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?