Since the holidays are all about surprises, why not try chocolate surprise cookies? See this recipe from Martha Stewart.

Ingredients

            1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

            3/4 cup cocoa powder

            1/2 teaspoon baking soda

            1/2 teaspoon salt

            1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

            1 cup sugar

            1 large egg

            1/2 cup milk

            1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

            12 large marshmallows, cut in half horizontally

            Chocolate Frosting for Surprise Cookies

For the month that’s usually all about chocolate, check out this recipe from Nigella Lawson for chocolate cheesecake.

Ingredients

Cheesecake base:

• 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
•  

Cheesecake filling:

• 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped small
• 2 1/2 cups cream cheese
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 tablespoon custard powder
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
  

As the holidays are getting closer, it’s time to think of dessert. Remember, calories don’t count when you’re on vacation and peppermint and brownies have never sounded so good. Check out this recipe for peppermint brownie pie.

This recipe makes 10 servings and ha a total prep time of 20 minutes. Bake at 55 minutes at 350 degrees Farenheit.

Since it’s still the holiday season, why not just go all out? Coffee flavor liquor and chocolate are just two fantastic ingredients in Paula Deen’s chocolate bread pudding, the extra calories are definitely worth it for this sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1 (1-pound) loaf French or Italian bread, cubed
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup coffee flavored liqueur
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
• Whipped cream (optional)