Saturday Sweets: Chocolate Mint Surprise Cookies

Can anyone else believe that Christmas is already upon us??

I feel like we just set up our Christmas tree, and now we’re gearing up to, well, gear down for the holidays!

These cookies are a great addition to any Christmas baking, if you’re the really last-minute type. They are the very best fresh and warm out of the oven, since they are a bit more of a crumbly cookie. Make sure you don’t overbake them to keep their moisture in, and I would recommend using actual peppermint patties on the inside, for that extra chew and texture contrast from cookie to center. I had the bad luck of not being able to find any patties in a time crunch, so I simply broke up a mint Aero bar (Ye-um!) and put pieces in the middle, rolling them in.

However you do it, mint chocolate will always be one of my favourite flavours, and is perfect for the festive season, or anytime of year!

Chocolate Peppermint Patty Surprise Cookies

(adapted from Rachael Ray’s EveryDay magazine, and found on www.pipandebby.com)

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together on low speed:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Beat in:

• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, slightly softened
• 1 egg

Turn out the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk; seal. Refrigerate until firm, about 1/2 hour.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, use your fingers to evenly encase each of 24 miniature peppermint patties (unwrapped and chilled) with the dough.

Place on the prepared pans and smooth the dough with your fingers, if needed.

Bake until just firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer the cookies on the parchment to a rack to cool completely.

Enjoy! :)