12 days of christmas cookies: day 01

i've decided to start a little project this holiday season - the 12 days of christmas cookies. i know what you're thinking..."isn't a little late for that? it's already december 12th." yes, yes, i know. i've already confessed i have a bit of an issue with procrastinating. but if julia child's entire cookbook can be cooked through in 365 days, then i think i can get 12 batches of cookies done in less than 12 days...eh? plus, there's nothing better than baking cookies while listening to christmas music.

i decided to kick it off with double chocolate chip gingerbread cookies. white chocolate chips go so well with gingerbread, but i can't help but try to fit chocolate into everything...so why not combine them!?

double chocolate chip gingerbread cookies

ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat flour [or all purpose flour if that's all you have on hand]
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 1/4 tsp. all spice
• pinch of cloves
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter [2 sticks], softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

add all of the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl [the first 8 ingredients]. mix well to combine. in a separate mixing bowl, add the butter and brown sugar. blend using a hand mixer. once it has a creamy consistency, add the molasses, honey, vanilla extract and eggs. continue mixing until fully combined. add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine. finally, fold in all the chocolate chips. cover with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour [can be left overnight or up to 8 hours]. 

after letting the dough sit in the refrigerator, remove it and let it soften a bit. while it's softening, preheat the oven to 350 F. using a cookie scoop, scoop the cookies onto a prepared baking sheet and bake for 9 minutes. let cool for about 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

snack on one with a glass of milk [soy for me!] - beeest combination!

happy baking!