Chocolate Mint Truffle Cookies

tmhaendel's Note:

This recipe is very good. It is great for Christmas. It is fun to make with the kids. My kids like dipping the truffles and putting the sprinkles on them.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 32

Yield: 32.0

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup baking cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 (4 5/8 ounce) package Andes mints candies, chopped, divided
• 2 teaspoons shortening, divided
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Optional toppings

• chopped nuts, sprinkles and crushed candy canes

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and 1/2 cup chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Stir in the egg, sugars and extracts. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture and mix well. Fold in 3/4 cup Andes candies.
2. Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Place 2-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until tops appear slightly dry. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
3. In a microwave, melt 1 teaspoon shortening and remaining chocolate chips and Andes candies; stir until smooth. Melt white baking chips and remaining shortening in a microwave at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4. Dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate mixture; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper. Dip remaining cookies in melted baking chip mixture; allow excess to drip off. Place on wax paper. Immediately sprinkle with toppings of your choice. Let stand until set. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen.