' tis the season

For baking.

Right?  Don't you have a list of cookies to make this holiday season to share with your friends and family?

I know I do...  It's a beloved tradition.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

I did just make a batch of cookies that are a first for me.
A friend *bragged* about having a fresh batch of homemade mint oreo cookies come out of her kitchen on Facebook the other day, and I haven't been able to shake the idea of them since.  I found this recipe, and altered the cream filling ingredients just to make them pepperminty (replaced the vanilla with peppermint extract).
I'm a sucker for anything peppermint - these cookies are no exception.

Here are few tips:

* If you don't have parchment paper (I didn't), lightly spray your cookie sheets with cooking spray.

* Roll teaspoon sized balls, place on cookie sheet, then dip the backside of a 1/4 c. measuring cup in water and press the cookie flat, until it's about the size of the bottom of the measuring cup.  The water is important - it keeps the dough from sticking to the measuring cup.

* These cookies spread, so make sure they really are about 2" apart.

* Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet, once you take them out of the oven, for a few minutes.  Then transfer to a wire cooking rack.

* I got about 21 cookie sandwiches out of the recipe.  I have a few cookies naked of frosting (because there wasn't enough - maybe I was too generous with the others), but they're quite tasty on their own.  Although the frosting definitely makes the cookie.

Yum.

If you love Oreos, peppermint, or cookies in general, these won't disappoint.  :)

What cookies are on your holiday agenda this year?  Do you have any traditional ones?  Any that you are trying for the first time?  What are your favorites?  Do share!

{linking up with gingerbread}