Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies - as seen on Apples & Oranges, a Rachael Ray recipe

Tracey Seaman and Diana Sturgis

From Every Day with Rachael Ray
December - January 2009

Makes 16

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling and cooling)
Bake Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 sticks (6 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch salt
• Two 3.5 oz bars dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes or candies

Directions:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until soft. With the mixer on low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar until creamy, then beat in the egg. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa and salt; add to the mixer about one-third at a time, beating at low speed until smooth.
2. Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper on a work surface; turn out the dough onto the paper. Using your hands, shape the dough into a 12-inch-long cylinder; wrap tightly in the parchment and roll into a smooth, even log. Twist the ends to seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes; reshape the cylinder and refrigerate for 30 minutes more.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°; line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the dough; using a sharp knife, slice into 1/3-inch-thick rounds. Place about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheets; bake until firm, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely.
4. In a bowl, combine two-thirds of the chopped chocolate with the oil; microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. (If needed, heat for additional 10-second intervals.) Stir in the remaining chopped chocolate until smooth.
5. Using an offset spatula, spread a scant teaspoon of melted chocolate on top of each cookie. Sprinkle the peppermints on top and let stand until set, 2 to 3 hours.

VERDICT:
Well, to be honest, they're not my favorite cookies. They're good for switching it up, but they weren't the greatest. Basically, they're chocolate shortbreads with stuff on top. I usually prefer cookies that are chewy. I think I'd rather do my other chocolate-peppermint cookies. But not bad - very cute too!