When we're busy, it's nice to have convenience foods to help us save time. Some of the convenience foods presently on the market are great, while some are truly not fit for human consumption. I've found, however, that some of the most disgusting, substandard convenience foods can even save time, and no one will be the wiser because they are mixed with other edible ingredients. If you have a recipe that calls for hydrogenated vegetable oil, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skim milk, artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monosterate, sodium polyphosphate, and beta carotene (few being the least bit healthy or yummy), you can just reach for a tub of frozen whipped topping – no need to measure out the individual ingredients – the topping is here to stay in the freezer section of most grocery stores. I truly never thought I'd have a viable reason to buy the stuff, but for these cookies, I actually did. (I hid the tub under some healthy fruits and vegetables so if I happened upon friends who know how I feel about the stuff, they wouldn't notice.) The following easy 5-Ingredient Chocolate Peppermint Snowballs would never be considered gourmet, but if you're in a hurry and need to get some cookies out in less than 30 minutes, you'll love this recipe.

Actually, the official Hancock tasters like these easy cookies, and haven't yet noticed that they are made with not-so-healthy ingredients (I'll never tell). Since the holidays are hectic, and it is absolutely essential that we have cookies around, these cookies are a good choice for those who hate to cook, and also those who are in a big hurry. They are actually easy enough for older children to make, as long as an adult is home to monitor the oven.

48 Cookies

1 18.25 ounce devil's food cake mix
1 egg
2 cups frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Mix the cake mix, egg, whipped topping, and crushed peppermint candies. The dough will be quite stiff.
3. Measure the powdered sugar onto a plate.
4. Scoop tablespoon-size balls, roll them into perfect balls with your hands, then roll them in the powdered sugar.
5. Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are just set.
7. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 60 Calories from Fat 17
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 29% Protein 1% Carb. 70%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 4 mg
Sodium 70 mg
Total Carbohydrate 11 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 5 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 0%