Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Revisiting Christmas

Well, I finally took down my Christmas decorations this weekend. I hated to wait so long, but I've been so busy with revisions, I just haven't had the time or energy. Plus, there was a part of me that hated to let Christmas go. Perhaps because it was so condensed this year.

Whatever the case, I have finally closed the book on Christmas 2013.

Well, almost.

I realized that I never shared my recipe for the cookies I took to Drenda's annual cookie swap. And since I haven't cooked much of anything this week...well, these cookies were the perfect fit. Besides, these Triple Chocolate Knock-Out Cookies are wonderful any time of the year.

For these scrumptious cookies, you will need:
  • 2 1/2 sticks butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ½ tsp. vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. ground chipotle pepper
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (I used the Ghirardelli 60% cocoa)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, scraping sides occasionally. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix to combine.


Sift dry ingredients together. Including the pepper. I promise, it won't be hot. It'll just give it a little kick. Now if you want to use more than half a teaspoon, well, I give no promises there.


Now add the dry ingredients in small amounts to the butter/sugar mixture, mixing after each addition until blended. 
My old plain Jane KitchenAid was really grinding her gears on this one.


Gently blend in white and chocolate chips. 


The batter will be VERY stiff.


Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet (I used a cookie scoop for this). 

Bake 8-9 minutes. Cookies should be done, but still soft.

Let cool on baking rack and enjoy!

All right, gang, here's where I messed up. I forgot to take a picture of the finished product!!

I guess I was busy singing Christmas carols or simply so eager to get them on a platter and over to Drenda's that I forgot. But envision a chocolate chocolate chip cookie. 

I love these because A) of all the chocolate and B) they're a nice twist on standard chocolate chip cookies. Not that there's anything wrong with chocolate chip cookies. No way, no how. But one of these with a cup of coffee, tea or milk... Mmm, mmm, mmm!

So has anyone else out there had a hard time coming down off of Christmas this year? 
Or you just glad it's over? 

20 comments:

  1. Apologies for the late post. I accidently set it for PM instead of AM.

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  2. Oh, we're making cookies today because I'm back home and that's what Ruthys do when they come back home... they mess up the kitchen with little kids and BAKE!!!!!

    I think I'm out of cocoa, though.... must go check. Although my daughter gave me a bottle of a deep, dark chocolate syrup by Torani.... I could adjust and use a dark chocolate syrup, I bet.

    I'm obviously in need of SALAD because watching these cookies develop makes me want to claw the screen....

    Butter is softening even as we speak!!!

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    Replies
    1. Ooo, that syrup sounds amazing. But how can you eat salad when it's cold? I have the hardest time with that. However, I could use several salads myself.

      Welcome home!

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    2. I use the salad thing all year. Just to help keep me centered on what I should eat vs. the hot chocolate chip cookies on the dining room table!

      But I do love throwing that broccoli slaw or rainbow salad mix into an omelet. NO CARBS.... and very satisfying. And I make it twice as big so I have an extra one in the fridge. For me I snack on the wrong stuff if the right stuff isn't available and I don't have time to throw salads and omelets together on the spur of the moment. This did not, however. keep me from eating 6 Godiva caramel apple truffles this past weekend.

      I was amazed by how much I loved them!!!

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    3. Well, if they are caramel apple, that counts as a fruit, right?

      You make me feel like such a schlep, Ruthy. I need to get back on track. I keep telling myself after revisions. That's next week, so we'll see.

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  3. It's not late at all. :)

    I just got here, so it's right on time!!!! Coffee, Mindy????? (laughing, glad I'm not the ONLY one, LOL!!!!)

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    1. I didn't say I was going to have coffee. Nope, I'm nursing my nice cuppa tea right now. :)

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  4. And my Christmas comes down this coming weekend... I spent one weekend with grandkids, Jon got hurt, then I was in NC for a couple of days over this past weekend. So there was no non-working time to put things away. And if I don't do it neatly, I hate myself next November. This way I can do it organized so I can pull out the early decorations.... Advent wreath, porch swags, window lights and the pretty manger scene.... and then the tree stuff, etc.

    I'm glad I'm not alone on being late on that, either!!! Boy did my house look cheerful when we got home last night. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for making me feel better, Ruthy. And yes, it wasn't just the revisions, we were gone the week after Christmas, too.

      I'm the same way about putting them away. They have to be just so, so I know what is where.

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  5. Wow. Those cookies looking amazing based on the ingredients. Where do you get natural high fat cocoa??

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    1. I ordered it from Penzey's and it is SOOOO good. Makes the whole house smell like chocolate. And we all know that can't be bad. :) Throw in a little cinnamon and I'm in heaven.

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  6. Chocolate! Who cares about putting Christmas stuff away or being late with anything else when you have chocolate?

    Really, Mindy, these look fabulous. I don't think I can wait until next Christmas to try them :)

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    1. Good point, Jan. And they're definitely the kind of cookie that good no matter what the time of year. :)

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    2. Mindy, I wonder how they'd be with a little cinnamon and pepper thrown in, like those Italian cookies my friend Tina won't share?

      :)

      I bet they'd be divine.

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    3. Ruthy, they do have cinnamon and chipotle pepper.

      And what? Tina won't share?

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  7. LOL, Mindy! We all seem to forget to take those last photos! Especially when it's for sweets. hahaha

    These look so good! Can't wait to try them.

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  8. sounds good with 2 1/2 sticks of butter and all that chocolate!
    Susanna

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