Christmas Cookies and Candy..Debbie Cookies

I will be sharing some of my favorite cookie and candy recipes to make for gift giving over the next few weeks. Each year I make a bunch of cookies and homemade candy to give as gifts to my neighbors. My mom did this each year and now she is gone I have been continuing the tradition. My kids help me and in about two weeks we have all the yummy morsels ready to go out to the neighbors and friends.

So here is my first recipe and memory to share. I received this recipe from my cousin Debbie. She gave this recipe to me when I was getting married. My cousin was a very important person in my life. Even though she was 9 years older than me she always had time to do things with me. As a teenager she would make time for me when I would visit and as a young adult she would include my sister and myself on outings with her and her friends.

Unfortunately she had a rare form of cancer as a child and but with treatment she was cured of it. She went onto grow up and be a positive influence in my life as well as others. Just into her 40’s she died of a re-occurance of this cancer. Now each year when I make these cookies I remember the times she made me feel so important and special. I miss her dearly and that is why I call these cookies Debbie cookies. You might know them by the name Chocolate Twinkles.

Debbie Cookies (Chocolate Twinkles) makes 6 dozen

1/4 Cup Oil
4 squares Baking Chocolate
2 Cups of Sugar
4 Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Cups Flour

Melt the chocolate squares in a large bowl that can be placed in the microwave. I cut up the chocolate to help it melt more evenly. Then add the oil and mix well with a mixer. Add in the sugar and mix well again. Add the eggs and mix until well incorporated.

Once mixed well stir in the flour, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Chill at least 4 hours. Roll into balls and then roll into powdered sugar to coat. Place on cookie sheet and bake 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to over bake.