John's Chocolate Peppermints

John is a friend of Marks. He is home for R & R from Afghanistan.  I sent him these cookies, among others. He talked alot about these cookies. Even though they are a Christmas cookie, I thought I would make them for him.



John's Chocolate Peppermints

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped peppermint candies
6 tablespoons of sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Powdered sugar for dusting

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan; cook over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring almost constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in crushed peppermints and the 6 tablespoons of sugar.  Let cool 30 minutes
Add eggs to melted chocolate mixture, 1 at a time, stirring well.  Stir in extracts.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
Add to chocolate mixture, stirring until well combined.  Stir in mini chips.
Cover and chill dough at least 2 hours or until firm enough to shape.

Preheat oven to 325

Drop cookies using the medium cookie scoop onto parchment lined baking sheets.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and slightly cracked on top.
When cool dust with powdered sugar. I use a small sieve to make a light dusting.
Makes about 3 dozen