Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Toffee and Chocolate Crisps


I have been making cookies for the whole town this month, or at least that is how it feels.  I managed to get 200+ dozen baked this year.  I also have to admit it just about did me in.  When I started out distributing the cookies years ago it seemed do-able enough, but the list has grown and grown.  My girls, which used to be such great helpers have too much going on in their own lives now to be of much assistance anymore. (I really should quit with where I'm going here before I break out the tears).

Whew, I'm over that.   I'm not sad about it, they are just growing up and things are changing, so I should change how I do things too.  I'm on the lookout for a baking assistant for next year, so start sending those applications now.   I'm also hoping this person will work for unlimited cookies, so if the job sounds like something you'd be interested in, drop me a line.

I must warn you though, the job involves massive sugar consumption due to the fact there are no lunch breaks, just cookie breaks.





Toffee and Chocolate Crisps
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chips
Granulated sugar - for rolling

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Beat the butter until soft and fluffy.  Add the brown sugar, baking powder and salt.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla.  Add the flour and mix till combined.  Stir in the toffee bits and chocolate chips.

Shape the dough into teaspoon sized balls.  Roll the balls around in a small bowl of granulated sugar.

Place the balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment or silpats.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Makes 48 cookies.

These cookies are toffee-y, chocolate-y and crispy a really nice combination.  The kind once you start eating them; you just may have a hard time stopping.

I wanted to say a special "Thank You" to Becky for sending me some Christmas cheer, my eyes lit up when I saw that box of fudge with a handwritten note that it was your Mom's recipe.  Becky you are the best.


I also received the cutest card I've ever seen from my friend Taylor - Dionne's daughter.  She spent so much time on it and I have it up on my fridge for everyone to see.  I can't even tell you how much I love things that come from the heart.  I've saved many of the things my girls made when they were little and I will add this card to that collection.


I want to wish all of you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  If I could have one wish for Christmas it would be to travel all around the world with a sleigh full of cookies.  Spreading good cheer and cookie love to all of you.

Gina

39 comments:

  1. I can attest to the awesomeness of the cranberry orange cookies. Thank you so much for making us a part of your cookie list. And I have put my application in the mail :)

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  3. I'm sure the troops will be happy with these cookies...oops, you mean these are just for family and friends? Boy, I wish I lived in your town, Gina. I could be your baking slave, err, assistant and when we're done, we could get on our Ferrari-colored sleigh and distribute your baked goodies in style, baby!

    Have a beautiful Christmas and New Year, my friend <3.

    xoxo
    Maya

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  4. What do you do with all those cookies???? WOW! Merry Christmas to you Gina!

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  5. They all look amazing. You are incredibly talented- Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  6. Gina- I am eating one of your Toffee and Chocolate Crisps, as I type. They just melt in your mouth, so good, but now I have crumbs in my keyboard, so worth it. You have definitely earned the Cookie Queen title. Thank you for cookie box and jam:) My application is in the mail, too.

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  7. What a selection of cookies! I'm amazed and in awe of your baking gift. I'd apply for the job, but I've seen my hips increase in girth since my own baking this year so the last thing I need is to add yours to it! :)

    Have a wonderfully merry and happy Christmas!

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  8. Tracy, they are all gone and delivered, I don't even have a cookie left for breakfast. Maya, you bring that Ferrari sleigh and the job is yours, lol.
    Merry Christmas Everyone!

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  9. Merry Christmas Gina! How sweet of you to bake cookies for others! I would love being your cookie baking assistant!

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  10. What gorgeous cookies, Gina!

    My girls are in their 20's and on their own, but the youngest is home from Boston for a month :). I'm lucky that she likes to cook and bake so I have her to help me in the kitchen. She simply didn't have time in high school with her busy schedule. I'm sure there will be a time when your girls are back in the kitchen with you!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  11. You certainly live up to your name! 200+ dozen cookies - I can't even imagine! Wish I could sample some - the cranberry orange cookies are calling my name :) Merry Christmas to you and your family, Gina!

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  12. Gina, you are so special; that is why I love coming to visit you. I can just imagine your girls have other things on their mind now. You really earned the name of your blog.
    Gotta find something easier next year.
    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
    Rita

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  13. 200 dozen!?You are amazing.. and to think I just got done writing about how I've totally slacked this year :( These toffee guys look delicious. Happy Holidays Gina!!

