Peppermint Chocolate Hugs

Chocolate cookie dough is formed into balls and a depression is made in each before baking. Peppermint butter cream is spooned in, and the cookie is drizzled with chocolate.

Ingredients:

• Cookies:
• 1 stick (unsalted) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Peppermint Butter Cream:
• 2 1/2 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup ground peppermint pillow candies
• Chocolate Drizzle:
• 1/2 cup semisweet pieces
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions:

Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together. Melt chocolate pieces with shortening in a small microwavable bowl in microwave, or in a small saucepan over low heat; add to bowl mixture. Mix in vanilla and egg. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa. Gradually add to mixing bowl with milk, and mix until combined. Using a tablespoon, or small scoop, make balls from dough. Place balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving an inch surrounding each. Press center of ball with thumb. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until done. Remove and cool on a cooling rack. Peppermint Butter Cream: Place softened butter in a mixing bowl and gradually add confectioners sugar with milk, then beat until smooth. Add a little more milk, if necessary. Fold in ground peppermint candies. When cookies are cool, place a dollop of Peppermint Butter Cream in the center of each depression. Chocolate Drizzle: In a small microwavable bowl in the microwave, or small saucepan over low heat, melt remaining chocolate pieces with a tablespoon of shortening. To finish cookies, use a fork and dip into the melted chocolate, then drizzle across top of each cookie; let chocolate harden.

Number of Servings: 3 1/2 dozen

Notes from the Cook: These are a wonderful cookie that adds a nice touch to a holiday cookie tray -- a rich chocolate cookie base with the creamy peppermint center showing red flecks of peppermint candy.