Favorite Cookies

Mike and I both made a couple different kinds of cookies this year.


The black and white cheesecake bites were a crowd favorite. They are also one of mine. Really good, look great on a platter and fairly easy to make:

1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. butter
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese softened
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract

To Prepare Crust:
In medium saucepan over low heat melt chocolate chips and butter. Stirring until smooth. Stir in graham cracker crumbs. Remove 1/4 cup of this mixture for later use. Press remaining mixture in 9x13 inch baking pan.

To Prepare Filling:

In large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in condensed milk, then egg, and vanilla. Pour over prepared crust. Sprinkle with reserved crust. Bake until set, about 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool in refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours or longer. Makes 24 squares.

Another favorite was one of Mike's Creations. We'll call them Mike's White Chocolate Macadamia Cranberry Dreams


3 c. flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 c. white sugar
1 c. packed light brown sugar
1 c. butter softened
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 c. vanilla baking chips
1 c. chopped macadamia nuts
1 c. dried cranberries

In a medium bowl set aside flour, baking soda and salt.

Cream together white sugar, light brown sugar, and butter. Add slightly beaten eggs and vanilla.

Add flour mixture until just mixed. Stir in vanilla chips, nuts, and cranberries.

Preheat oven to 350. Place onto ungreased cookie sheet by small scoop pr rounded teaspoon. Bake for 10 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven and let cool. Cookies will sink slightly.

Variations: To make chocolate cookies omit 1/2 c. flour and replace with 1/2 c. cocoa. Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on cookies.

I also made sugar cookies this year. I searched a long time for just the right recipe and I think I found it. The cookies were light and soft, the perfect base for a sweet frosting.

in case you noticed the fleur de lis and bats...just my own personal twist ;)