cookies for santa

Christmas is still a few weeks away, but all the decorations and music has put me in the mood. So I made cookies! I know I gave you a healthy recipe the other day to keep recipes like this one from destroying your body in a matter of weeks, but I can't resist a little baking when it's cold outside. The smartest decision? Make them, save a few (not half the batch, please) for yourself and take the rest to work. This removes some temptation and everyone at work will praise you for your incredible baking skills.

These cookies are slightly crunchy on the outside and good and chewy on the inside. To make them even better, they're packed with chocolate chips AND toffee bits. I imagine these would be perfect for dipping in milk, but I happen to dislike milk so I just ate them alone. They were still fabulous.
If your Santa likes chocolate chip cookies, try these chocolate chip & toffee cookies, he's bound to love them and reward you even if you've been naughty.

Chocolate Chip & Toffee Cookies, makes a lot, from How To: Simplify

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup Heath Bar bits

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place sugar, dark brown sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in a stand mixer and beat until smooth and creamy. Add baking soda, salt and flour to the mixture and beat until combined. Add chocolate chips and toffee bits and beat on low until they are incorporated evenly.

Drop ping pong sized balls on a baking sheet with about 2 inches in between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

**I cooked mine about 14 minutes because I thought they didn't look finished — remember, I don't bake often — they ended up setting up a little crunchier than anticipated. So don't make the same mistake and only cook 10-12 minutes!