Andes Mint Cookies

Have you all been invited to a Christmas cookie exchange yet? Perhaps you didn't get an invitation and you would like to be invited to a virtual cookie exchange? There are a few of those out there. Check out: Little Birdie Secrets, Our Plain and Simple Life, Designer Digitals, Frugal Creativity, or check out the Blog Catalog. Your thighs will love the virtual cookies and you can probably find a few recipes that will be worth the occasional real indulgence!

I know some families spend a day this month baking tasty treats to put on plates for friends and family. I usually don't do that... but thought I'd join in a virtual cookie exchange just for the fun of it!

I found the recipe for these Andes Mint Cookies on Becky Higgins' blog about a year ago. I HEART Andes Mints so I thought I'd give them a try and they have been a big hit with the crowds each and every time I do. Oh, and just so you know, I never have any extra mints left so don't sneak any... but, don't worry they are still delicious melted on top of a gooey cookie fresh from the oven!


Andes Mint Cookies
(makes approximately 4 dozen)

3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tablespoons water
2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 package)
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 boxes Andes Mints, unwrapped

Heat the butter, brown sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until completely melted. Cool for 10 minutes. Pour chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl and add eggs. Stir well and then add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together and chill in fridge for 45 minutes. Roll into balls (like 1 to 1- 1/2" big). Place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes. Take out of the oven and immediately place a mint on top of each cookie. Allow to melt for 2 minutes and with a knife swirl the chocolate around to create a pretty green/brown swirly pattern. Allow to cool. (Chocolate will harden after cooling) But, I always eat one while the chocolate is melted. :-)

Just so you know: These cookies freeze very well. I usually bake half the recipe and freeze the other half. Once the cookie balls are on the cookie sheet I place the cookie sheet in the freezer and let the cookies harden up for 20 minutes. Then I remove them from the cookie sheet and put them in a labeled ziplock bag. (This process keeps them from sticking together) Freeze the cookie balls and when you are ready to bake them take the desired amount out and put on a cookie sheet. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake as instructed above.