Decadent Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

For 36 Cookies (2 to 3 Dozen Depending on Size), Decadent Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies keeps the list centered on salted butter, lightly packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Set aside about 26 minutes.

• Yield 36 Cookies (2 to 3 Dozen Depending on Size)
• Ready in 26 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 11 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter (cool room temperature (not warm or overly soft!))
• 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed or finely chopped Andes mints
• Additional 1/2 cup or so crushed or finely chopped Andes mints for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat liners.
2. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), cream the butter, brown sugar and white sugar together until well-mixed, 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until just combined (it's ok if there are a few dry streaks). Mix in the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed Andes mints until combined and no dry streaks remain.
6. Scoop the dough and shape into heaping tablespoon-sized balls (I use a #40 cookie scoop) and gently roll the tops into the additional crushed mints, pressing lightly into the plate or bowl of crushed mints so they stick to the top of the cookie dough ball.
7. Place a couple inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-11 minutes (watch closely and don't overbake; the edges will be set with soft middles).
8. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet and then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Let the center settle before you cut it, or the slices will slump.