Chocolate mint lovers should rejoice as February 19th the date for National Chocolate Mint day is observed today. It started many many centuries ago with the Aztecs and Mayans and their invention of chocolate. The Europeans would capture this resource and take it back to Europe where the dark, bitter flavor would be used in medicine. The dark hot chocolate would be used in hot drinks that would have mint , cinnamon and other spices mixed in to enhance the taste. Time would go by and sugar would be added to the now fashionable chocolate mint duo.
Mass production of candy during the 1800s would help make chocolate mints a favorite of many. The small candies would be served at small candy shops where all had access to them. It was not until the early 1900s that chocolate mints would be advertised until then the news of such a delicious treat was spread by word alone.
Mint chocolates can now be found in ice cream, brownies , cookies, candies, and whatever you desire that chocolate mint taste to be in. Did you know that chocolate mint cookies were first sold in 1953 and make up 25% of all girl scout sales.
3/4 cup (172g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large Eggland's Best egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract1
1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
3/4 cup (63g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (or dutch process)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
TOPPING
14 ounces (395g) quality semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract1
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Sifter (here's the one I own and love)
2-inch-- or similar small size-- circle cookie cutter (I own this set, another option here and 2.5-inch option here)
Directions:
Make the cookies: In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium high speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Sift the flour and cocoa powder together in a medium bowl. Whisk in the baking powder and salt until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment to about 1/4″ thickness. Stack the pieces (with parchment paper between) onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is mandatory. If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper. You can chill up to 2 days.
Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut in circles. Transfer the cut cookie dough to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used.
Bake for 8 minutes-- the cookies will still appear soft. Make sure you rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dipping in chocolate.
Once the cookies are cool, begin the topping: Melt the chopped chocolate and oil together in a double boiler or (carefully!) use the microwave. For the microwave, place the chocolate and oil in a medium heat-proof bowl. Melt in 15 second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in the peppermint extract. Dip each cooled cookie completely into the chocolate and use a fork to lift out. Tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place cookie onto a parchment or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator to help the chocolate set. Once set, enjoy! The cookies are best cold. I love eaten straight from the freezer!
Make ahead tip: Cookies freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if desired. You can chill the cookie dough for up to 2 days (step 3). You can also freeze the cookie dough before rolling for up to 3 months. Then allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then allow to come to room temperature for about 1 hour. Then roll and continue with the recipe as directed.
Recipe Notes:
Avoid using mint extract; I find it more resembles the taste of spearmint toothpaste than anything else. Peppermint extract has that wonderful cool mint flavor which pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
I've been getting questions about using this recipe as a slice 'n' bake cookie to avoid rolling out the dough. This is doable, just keep in mind the dough is a little sticky. Roll into two 2-3 inch diameter logs, then chill for at least 1 hour as directed above. Then slice and bake.
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