Rocky Road Cookies

How do you handle disappointments? How do you handle a situation when you can't control it??
I have had several (more than usual) disappointments in my life lately. I think life is trying to teach me a lesson. I decided to make these cookies in honor of how life is sometimes. It is one rocky road! But life is still.... sweet!
The life lesson for me is really understanding that people are human and they make mistakes. I know I do all the time. We need to show a little more love and understanding, even if they did mean to hurt us.  I am sure that they have their own disappoints too. They are not perfect.  We are not perfect. We need to let go and forgive them and move on in our lives. Time heals all wounds... and so does cookies!

Here is the recipe:

Rocky Road Cookies
Adapted from Crazy For Crust

1 stick butter-softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Nutella-I didn't add because I didn't have any.
1 (3.4 oz) package chocolate instant pudding mix
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 -1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped almonds (optional) **I added 1 tsp. almond extract
1 cup frozen marshmallows- This is a must- freeze the marshmallows at least 1/2 hour so they don't blow up in oven.

**My husband does not like nuts in his cookies and I still wanted the almond flavor. I added 1 tsp. almond extract and it tasted a bit too much like almond extract. However, you can reduce it to 1/2 tsp if desired.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with Silpat® or parchment paper.
Mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder and set aside.
Cream together butter, nutella and sugars. Add the instant pudding to mixer, mix until well blended. Add eggs and extracts. Add flour and mix until combined. Mix in chocolate chips, and marshmallows.
Use a cookie scoop and scoop onto baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 9- 11 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool. Transfer to cookie racks.

I know that life will continue to hand me disappointments, but I also know that it is how I react to those disappointments that will make me a better person. Forgiveness is hard. I know that there is a lot of heartache out their in the world. But life can be sweet. We can have sweet moments.


I hope that you enjoy the Rocky Road Cookie!