Red Velvet White Chip Cookies - Perfect For Valentine's Day

Tomorrow is the big "V" Day.  You may love it or hate it.  I, personally think it is a wonderful way to remind us to tell those we love how we feel about them - partners, family, friends, co-workers - whomever.  We often forget to do that, taking our lives for granted and thinking things will always be the way they are.  But, as we are constantly reminded, things can change in an instant and that thought or feeling you meant to share may never get to be shared.  So, love it or hate it, tell those you care about how you feel. Don't let the day slip away even though it may not be important to you, it is to them.    It doesn't take money, or expensive gifts, or fancy dinners - just a simple phone call, a hug, a handmade card, a treat you made for them.  They all say "I care."   

Taking time to make something from your heart and with your very own hands is one of the most special ways to say I really do care.  Who wouldn't love these red velvet cookies made with white chips?  They are pretty to look at and fantastic to eat!  Chocolate, white chocolate chips - what's not to love?

This is an easy recipe that makes about 4 dozen cookies.  You can put them in a pretty box or on a pretty tray or plate.  How about a dozen or half dozen to several different people?  They will all really appreciate your thinking of them.  Maybe you will want to keep a few for yourself, because they really are quite good.

Here is what you need.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large egg
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup cocoa powder

red food coloring (I used about 1/2 a bottle, you may want to use a little more)
1 cup white chips

Preheat oven to 375 - line baking sheets with parchment paper

Cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.  Add food coloring till you get the color you want.  Add egg and vanilla.  Add dry ingredients and more food coloring if needed.  Fold in chips.  (This is a stiff dough and  you will  need a mixer to make it.)

Drop by tablespoons full about 2" apart.  Slightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon as they don't spread out a lot.  Bake about 10 minutes.  Watch closely, lifting the cookies with a spatula to see that they don't burn on the bottom.

Remove from oven, cool for a minute and remove from pan.

I worked in flower shops for years and Valentine's Day was always a mad house to say the least.   It really made me dislike the day for a long time, mainly because it was so physically demanding.  Everyone else was having a joyous holiday and I was dead on my feet from working 40 straight hours without going home to see my own family.   But let me tell you, there is nothing like seeing someone's eyes light up the moment they realized the delivery was for them.   When you walked in with a vase of flowers and asked for whomever the recipient was, every head in the place turned.   Everyone would comment about how lucky they were and admire the thoughtfulness of the sender.

 It doesn't have to be flowers, or candy,  or jewelry - just let them know you thought of them.   Make them some cupcakes, or cookies, or a card.  You may not think it's important, but it really is.

Our daughter is due with our sixth grandson tomorrow - February 14 - Valentine's Day.  Hope he makes his appearance, because we can't wait to meet him.  What a special Valentine that would be!  Here's hoping your day is special too.  Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!  xoxo

Everyday Donna

Things to Remember:

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
Charles M. Schulz