Around this time each year you will find our Trinity Center employees in the kitchen baking for Trinity Center’s annual Christmas cookie exchange. On exchange day our buffet table is filled with all sorts of cookies, candies and breads! Take a look below to see a little sneak peak of what we are in for tomorrow!

We caught Mary Beth Bradberry (Camp Trinity Director) and Mindy Furrer (STS Program Director) showing off their cooking skills. Mmmmm.. gooey peppermint chocolate chip cookies!  For your pleasure -we have shared our recipe!

Blue-Ribbon Chocolate -Chip Cookies (Recipe taken from the Cake Mix Cookbook)

1 – 18 1/2  ounce package yellow cake mix

1/2 Cup (1 stick) butter, softened

3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (we used peppermint chocolate chips)

1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts), optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Position oven rack in middle of oven. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl place half of the cake mix along with the softened butter. brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract.  Blend with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed 1-2 minutes, until blended and smooth.  Stir in the remaining cake mix, chocolate chips, and nuts, if desired, with a wooden spoon until all dry ingredients are moistened.

Drop by the teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10-13 minutes or until golden at the edges and just barely set at the center when lightley touched.  Cool 1 minute on sheet.  Transfer to wire racks with metal spatula and cool completely.

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies

Stephanie Rudolph (Camp T and STS registrar)  is making her Grandmother’s Pecan Sandies! YUM!

Ashley Ruis (STS instructor) says her cookies are going to be a surprise, but we can tell you that anything with graham crackers in it is definitely a winner for us!

What Christmas treats are YOU making this year? Send us your recipe and we will feature it on our blog! Merry Christmas!