Double Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies

As you can probably tell from the blog we're huge fan's of Christmas here at HQ, therefore we thought it was only appropriate to share our favourite Christmas inspired recipes everyday until the 25th. To kick start the festivities we decided to share a novelty snack that's loved by all ages; peppermint cookies. Not only are they tasty but they also make fabulous food decorations. 

Let's get started....

Double Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies 

Serves 40-50 | To prepare 20 mins  | To cook 9 mins 

Ingredients 

• 2 1/2 cups (16 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips (no more than 61% cacao), divided
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 large eggs
• 4 candy canes or 16 red-and-white- striped hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed

Method

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
• In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave on high power for 45 seconds. 
• Stir. If un-melted pieces remain continue microwaving and stirring the chocolate in ten-second intervals until it is all melted and smooth. 
• Measure 2/3 cup melted chocolate; transfer to small metal bowl and reserve for drizzling.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. 
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy. 
• Add sugar and both extracts; beat until smooth. 
• Add eggs; beat to blend. Beat in melted chocolate. 
• Add dry ingredients; beat just to blend. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
• Roll a tablespoon of dough into a 1½-inch ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. 
• Repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
• Bake cookies in preheated oven until cracked all over, about 8 to 9 minutes.
•  Cool cookies on baking sheet 5 minutes.
•  Transfer cookies on parchment paper to cooling racks to cool completely.
• Rewarm reserved 2/3 cup chocolate in the microwave on high for 10 second intervals until smooth. 
• Place melted chocolate in a zip lock bag and snip off the very tip of the bag. 
• Gently squeeze chocolate drizzles all over the cookie. 
• Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. 
• Chill just until chocolate sets, about 20 minutes.

Source: Sweet Pea's Kitchen 

We suggest serving with a large cup of hot chocolate...delicious. 

Aside from working hard on all our Christmas orders today, we've also been busy decorating all our online locations. Yep that's right, check out our Facebook and Twitter to get that festive feeling....

LJC

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