I love leaving cookies out for Santa. It’s one of my favorite traditions. We have a very specific agenda for Christmas Eve. First we sprinkle reindeer food outside, then each child writes their own special note to Santa, then we grab Santa’s special plate and each child loads it with all their favorite cookies and candies. We fill up a tall glass of milk for Santa to wash it all down.
Once the kids go to bed, my husband and I have very specific jobs. I work on Santa’s reply. This is no easy task. In fact, it sucks. The only way to disguise my handwriting is to write with my left hand. I’m not ambidextrous. This takes me hours!!! Meanwhile, my husband grabs the milk and the plate of cookies and sets about eating…everything. I find this to be extremely funny. I remind him he doesn’t have to actually eat the cookies. After all, the kids won’t know that “Santa” put the cookies back. I think he feels obligated to stuff himself, just like the big guy. I suppose if the kids took the time and care to pick out their favorite cookies, the least he could do is eat it all, leaving the necessary crumbs as evidence.
The first thing the kids do when they wake up Christmas morning is squeal with delight at the site of the tree and all the presents. Then they bee line to Santa’s cookie plate to make sure nothing was left. My son usually reads aloud Santa’s note and passes it around as proof that Santa was here (because the presents weren’t enough). In that moment, the writers cramp in my left hand doesn’t matter and my husband’s cookie induced belly ache seems inconsequential. It’s all worth it. We smile and think to ourselves that we can’t wait to do it again next year!
These mint squares have been enjoyed by Santa for years!!! I love how easy they are to put together. The minty cream filling is so delicious and is the perfect topping for the cookie crust. Santa is a lucky man!
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- ½ cup butter
- 1 bag (10oz) mint flavored semi sweet chocolate chips ( I used Andes)
- 2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 3 T milk
- ½ t peppermint extract
- ½ t vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup butter
- Lightly spray a 8 in square pan, set aside. In a medium saucepan melt ½ cup butter and ¼ cup of the chocolate chips, stirring over low heat. When melted, remove from heat and stir in cookie crumbs. Press evenly onto greased pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, beat together ¼ cup butter, milk, peppermint and vanilla extract on medium speed until blended. Slowly beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Add more milk if consistency is not creamy enough for spreading.
- Spread peppermint filling over cookie crumbs. Return to refrigerator. In a small saucepan, melt remaining chocolate chips and ⅓ cup butter over low heat, stirring continually. When melted, spread over peppermint filling. Refrigerate until set, at least 15 minutes. Cut into squares
I’ll be linking this recipe up to these fabulous sites, as well as to: Jam Hands, The DIY Dreamer and
recipe adapted from Betty Crocker
In one way or another, parents across America spend a good portion of Christmas Eve playing Santa. Long after we outgrew Santa, my parents reminisced about their Christmas Eve “duties.” They wouldn’t have had it any other way — and I bet you feel the same way.
And with these mint squares on the plate, it’s easy to see why Santa insists on leaving only crumbs every year.
I do John, it’s work, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
What a fun family tradition! I love that these are no-bake. It’s perfect for keeping the oven free for all of the other baking!
Thanks Jessica! Gotta love a good no-bake recipe!
I LOVE this post about your family tradition! How cute that your kids A) write personal notes to Santa, and B) you take the time to respond (albeit painfully lol) to each and every note
I bet they’ll remember that for years to come! Our family tradition on Christmas consists of waking up at an obscene hour, like 2 am, to open presents. Yes, we’re practically adult children and get more excited than actual children hahaha. In fact, as actual children, we’d wake up at 5 am or 6, and as adults, we’re itching at the doors at 2. WTH.
These no-bake squares look so yummy! Love no-bake during the holidays
just as warm and comforting! And I don’t blame your hubby for eating every last crumb of these!
Hayley I love that you still get so excited by Christmas! Never want to loose the magic of Christmas!
These look so good. I think I have to give these try. Thanks for sharing and dropping by my kitchen to look at my December Chili recipe..
Thanks Linda! I AM going to make that chili!
I think envy is one of the deadly sins but Oh, how I wish my Children were still small to see the wonder in there eyes!. Thank you for sharing
I dread the day that the magic is gone!!! So fun!
So sweet. He stuffs you write. Love it!
We have the perfect system!
omigosh doe these sound luscious! Thanks for sharing! Linda @www.paperseedlings.com
Thanks Linda!
These look and sound wonderful
I really have to buy mint chocolate (we don’t have here mint chocolate chip) so I can make them..
I love the fact that they are without baking
Winnie, I’m going to have to mail you some chip!!!!
I’m all for no-bake! THese look yummmy!
Thanks Dannie. Some times, you need a go to no bake recipe!
Reading about your Christmas traditions put a smile on my face. They are really lovely.
Thanks Karen! Christmas has so many special traditions, I love it!
Haha, if my kids left cookies for Santa, you better believe I’d be eating them all that night!:) Those look delicious!!
Thanks Shiloh!!! Guess this way, we get to eat the good stuff before the kids eat it all!
If I tried to write with my left hand it would look like a different language! These look super tasty. We are on the same wave length this week … minty-chocolaty-deliciousness
My left hand script is terrible! But, so is my right!
I love no bake! It’s Summer here and baking cookies is insane! Santa was left fruit one year when my 3 year old (at the time) was concerned about Sanatas weight LOL
No bake would be perfect for you then, if it’s Summer! Hey, Santa needs fruit too!
I just clicked on your link from the Weekend Potluck. I’m digging you recipes and can’t wait too see more. I also love that you write a note from Santa to your kids…super cute!
Thans Kari! Love having you!
Ooh! I can see why Santa loves these cookies! We leave Santa eggnog and hot cocoa with our cookies. Apparently, he likes both.
I hope you’ll share this post at our Holiday Cookie Recipe Swap at http://thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com/2012/12/holiday-cookie-recipe-swap-week-3.html. It’s going on now through Dec. 18th. Thanks!
Santa’s isn’t big on eggnog at our house! Maybe we’ll try cocoa this year!
Sounds amazing Tanya!!!
Thanks for stopping by Aimee!
These look delicious! I had to laugh when you said about writing with your left hand because I do that as well! It is hard to do
Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday: http://www.flourmewithlove.com/2012/12/mix-it-up-monday_9.html
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who goes through all the trouble of writing with my left hand! Santa and the tooth fairy have the same signature! Thanks Lisa!
These look delicious! I love your Christmas Eve traditions. We are trying to start some with our family too…feeding the reindeer sounds fun.
I would love if you linked this up to our blog hop: http://sneakyspoons.blogspot.com/2012/12/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-2.html
You have to feed the reindeer! Thanks for the invite Sara!
mmm this sounds awesome. Great recipe
Garrett @TheGrowingPatch
http://www.growingpatch.com
Why thank you!
Featuring YOU today! Thank you for linking up to {wow me} wednesday!
Ginger @ GingerSnapCrafts.com
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/12/20-holiday-ideas-recipes-crafts-take.html
These look so yummy! I can’t wait to give them a try. I’ve pinned the recipe for later!
Wow! Thanks Emily! Let me know if you try them.