Magical Cookies

So, while making these cookies, I had the funniest thought.
I am warning you. My husband comments on how random my thoughts are sometimes so I apologize in advance on the crazy randomness that is this story.
I was pouring the vanilla extract in the dough (pouring since I never, ever measure vanilla, not sure why, just never do), and I was thinking of the 80’s show Family Ties. Did you watch that show? I loved it. Well, if you used to watch it, do you remember that episode with Tom Hanks? Remember that one? He played the alcoholic? Stay with me here….stay with me….
I was just thinking about it and how he couldn’t stop drinking so he drank all the maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract out of the family’s pantry. I was laughing thinking about this today-not because he was an alcoholic because that totally is not funny-I mean I was laughing thinking of myself as a young girl watching this and thinking ….who would do that?? Didn’t he even say something in that episode like “it’s not Miller time but it’s Vanilla Time!” Really, who writes this stuff? It’s crazy that that character actually became an award winning movie actor.Although seriously, I loved that show. LOVED it. Am I dating myself?
So anyways, I decided to try it.
Not becoming an alcoholic-don’t worry Mom.
The vanilla. I mean, I have tried it before in stuff. Cookies, french toast, cakes, well…everything else you can think of because I totally LOVE the heck out of vanilla. But I never tasted it….plain.
I mean, it smells good, it tastes good in everything, so let’s give it a try.
Ok-so here is the moral of the story : Don’t do it. It is totally gross.
Seriously I would never be able to drink a whole bottle.
I guess Tom Hanks was a good actor back then after all.

Ok. Back to the point. Gosh, was that a digression or what?
Magical Cookies. I know, I know…such a ridiculous name.
But really….they are.
Magical, that is.
Why? You may ask. Well, the first reason is that they are seriously the easiest cookies I have ever made. Like take 5 minutes to prep the dough-easy. The other reason they are magical? They are so good and they magically disappear off the plate when you serve them.
Ok…did I just make the cheesy name worse? Well, make them for yourself and you may jump on the magical train and agree with me. Don’t knock it before you try it!
I needed a good laugh today-hope I gave you a chuckle as well.
If not, just make some of these cookies. They will definitely make you feel better.

Magical Cookies

1 box butter recipe chocolate or yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 block of cream cheese, softened
1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar

Mix cake mix, egg, cream cheese, butter and vanilla with an electric mixer until well combined, about two minutes. Chill for 2 hours in refrigerator. Roll into teaspoon sized balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely and dust with more powdered sugar if desired.

*I tried both versions, chocolate and yellow. They are both so good! The yellow cake version tastes like a soft, tender, butter cookie and the chocolate version tastes like a buttery brownie. Both are well worth it!