A Snowy Treat

Every Christmas, I look forward to snow ... but not the icy precipitation that falls from the sky. (I'm a Texan, after all!) Rather, a sugary, snow-topped confection made especially for me by my mom. Every year, no matter how busy my family is (a family that stretches across the U.S.!), my mom always whips up a special batch of homemade Mint Snow-Top Cookies just for me to enjoy.

Sure, you've probably tried them before—she certainly didn't invent the recipe. But I thought I might share this creation with our blog readers to try out at home (just in case you're looking for something to share with visiting friends and family). And, this particular recipe can be a blast to make with little helpers.

After you create the chocolate dough, the recipe will ask for you to roll tablespoon-sized drops into balls (after allowing the dough to cool in the fridge). This is where the kiddos come in handy: These dough balls need to be shaken up in a zip-lock bag of powdered sugar. You can envision the dusty, powdery mess that might occur!

Do you have a favorite type of holiday cookie? We'd love to hear about what kind of sweet treats your family creates together in the kitchen.

Mint Snow-Top Cookies
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
10 oz. mint chocolate chips, divided
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
About 2/3 cup powdered sugar

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Melt 1 cup mint chocolate chips over low heat or in the microwave. In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the melted mint chocolate chips and vanilla. Beat in the eggs. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients and the remaining mint chocolate chips. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes or until firm.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with silicone baking mats. Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

—Gretchen