Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is a simple inexpensive last minute gift, because it looks really nice when you can put these cookies in a little cardboard cookie box, or a small tin and tie a ribbon around it. Read the recipe after the jump!

Add about 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes to any chocolate chip cookie mix (preferably a batter that makes about 2 dozen cookies). If you cheat and use the cookie dough in a tube, you could just press in a few pieces of crushed candy cane on it. Or use this recipe, which is on the back of the Nestle chocolate chip bag (but slightly revised):

• 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 c. melted butter
• 3/4 c. granulated sugar
• 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 c. chocolate chips
• 1/2 c. crushed candy canes

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add in the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in another bowl until the mixture is creamy. Add the eggs gradually beating well after each egg. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and crushed candy cane. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto unbleached parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are golden brown or about 10 minutes. Let it cool on the baking sheets.