Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies and National Chocolate Covered Anything Day!

About mid-November I was motivated by Barbara at Moveable Feasts and Martha Stewart in her Cookie Magazine, when I saw their Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies! Barbara was much more exciting to read than Martha. I laughed when she said that she licked the peppermints to make them stick together so she could build a tower of peppermints for her picture. Hadn't thought of doing that but it worked; she got some cute pictures! I suspect Martha had a helper get her picture ready so she doesn't know if they were licked or glued!

I have made the these cookies twice once in November because, as I said, I was motivated and just this week. Early Christmas? Start eating early? See how many calories I can eat between Veteran's week end and Christmas? Very bad idea but so satisfying! Fortunately, the cookies are very rich and I could only eat one! One here....one there....give them to neighbors, take them to work, get them out of the house!!

The cookies are like Girl Scout Thin Mints...you know how yummy those are...wrap it in white chocolate and wow! Add peppermint to the top and you have really got a winning combination!

Peppermint or coconut will draw me to any dessert. This one doesn't have coconut..it is all about the peppermint and of course, the chocolate, white chocolate! Bring on the white chocolate!

I am posting this for National Chocolate Covered Anything Day! hosted by Marsha at Marsha's Kitchen. Check out all of the goodies!

Barbara adapted Martha's recipe and I have made some also. Below is the recipe with my adaptations.

Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies

(adapted from marthastewart.com)

Makes about 4 dozen

1 cup flour, plus additional for rolling
1/2 cup sweetened cocoa (unsweetened can be used)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3/4 tsp pure peppermint extract

15 mini candy canes
2 pounds Almond Bark

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute. Reduce to medium-low. Add egg, then yolk, beating well after each. Beat in peppermint extract. Slowly add flour mixture until mixed and dough comes together. Shape dough into 2 disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Minimum 1 hour or maximum 2 days. (The dough will be "wet" and sticky.)

Roll out 1 disk on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out the cookies. Place them 1 inch a part on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze cookies until firm, about 15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining disk.

Bake until cookies are dry to the touch, about 10-12 minutes. Transfer parchment, with cookies to racks and let cool. (Undecorated cookies may be kept for up to 3 days, covered.)

Crush candy in a resealable bag. Place the chocolate in a shallow bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Check to see if it is melted completely. If it is not, microwave and check in 15 second increments.

Place a cookie in the melted candy, turning it with a fork. Let the excess chocolate drip off and place the cookie on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle the top with crushed candy. Refrigerate until set. Decorated cookies are best served the same day.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

There aren't very many cookie recipes that I am drawn to twice in a season! These are in my gift boxes!

In addition to celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, I am celebrating my blogaversary! This is my 100th post! I never dreamed that I would be able to get to 100. One day I looked up and I was on 99... and amazed. I have totally enjoyed this adventure. I have made some wonderful cyber-friends, too many to list, but you know who you are and thank you for following along and supporting my efforts!

I have been inspired by and have been in awe of some of the most creative individuals and wonderful cooks out there! I continue to learn everyday as I strive to exercise that creative part of my brain that sometimes seems forever beyond my reach...I will never get to the same creative level as those who inspire me but that is okay, God gave me different gifts!

I have learned so much from my mentor, Cathy. I must mention her and her blog, Wives with Knives. She has been so very supportive from the start. She has encouraged me during the last eight months and sent me tips now and again which I have greatly appreciated! Thank you, Cathy, for helping me along the way.

Again, thanks to all of you who have inspired me, encouraged me, prompted me, and supported me by being there, following along, and leaving a word or two so I know somebody is out there!