Chocolate Everything Cookies

These puppies were originally named "Ultimate Chocolate Comfort Cookies." And while they are very good cookies, I think that name somehow misses the mark. I would describe them as more exciting than comforting. But they are definitely show-stopping, and a huge hit with the kids in our playgroup. I renamed them "Everything Cookies" because it's such an interesting ingredient list - cream cheese, cranberries, chocolate, nuts and even marshmallow cream (a first for me in cookies!)

But they all come together splendidly to make one totally fun, and plenty chocolatey, goody!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 (1 oz.) squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 T milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 T all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa or regular cocoa powder
1 cup marshmallow cream
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups semisweet chocolate mega-morsels or white chocolate morsels (or 1 cup of each)
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (like Craisins)

1. Preheat oven to 325. Line baking sheets with parchment or Silpats.

2. Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg, beating well. Add melted chocolate, milk and vanilla; beat well.

3. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder; add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in marshmallow cream and remaining ingredients, mixing well. I didn't mix too well at this point; I wanted the marshmallow cream to be a little swirly for fun.4. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 13 minutes or until done. Cool 1 minute on cookies sheets; remove to wire racks and cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.

Recipe from Oxmoor House, January 1999