Don’t let that happen.
You have about 6 weeks left until the big day (and 5 more weeks of these posts ahead of you). Start your baking now! Stash those cookies in the freezer and have them ready. Just invited to a get together at a friend’s house? You’re covered! Grab a few cookies from your freezer stash and you can dazzle them with the array of delicious delights, without having to stress out about last minute baking.
This recipe comes from a cookbook I’ve had on my shelf for many years now. Back in the days when people would come to workplaces selling books, this was one that I picked up from the door-to-door book salesman. Somehow, I never got to this recipe before, but it seemed perfect for our series of holiday-themed treats. I slightly altered it, substituting some of the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a bit of a zing. The method is much like that of making brownies, except you chill the batter to transform it into a more malleable dough. The sugar sparkling on top is like frost on a late fall morning. Beautiful!
| Chocolate Crackletops |
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- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 cups vanilla sugar
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate (I used Ghirardelli’s 100% cacao baking bar), chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 11 oz M&M’s Minis Baking Bits (whole bag)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, combine the vanilla sugar, butter, and baking chocolate. Stir frequently and remove from heat when chocolate and butter are melted.
- Stir in the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Stir in flour mixture until well incorporated.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Remove from fridge and stir in the M&M’s Minis Baking Bits.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- With a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough, rolling in granulated sugar and then placing on baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10-12 minutes, being careful not to overbake.
- Let sit for 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
What did everyone else make for the 7th Week of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies & Sweets?
Oh my, these are just gorgeous! I absolutely LOVE how they shimmer and sparkle–so perfect for the holidays!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Mint Cookies with White Chocolate Ganache
My daughter would love these and they would be perfect to bake for the holidays.
These do look bright and cheerful! Perfect for Christmas!
laurie recently posted..Crumb Topped Apple Pie..12 weeks of Christmas
Those cookies look so festive.
Lisa @ Sweet as Sugar Cookies recently posted..Two Yummy Treats
The whole “where did the time go” thing happens to me all the time! It feels like just yesterday, my exams were over and it was summer and I would never have to worry about university and now in a blink of an eye, it’s already November! These cookies look delicious and so festive. I’m definitely trying them.
kyleen recently posted..Banana Chocolate Joltbars
Those look so good, like a pillow of yummy chocolate!
I love the looks of these, and my 6-yr old will love eating them! Perfect for the Christmas cookie platter, too!
These are gorgeous!! I just pinned them on my Christmas Cookies & Sweets board. Lovely!
I’ve never had someone show up trying to sell books – just ‘off brand’ perfumes and remote control toys – I’m so jealous! These cookies sound great – and like a great addition to any holiday baking.
kita recently posted..The Great Cheese Steak Debate 2011