HOLIDAY THEMED
COOKIES
Every holiday season, my friends and I gather for our annual cookie exchange, a cozy tradition filled with laughter, warmth, and plenty of sweet treats. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air as we sip on glasses of wine, mingle, and catch up on each other’s lives. Between bites of chocolate, peppermint, and everything in between, we share funny stories and reminisce about past holidays, laughing until our cheeks hurt. It’s a celebration of friendship, flavors, and memories, a little festive magic that reminds us why this time of year is so special.
Hot Chocolate Crunch Cookies
Ingredients: Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Ingredients: Icing & Toppings
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Crushed peppermint sticks (about 4–5 sticks)
Instructions:
STEP 1: PREPARE & MIX
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
STEP 2: BAKE
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
STEP 3: ICE & TOP
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread or drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed peppermint sticks on top. Let cool,
serve & enjoy.
