Chocolate-Filled Peppermint Valentine Heart Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
4. Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once the cookies have cooled, place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 10-second intervals until melted. Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate, and place on waxed paper to cool.
7. Sprinkle the peppermint candy onto the top of each cookie, pressing lightly to ensure that the candy adheres. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Interesting Facts

• These cookies are a popular Valentine's Day treat in the United States.
• Peppermint candy is believed to have a calming effect on the mind.
• Chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants.