Double Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies were a selfish move on multiple levels.

• One: Ben is cuckoo and doesn’t like the dreamy medley of chocolate and mint. Fully aware of this gap in his sanity, I baked them anyway.
• Two: I skipped the hassle of deluding myself that I’d enjoy a few at home, then tote the remainder to the office. Why expend effort on pretense when I can put that energy towards more effective ends—such as pouring myself a second glass of milk to accompany Cookie #4?
• Three: Um, that second glass of milk may or may not have emptied the carton…

I blame my Christmas tree. Decorating my beloved little Charlie Brown number would not feel complete without cookies in the oven and carols the background.

Here’s a snippet of my tree décor. My faithful pine hails from my single lady days and is probably the girliest tree you’ve ever seen. Yes, those are sequins on my tree skirt and glitter on my ornaments. Aren’t they pretty?

Double Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies are exactly what you’d crave after completing the herculean task of untangling strands of Christmas tree lights. Then, you’d need seconds (and thirds) to celebrate the placing star on top.

The fourth cookie is just because your tree is lovely and so are you.

Since I inhabit camp more chocolate is better than less, these Double Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies receive two hits: first from cocoa powder, then from chopped bittersweet chocolate. Next, mint baking chips arrive (think finely chopped Andes mints), adding a cool, sweet flavor that balances the dark chocolate and ensures that consumption will, under no circumstances, be limited to one cookie.

Santa might leave you his entire bag of toys for a plate of Double Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies, but you won’t part with them. Hide them under your bed beside the presents, and don’t be surprised if a red-suited someone sneaks into your pantry!

PS. Don’t forget to enter here for a chance to win the handmade apron of your choice from a unique Etsy shop!

Loosely adapted from this recipe