cookies are the key to world peace.

Day 5 of 12: Mint Chocolate M&M Cookies :)

It’s ridiculous how far and wide I searched for these mint chocolate M&Ms.  I first tasted them last winter, and fell in love with them.  When I started thinking about going on this 12-day baking spree, I thought about these lovely little gems and how delicious they would be in a cookie.  I basically went to every grocery store in downtown Portland searching for them— and they were nowhere to be found.  When I asked store clerks if they carried mint chocolate M&Ms, the most common reaction I got was, “Are you sure those even exist?” :(  I almost gave up, but really?  Give up?  That’s not something I do.. I ended up finding them at a Fred Meyer in Hillsboro (about 20 miles out from where I live).  When I saw these, I seriously almost bought the entire box!  I was sooo excited!  I refrained, and only bought 2 bags.  M&Ms have never tasted so rewarding. :)

Cookie dough + mint chocolate M&Ms = delicious winter cookie :)

I just used a normal cookie base, and threw in a bag of mint M&Ms.  These cookies actually turned out a little fluffier than I was hoping, but they’re still chewy and soft, so I can’t really complain.  I have to admit, though, that these cookies definitely aren’t the “prettiest” I’ve ever made.  I should’ve taken a picture of how absolutely ridiculous the bottoms of these cookies look.  The M&Ms themselves were pretty thick, and they kind of sank to the bottom of the cookie while baking.  Let’s just say these cookies are well equipped with Christmas colored M&M craters on the bottom.

Hmmmm. What’s in store for tonight?  We’ll see.  Soon. :)

Soooo many cookies!  Poohahaha. :)

Day 3 of 12: Mint Chocolate Cookies :)

So, I went on a huuuuge baking spree last night.  Just because I’m crazy?  Mm. Maybe.  But no.  Today was “Academic Homecoming” at the high school I attended.  Before today, I hadn’t visited the high school ever since I graduated.  I actually hadn’t even kept in touch with very many teachers there.. So, I thought I’d visit them with some treats!  I made some mascarpone brownies for the sweet ladies who work in the front office, baked some cookies (these cookies) for a few of the counselors, and got a few of my favorite teachers other reunion gifts.  I was afraid being back would be suuuper awkward, but it was actually nothing short of awesome.  It felt amazing being able to reunite and catch up with all of the teachers around the school; I miss them so much, and they’ve made the greatest impact on my life.  As cheesy at it sounds, I definitely wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today without them.  They’re all so incredible, and sweet. :)

I ended up spending about 8 hours in the kitchen last night.  I stumbled over a lovely recipe for black & white red velvet cookies while browsing some blogs, and I just couldn’t pull my attention away from it.  I had never tasted red velvet or black & white cookies, so I thought I’d expose myself to two new tastes in one swing.  Unfortunately, I ended up hating (that might be a stronger word than necessary..) these cookies, and didn’t find them fit to package as gifts, so I decided to go back to a trusty recipe and make these cookies.

So, after Day 2, I still had a sufficient amount of Guittard’s mint morsels left.  I usually make these mint chocolate cookies with Andes mints melted on top, but I didn’t have any Andes on hand, so I decided to use the rest of the mint morsels.  These cookies turned out exactly like I wanted them to (love it when that happens!).  They were very brownie-like: soft, fluffy, chewy, and chocolatey.  I love the combination of mint & chocolate; the two tastes are such a dynamic duo, and you can hardly ever go wrong with them together.  My friends seemed to enjoy the cookies, but I did get some feedback about an odd texture in the mint morsels.  After being baked, a few of the morsels did get a bit on the chalky/crumbly side.  I definitely prefer these cookies with Andes, but I loved these the way they are, too. :)

I got this recipe from Lovin’ In The Oven, who is also doing 12 Days of Cookies.  If you haven’t already, you should definitely check out her blog.  Her blog is one of the first baking blogs I’ve ever encountered, and she definitely inspired me to start this.  Her photos are AMAZING, and all of her baked goods always look sooo delectable.  Kudos to her for everything she’s done. :)

So, it’s only Day 4, and I’m already starting to get nauseous at the sight (and mere thought) of butter and sugar.. But I really need to suck it up and keep going.  I’ve got cookies to make!  I’m really excited, though.  So many recipes bookmarked, and only a few days until my brother comes home!  I might have to withdraw myself from having ANY sugar after these 12 days, though..

Can’t wait to see what Day 4 has in store for me. :)

Day 2 of 12: Mint & Chocolate Morsel Cookies :)

I decided to stray away from my usual go-to recipe for a “regular” cookie base.. and I really wish I hadn’t.  I should’ve known this recipe was missing something.. Oh well! Life goes on.

This cookie base ended up tasting too much like a sugar cookie (which I’ve never been a very big fan of).  The cookies turned out fluffy, yet chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside.  The cookie base tasted like a slightly flavorless sugar cookie.. Disappointing, I know.

BUT, enough about the cookie base.  On to the true stars of the cookie: the mint morsels.  I found these Guittard green mint morsels at Safeway, on my mad search for mint chocolate M&Ms (yes, they exist!).  The mint flavor of these morsels is so creamy and delicious.  I have to admit, though, I am a bit perturbed by the ridiculously artificial mint green color.  I decided to throw in some bittersweet chocolate morsels, just to complement the mint morsels, and the two flavors worked so well together. :)  Next time I try this, I’ll definitely use my usual cookie base.

These cookies were a slight disappointment.. But look on the bright side: they weren’t disastrous!  Haha.

Let’s hope tomorrow goes better. :)