Black & White and Red Cookies

One of my fondest memories of growing up, was stopping in at my grandparent's house after school before walking up the 100 yard path to our house.  I'd get to catch up on what both of them had been up to and my grandfather always had a riddle, joke or puzzle to share with us.  The joke, "What's black & white and read (red) all over" was one of his best and I have to say, it gave me a chuckle...even today.  So, this recipe is an ode to my grandfather and his incomparable sense of humor.

Black & White and Red Cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 Vanilla beans (split and scraped) 
1 tsp. Vanilla extract (or 2 tsp. if you don't use the beans)
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Line cookie sheets with parchment and set aside.
In a stand mixer, using a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy.  Scrape the sides as needed with a spatula.  Add the egg, vanilla(s) and unsweetened chocolate and mix to combine.

Add the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until fully incorporated.  Scrape the sides again and add the white chocolate and cranberries; mix again to combine.

Scoop up the dough and place on the lined baking sheet.  Press down the tops slightly with your hand.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes; tops should be cracked and look "dry."

These would be just perfect with a cold glass of milk for Santa...which by the way, I thought I'd show you my collection of Santa's and Father Christmases that I've been collecting for 30 years.  They have their own cupboard because I believe...

"and it was always said of Ebenezer Scrooge, that he knew
how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the
knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so,
as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!" 

I made this one in the early 90s

I bought this handmade Father Christmas in 1995 after my father passed away.  He looked like my Dad, across the eye:-D

Now, I was all set to go to a friend's craft business (Ellen Hutson, LLC) and deliver a bag; they were busy packing orders, like little elves.

Tis the Season of Giving. Enjoy!