Dec 13 2010
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Today, we’re celebrating.
We’re celebrating family, friends, and good news. I had an appointment today that went very, very well. So well, in fact, that I’ve been on the verge of tears several times throughout the afternoon. So well, that I wasn’t tempted to swear at other drivers who have forgotten how to drive in the winter.
Today, the little irritations just don’t matter.
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So we’re celebrating with my new favorite cookie, Martha’s Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Think thin mints meet white chocolate and even more peppermint. They are delicious. Thankfully, they are so satisfying that they really aren’t addictive.
Make these cookies, I implore you. If you try just one new recipe this holiday season (and especially if you love chocolate + peppermint), you’ll regret not making these.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
adapted from Martha Stewart
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup fine sugar
1 large whole egg, plus 1 large yolk
3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
8 large candy canes, crushed*
2 pounds white chocolate or confectioners’ coating, coarsely chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk dry ingredients.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium until fluffy, about 4 minutes. On medium-low, add egg, then yolk, until blended. Beat in peppermint extract. Reduce speed to low and slowly add flour mixture, beating until just mixed.
Divide dough into 2 and place dough on sheets of plastic wrap. Shape dough into disks, wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour (up to 2 days).
Lightly flour a piece of parchment and one disk of dough. Roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 2 inch circle, cut into rounds and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Reroll dough scraps and cut remaining rounds. Refrigerate 15 minutes; repeat with other disk.
Preheat oven to 325*F. Bake 6 minutes, then rotate sheet 180 degrees and bake for another 6 minutes. Transfer parchment to cooling rack; cool completely.
Place candy in a plastic bag and bang away with a kitchen mallet until the candy is crushed. Using a sieve, sift to separate powder from larger pieces and divide into two small dishes.
Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Dunk cookies in chocolate, turning with two forks, until coated. Use one fork to brush excess from cookie bottom, then transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cookies with the powdered candy and half with the candy chunks.
Refrigerate baking sheets until set (3 hours). Serve immediately, or freeze.
These look delicious and are just so visually appealing with the stark contrast between the white chocolate coating and super-dark chocolate cookie. The hint of red in the peppermint on top makes it even more beautiful. Wonderful!
A delightful way to celebrate some good news!
I LOVE all the peppermint-y pictures on your blog! And I love these cookies! I wish I could find all of the ingredients here to make them…they are one of my absolute favorites. Also, well done on the chocolate dipping–they look gorgeous!
Victoria, the appearance of the cookie is what immediately drew me to the recipe. Well, that and the flavor combination, of course!
Thanks, Michelle!
Jessica, if the cocoa powder is your issue, this recipe will probably work just fine with regular unsweetened cocoa powder – I’d try Hershey’s special dark powder if you can (it’s a blend of dutch and natural cocoa). Please note – I haven’t tested this out yet, but I trust Fine Cooking: http://www.finecooking.com/item/5294/dutch-processed-cocoa-powder
I can’t believe how gorgeous these look. How festive!
Thanks, Alicia.
Gorgeous looking cookies! I think they look absolutely Christmassy!
they look delicious. i love chocolate peppermint cookies!
cakebrain & Dina – Thank you!
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