Chocolate and mint is, of course, a classic Christmas combination. This recipe for chocolate mint cookies consists of a chewy chocolate cookie and mint chips, though the ingredients are easily adapted: Mix it up by adding peppermint extract to the dough and white chocolate chips in place of the mint chips (or chocolate chunks, as per the original recipe).

Stack some cookies, wrap in cellophane and tie with a festive bow for gift-giving, or leave by the tree for Santa... we hear he's a fan.

Chocolate Mint Cookies (adapted from Foodess)
Makes two dozen cookies

1 cup butter (two sticks), softened
1 1/4 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. peppermint extract (optional)
2 cups flour
1 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1.5 cup mint chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two baking sheets, or line with parchment paper.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract. Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt and beat until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Form dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten balls slightly.

Bake cookies until edges begin to firm but center still appears soft, about 9 minutes. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks and cool completely.

 Tomorrow, Patch brings you instructions for creating and gifting spiced drink mix.