Butterscotch Cookies

Mom's recipe box has many cookie recipes. So each year at Christmas, I look for an interesting recipe. This year, I found two different index cards with this same recipe, so I thought that it must be good. I was not disappointed. These cookies are delicious. Butterscotch is created using butter and brown sugar. The addition of cinnamon to these cookies make them a great Christmas cookie.

The recipe calls for adding chopped walnuts. I left the nuts out, but I am sure the nuts would be good in the cookies. The dough requires refrigeration, so plan ahead. Once the dough is formed into logs, the dough could be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for at least a few days.

Butterscotch Cookies 

• 1 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 5  cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• optional: 1 cup walnuts

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Beat until blended. Stir in nuts, if desired. Chill for an hour or two until dough can be handled. Form dough into 2 to 4 logs of the desired diameter for the cookie. Wrap each log in wax paper. Refrigerate for several hours. Slice the logs about a quarter inch thick. Place each cookie on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes, until delicately browned. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate Cookies

In December 2020, Rich and Christen made an assortment of Christmas cookies and delivered them because the pandemic prevented a family get together. One of the cookies was a hot chocolate cookie, which was delicious. This recipe recreates those cookies. I highly recommend these very chewy and chocolaty cookies.

When I made these cookies, I used milk chocolate chips, but any type of chip could be used. I used mini marshmallows, but next time, I will cut up the marshmallows to make them smaller and only add them to the top of the cookies after baking. Basic hot chocolate mix is made of sugar, cocoa powder, and powdered milk. You could easily create your own mix or change up the flavor for an interesting addition to these cookies.

Hot Chocolate Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa
• 4 packets of hot chocolate mix
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, cut up

Combine the butter, sugars, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add the eggs. Mix in the flour, cocoa, hot cocoa, and salt. Blend in the chocolate chips. Scope tablespoons of dough onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Just after removing the cookies from the oven, press marshmallows into the cookies. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

Candy Pretzel Rings

These candies are popular to make at Christmastime. When I found a bag of ring pretzels at Aldi, I thought I would give them a try this year to add to the Christmas cookie mix. These candies could be made any time of the year, especially because they are so easy to make.

When I made these, I used milk chocolate kisses, candy cane kisses, and Rolos. But other types of chocolate candies, such as mini peanut butter cups, could be used. I only used M&Ms, but various nuts or Reese's pieces could be used to top the treats.

Candy Pretzel Rings 

• pretzel rings or small twists
• chocolate candies, such as kisses
• M&Ms or other toppings

Preheat the oven to 250. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Lay down the pretzels in a single layer. Place a kiss or other candy into each pretzel. Place the pan in the oven for two to three minutes. Remove from the oven and place an M&M or two into each piece and slightly push down the chocolate. Allow to cool in place for at least 45 minutes. Enjoy!