Nutella Cookies for Gift Giving

Who doesn't love Nutella? Ok, I'm sure a few people don't, but lots of us do and if you're looking for a delicious gift to give this holiday season read on...

Every year at this time I bake lots of goodies for gift giving. A little decorative box from the dollar store, some cookies and of course SOAP make such a cute little gift. The fact that the goodies inside are handmade make it even better and unique.

I usually make these really simple treats with peanut butter, but this year I decided to try something different.

Nutella Ritz Cookies

• 2-4 Rolls of Ritz Crackers (the snowflake ones are extra festive if you can find them)
• a Jar of Nutella (not the small jar)
• 1 package of Chocolate Almond Bark (Candy Coating, 24 oz)
• parchment paper

First, smear a small amount of Nutella onto a cracker and then top with another cracker (make little Nutella cracker sandwiches). Do this until you have desired amount of sandwiches. I used two rolls of crackers and still have some of the candy coating left.

Next line up the sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop into the freezer for about 10 minutes. While they are freezing line another baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate bark. I start with a minute, then mix and zap it at 30 second intervals after that until melted and smooth. Be careful not to over cook or the chocolate will burn.

Once the chocolate is melted and sandwiches frozen drop the sandwiches into the chocolate one at a time. Use a fork to flip the cookie (now we can call them cookies). Once the cookie is evenly coated with chocolate, pick it up with the fork and tap gently on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess coating. Place on parchment lined baking sheet and continue until you have coated all of the cookies in chocolate. If your bark starts to harden up you can zap it for another 30 seconds. Once finished, let the cookies sit until the chocolate has hardened. Now package them in cello bags and tie with cute ribbon (if you don't eat them all first).

Happy baking! Wishing you Blissful showers, baths and Holidays! -Cassie