank for a while and nothing like this has happened, blah blah.” They refunded me BOTH fees. So, if you haven’t given that a try, you should!
These cookies look delish. I never make espreso powder recipes because I never think to buy the stuff. Maybe I will take the plunge for these bad boys.