Cookie Dough Truffles

Need a fun, inexpensive Christmas gift idea? How about whipping up something yummy in the kitchen instead of schlepping around the mall, hoping inspiration strikes?
These are great for neighbors, coworkers, friends, and secret Santas.

This recipe is (of course) from my lovely Paula Deen. I actually found it in one of her dessert magazines. I made them with my (then) 12 year old little sister, and it was so fun! Easy enough to get your kids involved, and there's no raw egg in this cookie dough... worry free licking!

I found these cute Christmas take-out boxes in Target's dollar section and some mini baking cups for $1.99. I figured these would be cute to dress up the truffles a little and give away. Fyi, it makes a BUNCH, so get plenty of cups.

I included the video in case you wanted to watch how Paula makes it. Otherwise, just go right on ahead and enjoy giving these out.

Cookie Dough Truffles

(photo courtesy of Food Network)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted

Directions

In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.

*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.

Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Makes 5 dozen truffles.