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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Chocolate Mint M&M Cookies


I have a slight addiction. It's an addiction to the candy aisle at Walgreens. It doesn't matter how much of a rush I'm in or how many other things I need to buy, I always take at least a little bit of time to peruse the candy aisle. I don't quite understand this need, it's just a little quirk of mine that usually doesn't get me in any trouble...most of the time I leave the aisle empty-handed and continue on my merry way. However, there are days when I fall prey to the brightly colored packages and find myself walking away with one or two of my favorite candies.

When I was there last weekend, I skipped past the dots and swedish fish (my favorites) and instead picked up two bags of mint m&ms. I actually don't even really like mint m&ms, so I bought these with Ryan in mind. However, after filling one of my Christmas candy jars with the m&ms, I decided to use the other bag in some cookies. These were another one of the sweet treats Ryan and I brought into work last week. These were perfect--soft and chocolately with a hint of mint from the m&ms.

I searched for a general m&m cookie recipe on allrecipes.com and made a few changes, using butter instead of shortening and adding cocoa to the batter. Next time you're in Walgreens, pick up some of mint m&ms and make these cookies, you won't regret it!

Chocolate Mint M&M Cookies
**for more of a mint flavored cookie, consider adding peppermint extract
**this recipe made 6 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
-1 cup packed brown sugar
-1/2 cup white sugar
-1 cup butter
-2 eggs
-1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup cocoa
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tsp salt
-1 bag mint m&ms

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla.
2. Add flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda to creamed mixture. Blend well.
3. Stir in m&ms until well combined.
4. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 350F for 9-11 minutes.
6. Cool cookies on a wire cooking rack and store in an airtight container.

**Keep reading the next few days as I'll be posting lots of holiday treats! I have some yummy meals to post too (think butternut squash & black bean pita sandwiches!), but these are going to have to wait until I get through all of my goodies :)