Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

OK.  So you know how I kind of avoid the recipes that include boxed ingredients because I would rather just make them from scratch?  Yeah.  Well that still stands.  I like to cook and bake from scratch and truly believe that it just tastes better that way.  Of course, as I have said before, there is nothing wrong with taking a little help now and then to make your life easier.  Piggy Pudding is a prime example of this.  As a matter of fact, I made it this morning with scrambled eggs and Apple Cider Syrup.  But that is not the point!  The point is that life is crazy and hectic and wonderful and most people just need to have an arsenal of great, quick ideas that don’t have a huge ingredient list and can be made in the time it takes my two year old to pretend to ‘read’ The Cat In The Hat.  This recipe falls into those categories.

These cookies are perfect for this time of year!  Because they are made with a sugar cookie mix, they are extremely fast to mix together and can withstand quite a bit of handling.  Kids can mess with the dough as much as they want, dropping it on the sheet pans to bake and pinching it and squishing it, and it will still bake up the same.  So often, as with traditional sugar or butter cookie dough, you have to chill it before and after every step and keep flour on it.  It is just much more particular.  This recipe, you can just have fun with.  It also seems to consistently make 3 dozen cookies exactly.  So if you have to whip something up last minute for an office party or school snack, these festive little treats will do just fine.  It makes it feel like Christmas without having to commit to the hours of time in the kitchen that you need for some cookie recipes!  Most of all, they are quite good.  I was pleasantly surprised about that when I first made these with my daughter a few years ago.  They have since become an easy weeknight treat during the Christmas season when I am pressed for time, but want to do something special.  And wrapped up in a red bow, they would make any neighbor a happy camper! One Year Ago: Puppy Chow

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
From Betty Crocker
Besides being quite yummy, kids (including mine) seem to love the fact that these are green.

1 pouch of sugar cookie mix, such as Betty Crocker
1 stick of softened butter
1 egg
6-8 drops of green food coloring
3/4 tsp peppermint extract
1 1/2 c chocolate chips

In a bowl for a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine first three ingredients.  Add the food coloring and mix well.  I like the pale color of only 6 drops, but 8 drops will make them nice and green!  Add the peppermint extract and combine.  Measure carefully!  It is very potent!  If you like, taste the batter to see if you want more extract, but only add more in by drops.  It is VERY strong and you can’t take it out once it is in there!  Stir the chocolate chips in by hand.  Drop by scant teaspoonfuls onto a greased or parchment covered sheet pan.  Make these tiny!  They are too overwhelming if you make them regular size!  Besides, small cookies are so cute…  Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or just until starting to barely brown on the edges.  Don’t over bake!  Let them cool on the sheet pan for a full five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.  Cookies will firm up as they cool.  These will last for several days in a tightly sealed container, or you can easily make them ahead of time and freeze them for when you need them!