Imagine, if you will, coming home one afternoon, dog-tired, running low on sense and steam…when, lo and behold, wafting from the kitchen…could it be the smell of fresh-baked cookies? An aroma mirage, surely!

To the delight of tall, blonde belle, it was actually a reality just the other day when one of our beloved junior belles decided to try Janice’s Mountain Top Chocolate Cookies from Glamour magazine.

Well, it couldn’t have been better timing! This belle propped right up with a hot cup of coffee and a warm cookie…with a rolo in it!! Shut the front door and give us just the sugar rush we need to make it through the rest of the day.

Junior belle earned extra points that day, at least enough for us to forgive the mess in the kitchen. She is still a work in progress, bless her heart.

Behold the best cookie recipe for a cold day….oh, who are we kidding?? Any day, really!!

Janice’s Mountain Top Chocolate Cookies

5 oz. salted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 bag mini Rolos
2 tbsp coarse salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.

2. Add flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda; beat on low until just combined.

3. Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Using your hands, scoop about a tablespoon of dough and press a Rolo candy into the middle. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top, and roll dough into a ball in your hands, then coat in powdered sugar until completely covered.

4. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake until tops begin to crack and cookies are firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool on a rack.

Makes about 10-15 cookies. Store in airtight container.

So go tell it on the mountain…and, hint, hint…Santa might just enjoy this little nibble as he sets about his work.  Just sayin’…

a&a