Chocolate Mint Cookies

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips and peppermint candy.
5. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Mint has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including indigestion, headaches, and sore throats.
• Chocolate has been used as a medicine since the Aztecs, and was once believed to be an aphrodisiac.
• Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, and is native to Europe and the Middle East.
• Chocolate chips were invented in 1941 by Ruth Wakefield and are now an essential ingredient in many desserts.