Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

The holidays are a time for indulging in warm, comforting flavors, and what better way to do so than with a batch of freshly baked cookies? This recipe takes the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness by incorporating the vibrant, festive notes of Area 2 Farms Frosted Peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Area 2 Farms Frosted Peppermint leaves chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the frosted peppermint leaves. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the peppermint to infuse the butter with its delightful flavor.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the infused butter until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

6. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and slightly firm around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional crushed frosted peppermint leaves on top of the cookies before baking.

• These cookies are delicious fresh from the oven, but they also store well at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

• Feel free to get creative! You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts.

These Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. With the perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweet peppermint, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they're a delightful treat that everyone will love. So grab a batch of Area 2 Farms Frosted Peppermint and bake up some holiday magic!

Bonus: Be sure to check out Area 2 Farms' website for other festive baking inspiration, including their wide variety of baking ingredients.