Recipes from the Minecraft Party

I held a Minecraft party for my boychild knowing that Bullfrog LOVED Minecraft. I had EVERY intention of doing super simple treats ... like apple slices dipped in caramel for the apples and purchasing mini cookies for the cookies. However, how do you say no to a little boy whose eyes light up when he asks you so sweetly to make a couple different goodies.

To start with, Bullfrog wanted Grinch cookies for the cookies. I made them a few years ago using sugar cookie mix. I really didn't feel like using a sugar cookie base this time, so I went searching for a new Grinch cookie recipe.

This time, I turned to a blogger who made crinkle cookies. The picture isn't great so refer to her blog post for better pictures! One major downside of my apartment is the inability to take good food photographs. *sigh* (I know, blogger problems)

Okay, so by visiting A Northwood Christmas' blog on Grinch Cookies, you will have the recipe base that I used. However, I made some alterations. Let me tell you about them.

1. I did not use peppermint extract. We felt it was a little overbearing last time so we just omitted it this time. It tasted GREAT.
2. We didn't use Andes chips ... I DID however, visit the Dollar Tree and purchased a small bag of Andes mints and chopped them up myself. I know that Andes chips are about $2 to $3. I was perfectly fine with chopping my own mints and saving a buck or two.

I did roll them in powdered sugar and they turned out fantastic ... but I'm also a sucker for crinkle cookies.

Okay, moving on ... the apples. Those are Caramel Apple Blondies by The Love Nerds. I only changed the recipe a touch and it was due to my stupidity in forgetting to pick up a couple items. LOL

1. I forgot the parchment paper ... do not forget this. It causes MASSIVE problems.
2. I used Honey Crisp Apples ... these were SUCH a yummy addition. I could totally see how Granny Smith apples would be great, but I prefer Honey Crisp over EVERYTHING!
3. I forgot the chocolate chips for the topping ... do not forget this ... chocolate should NEVER be forgotten.
4. Cook for the FULL 35 minutes even if it kinda sounds odd. I cooked for 30 minutes and they could have totally used another 5 minutes ... didn't realize it until they were cooled and ready to cut.

So ... there ya are. Caramel Apple Blondies for the Apples and Grinch Cookies for the cookies ... and one very happy birthday boy!