Turtle Cheesecake Pudding Cookies

Happy Black Friday! Did anyone hit the stores at midnight (or even earlier for some stores, like around 8pm)? I have to say that I have tried the Black Friday thing in the past, I think a total of two times- though neither of those times have I waited in the cold in long lines. I just went at midnight to go shopping. I have to say that I am not a fan, at all. It is a bit too intense for me. I am not for fighting, pushing and shoving for saving a few dollars. Do not get me wrong- I understand that sometimes, a few stores give certain, amazing deals- but the intensity of the experience is just not worth if for me...but I can see how some people get very into it. So for those individuals- I hope you got everything you wanted.

We did go shopping yesterday- but only to pick up the game Taboo, because my sister and I decided that we need to play it! But while there, the hubby and I got an adorable cupcake ornament and peacock ornament (since it reminded us of our wedding). I am looking forward to hanging it on our first Christmas tree :) But I do want to continue shopping, later today. I am sure there will be crowds- but I think the intense ones, hopefully have gotten their deals and left. I asked my sister if we could go because I could use some new clothes and some new shoes, specifically flats. I love heels but they kill my back (and I have a very sensitive back)! I also would like to go to this Doggie Bowtique (cute name) that is in Kansas City- to get my Ninja face a special Thanksgiving Holiday present.

What did we do yesterday? We went to Buca Di Beppo for their Thanksgiving Dinner and although our expectations were low- we were happily surprised. They had Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, Italian sausage stuffing, bread and green beans. It was the perfect amount of food for the four of us.

The dinner was timed perfectly so that we could begin waiting for the turning on of the Plaza Lights- a tradition for some Kansas City residents. I expected the stores to be open, even though it was Thanksgiving because a ton of people come out for this event, but sadly no stores were open- including cupcakeries. What a poor business decision. If I were a cupcakery owner in Kansas City and had a store within the Plaza- you will be sure that my cupcakery would be open. After the lighting- is when we headed to the stores to purchase Taboo :) And a fun game night was had...

So what to share for Black Friday! I am happy to say that I can stick with the dessert theme (because I would like to share more Desserts than Non-Desserts, since this is a dessert blog) and I presented it more in a "lets get ready for Christmas" way! I am going to share Turtle Cheesecake Pudding Cookies. The hubby and sister enjoyed these. Though I think both had the same comment- that each bite is different. Overall the cookie is good but its those wonderfully delicious bites when you get caramel and chocolate within the cheesecake pudding cookie that are the best. So I guess you can say each bite is a different experience :)

TURTLE CHEESECAKE PUDDING COOKIES

Adapted from Sugar Bee Crafts

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 350F degrees 

2 sticks of butter, softened

1/4 c. of sugar

1 c. of brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 c. of flour

1 (3.4oz) box of Jello cheesecake pudding mix

1 tsp. baking soda

1 (8oz) package of mini-Rolos, chopped in half 

1/2  c. chopped pecans

3/4 c. chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment- cream together butter and sugars- for approximately 6-8 minutes. Then add eggs, one at a time until mixed well, followed by vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients- flour, pudding mix, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to to wet ingredients, on low speed until just well incorporated. Lastly, add Rolos, pecans and chocolate chips and mix briefly- just enough to thoroughly incorporate.

Scoop 1 inch cookie dough balls (I use a cookie scoop) on baking sheet lined with aluminum foil- about 1.5 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. [If you like larger cookies- just make larger cookie rounds, about 2 inch sizes]

Enjoy,

Chika

Chocoalte Turtle Cookies

So in the spirit of Valentine's Day- I decided I had to make something chocolate. Valentine's without chocolate isn't really Valentine's Day. So my favorite is chocolate turtle anything, and so I searched the web for some really good chocolate turtle recipes and I found Turtle Cookies. They looked absolutely delicious and so I figured why not try them for the Day of Love? They are not semi-homemade but they definitely are not difficult...messy...yes...difficult...no.

This is definitely a dessert for chocolate lovers :) My sister would LOVE this recipe.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE COOKIES

Adapted from Rock Recipes

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 350F degrees.

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. of cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 c. butter or 2 sticks softened

1 c. of granulated sugar

1 c. of light brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

12 oz. chocolate chips (1 bag)

1 c. of pecans

carmel candies (I cut them in 1/4th sizes)

DIRECTIONS

Mix dry ingredients separately (again sift first to avoid lumps). Set aside. Mix together butter, both sugars, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add in dry ingredients, but do not over mix (as it will make dough very soft and sticky). Fold in chocolate chips. The dough will be sticky and soft. So I froze for 30 minutes and then covered my hands with crisco to reduce the stickyness. Roll into 3/4 inch balls (I found 1 inch round balls to be too big). Dip half the ball into pecans and place onto cookie sheet. Press down on cookie ball to slightly flatten. In the middle of cookie ball, place a small piece of carmel candy.

Bake 10-12 minutes (10 minutes if you like gooey, 12 minutes if you like more crispy/crunchy). Press down on the slightly melted carmel to spread out. Let cool. Once cookies are cooled- drizzle chocolate across cookies. I use a wilton squeeze bottle to have more control over the drizzle.

Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

Chika