Peppermint & Chocolate Chip Celebration Cookies

Peppermint & Chocolate Chip 

Celebration Cookies

My mother used to make these when I was little.  I would remember them every holiday and beg her to make some for my sister and I.  She used to pretend that she didn't know which peppermint chocolate chip cookie I was talking about and then somehow they would magically appear in the kitchen the next day or so.  This cookie recipe has been around for years.  Those of you who have celebrated many holiday seasons will remember these cookies which are sometimes referred to as a "celebration" cookie.  They are so special they ought to accompany any celebration, including Christmas. 

Peppermint Celebration cookies are light as a feather.  They are made from meringue with peppermint extract and chocolate chips.  Meringue is achieved by whipping egg whites and sugar.  My mother used mint chocolate chips, but you can use either regular or mint.  If these cookies were not special and celebratory enough, my mother would add red or green food coloring to the batter which made them a delicate and beautiful seasonal color, light pink or light green.  These are very special cookies.  Make them for special people in your life. 

Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/2 t cream of tartar
1 t. peppermint extract
1 dash salt
3 drops red or green food coloring
3/4 C. sugar
6 oz. mint chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a stand mixer with a very clean mixing bowl and whip attachment, add the egg whites, cream of tartar, peppermint extract, salt and food coloring.  Whip mixture until soft peaks form.  While the mixer is still whipping the egg mixture, slowly add the sugar until stiff peaks form.  Remove whip attachment and using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the chocolate chips.  Using two spoons, drop cookies onto cookie sheet that is lined with brown paper.  You can use mailing paper or grocery bag paper cut to size.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.  Enjoy!