It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... @Liz Flaherty

The reason for this week's title for my post is that, as you can see by this picture taken through my office window, there is whiteness all around us. It's Sunday as I write this, and the snow is still blowing all over the place. It's beautiful, but I don't like it until the wind lies and the snow takes on that stillness that feels like worship. And like Christmas.

We're offering up favorite holiday recipes here in the round corral this week. I have to admit I'm not in the baking mood this year, although I've certainly been in the eating mood, so I'm grateful for the ones who do feel like baking.

My recipe, which made me gain weight just by copying and pasting it here, is sinfully delicious. Santa would enjoy some of them on the plate you leave out for him. Credit for both the recipe and the picture go to  Kylee's Kitchen with my gratitude.

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Yield: 24 cookies

 

IngredientsFor the Cookies·      1/2 cup butter, room temperature
·      1/3 cup granulated sugar
·      1 egg
·      1 teaspoon vanilla
·      1 teaspoon baking powder
·      1/2 teaspoon salt
·      1 and 1/3 cup flour
·      1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
 For the Icing·      1/2 cup butter
·      2 Tablespoon cocoa powder
·      3 Tablespoon milk
·      2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
 DirectionsFor the Cookies1.     Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit
2.     Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat, set aside.
3.     In a large bowl beat butter and sugar together until light, about 2 minutes.
4.     Add egg and vanilla and continue mixing until incorporated.
5.     In a separate bowl, mix together baking powder, salt and flour.
6.     Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix on low until just combined.
7.     In a microwave safe bowl heat chocolate chips on high in 30 second increments until melted, stirring after every 30 seconds.
8.     Add melted chocolate directly to bowl of cookie dough and mix until combined.
9.     Scoop out dough in Tablespoon-sized mounds, roll into ball, and place on baking sheet.
10. Bake for 7 minutes. They will still be very soft on the inside. Do not overbake!
11. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
 For the Icing1.     Add butter, cocoa powder and milk to medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking until melted together.
2.     Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in powdered sugar.
3.     Pour icing over cookies. Allow icing to set before serving (this will take an hour or two).

***

And the winner of the prize from last week is...

Muriel Jensen

This makes me extra happy because her books have given me so very much joy over the years and we have become both friends and Harlequin Hearwarming sisters. I don't know what the prize is yet, Muriel, but I hope you enjoy it!

Another prize this week!

I'll be sending out a print copy of A Heartwarming Christmas Craft & Cookbook to one of this week's commenters. It's a fun book--don't miss your chance!