You can elevate any desert recipe to holiday proportions by simply adding peppermint oil to your recipe. That trick is never better when used in a dark chocolately brownie. These brownies are rich thick perfection with just a hint of mint to make them merry. 

1 stick butter at room temp
1 cup flour
1/4 cup dutch processed cocoa
1 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp peppermint oil
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chips
8 ounces dark baking chocolate 
2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

Directions: 
Melt your chocolate and butter together in either a double boiler or microwave. Add sugar when mixture is hot and stir to combie. Add eggs, flour, cocoa, baking powder, chocolate chips, and salt. Mix until just combined. Bake at 350 degrees in a 9 inch greased pan for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Dust with powdered sugar for a snow effect. 

May all of your recipes be spiked with something wintery and wonderful this month. Enjoy!

Making Christmas Cookies is a no brainer. Sugar cookies are always a delight, but can get boring year after year. That is why this recipe is so wonderful. Its a unique twist on a wonderful sugar cookie recipe, with memorable flavors you family will love. You get the spice of the peppermint, and the cleanness from the lavender. This is one sugar cookie you won't soon forget!

Cookie Ingredients: 

3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup room temperature butter
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup lavender sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
5 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp water

Frosting Ingredients: 

1 stick butter at room temperature 
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
24 ounces powdered sugar
1/4 tsp peppermint oil 
1 tsp lavender salt
lavender buds for sprinkling on top (optional) 

Directions: 

Mix together your oil, butter, sugars, and eggs. Once smooth add your dry ingredients and water. Roll your dough into a sheet and cut into your favorite Christmas shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. While the cookies cool, mix together your frosting ingredients. I like to add my milk last and I add it tablespoon by tablespoon until I reach the consistency I like, which is like a thick toothpaste, but its up to you. Then once the cookies are cooled, you can frost away. 

If you are in need of culinary lavender products for this recipe, they can be found here: 
www.lavenderapple.com

These cookies are a unique sweet and special treat. Hope you enjoy them this holiday season!