Peppermint-Chocolate Sugar Cookies

By gmbeckett

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4-1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 3-5 tbsp heavy cream
• 12 rounded peppermint candies, crushed, for decorating

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat over to 350F, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp peppermint extract on medium-high until pale and fluffy, 3 minutes. Beat in egg, then flour mixture on low. Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart, on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until edges are lightly golden, about 12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks and let cool completely.

Stir together confectioners' sugar and enough cream to make a spreadable glaze (if you like a strong mint flavour, stir in up to 1/4 tsp extract). Spread a thin layer of glaze on top of each cookie and sprinkle with candies. Let dry completely on racks.

Store in airtight containers, up to 3 days.