Christmas Eve Cookies (Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies)

As is becoming tradition, I entered the Christmas cookie contest again this year. And as also seems to be tradition, I didn’t win once again! Lol!

I’m never too saddened by this, to be quite honest. Would I love the prize money? Of course! But I always feel torn by the fact that I would not be able to share my cookie creations here on this blog if I won, and I really like sharing these recipes with you all.

Today’s recipe is yet another Abuelita specialty (if you didn’t get a chance to try my Abuelita pumpkin loaf, you can check it out here https://anticipatingadventure.com/2022/10/30/abuelita-chocolate-pumpkin-bread/).

I actually created these cookies by the end of August. I got a little too excited about the upcoming Christmas cookie competition and wanted ample time to come up with a great recipe, and after making these, I was pretty convinced I had a contest-worthy cookie. I was even more confident about my selection when my mom came to visit and sampled them, as she couldn’t seem to get enough of them!

Around that time, I gave some to a friend who, upon biting into one, excitedly exclaimed how much they tasted like Christmas to her. All the nostalgia of childhood flooded her with that one cinnamon-and-spice filled bite.

Due to that specific moment, I decided to name these cookies Christmas Eve Cookies, because the more I eat them, the more I have to agree! These soft, chewy bites of chocolate with hints of cinnamon make this cookie the best cozy, Christmas Eve treat!

CHRISTMAS EVE COOKIES

Ingredients

• 2 Abuelita hot chocolate tablets (2 whole disks)
• 2 T half and half
• 1 c butter, softened
• 1 c packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 c flour
• 1 c oat flour
• 1 t baking soda
• 1 t salt
• 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 c cinnamon baking chips

Instructions

Microwave the chocolate tablets and half and half together in 30 second increments until melted. Mix together and set aside. Beat together the brown sugar and butter, then beat in the eggs. Gradually mix in the hot chocolate mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oat flour, baking soda, and salt, then combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until well incorporated. Stir in the chocolate and cinnamon chips, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After the dough has chilled, drop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet by the rounded tablespoon, then bake for 10 minutes. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.