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  14. Impressive! Don't quite know how you do it - 200 dozen! What lucky folks who are the recipients of these divine delights. Hope the holiday season is treating you well!!!

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  15. Hi Gina, it was wonderful seeing you guys. Thanks again for the delicious cookies. We already finished them all.:-) I need a diet after holidays.;-)
    Did you take any pictures on the day we met? I would love to write a post about it but I forgot my camera.:-(
    Wish you and your wonderful family Happy Holidays and looking forward to seeing you soon in the new year. xoxo.

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  16. Wow! You must be on cookie overload!! That's an insane amount of cookies! These little crispies sound HEAVENLY!!

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  17. o gosh..that's plenty of cookies....
    Merry Christmas to you Gina, my cookie queen!

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  18. Merry Christmas, Gina! Your cookies look fantastic! It would be so hard to pick one!

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  19. I'll be waiting for your sleigh to arrive with these cookies! I shared toffee cookies today, too...love these!!! Merry, merry Christmas,my friend! My world is brighter with you in in!!! xo

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  20. Merry Christmas Gina!
    My application will be heading your way because I have NO problem working for cookies.
    Seriously you must have been a cookie machine, at least now maybe you can take a rest and enjoy the remainder of the holidays with your growing kids (such a happy and sad thing to have them grow up).

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  21. It looks and sounds like your holiday season is rich with the blessings of family, beautiful memories, and sweet sugary goodness! Your cookies look wonderful! Hopefully you saved a few for yourself and once your sleigh finishes its deliveries, I hope you can sit back and relax! Enjoy a loving Christmas! You are such a sweet delight!

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  22. Wow They all look fabulous! I have bookmarked to try.Merry Christmas

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  23. Merry Christmas Gina! Your cookies were enjoyed here by everybody, thanks again;-)

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  24. wow, such gorgeous cookies! Happy holidays!

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  25. oh too cute! I make tons and tons of cookies for gifts at Christmas too. And the Chocolate Crinkles- yup those are a staple. So delicious! Well- I can't wait to try your Toffee Chocolate Crisps. And how could I not with a name like that ;-) Merry Christmas!

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  26. Todo luce fabuloso y exquisito ,con tus recetas eres la reina de las galletas,abrazos y feliz navidad ,alegría y paz.

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  27. You are amazing! I am sure you made many very happy with your delicious gifts. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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  28. Gina-you are the ultimate COOKIE QUEEN! There's no doubt about it!
    What a fabulous selection of beautiful cookies to give as gifts...cannot think of anything better than getting homemade cookies, such as yours, made with love!
    Love the cute Christmas card, as well!
    Hope your Christmas was Merry, and Bright!
    Hugs,

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  29. A belated Merry Christmas to you, my friend! The cookies look fabulous. Hope you have a happy New Year :-) Hugs, Kate

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  30. They're all very beautiful and look tasty.
    I hope you'll have a Happy New Year.

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  31. Gina, you are really a COOKIE QUEEN! No doubt about that.. I was literally drooling over my notebook. Your daughters are super lucky, to always have home baked goodies. It's still Christmas, 4th day I think.. merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Hope to see you soon again. Huggsss, Jo

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  32. I have been following your cookie adventures on Facebook and thought I was done. But somehow these crisps will get made to send home with my son whop adores anything toffee. Love, LOVE the homemade card - so much detail and love. Wishing you all good things in 2012 - may the New Year bring joy.

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  33. I am a toffee fanatic so I know I would love these - YUM! Wish I lived in your town :)

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  34. Awesome cookies..I need one right now to kill the cravings:)) Hope your Christmas was joyful! Have a Happy NEw Year!!!!!

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  35. Oh my goodness, look at all of these wonderful cookies! Wow!
    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Gina, and wishing you the most amazing 2012!
    Hugs

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  36. What delicious looking cookies!! These would be perfect for a night like this... new year's eve! :)

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  37. Yummy cookies. Am practising for a bit, I wish someday they will look like yours

    Olithée

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  38. Hi Gina,
    Hope you had wonderful holidays and wish you all the best in 2012! Hugs

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