Chocolate Mint Snow Top Cookies

From Better Homes & Gardens 100 Best Cookies 2004

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 14
• Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups  semisweet chocolate pieces
• 6  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  mint extract
•  powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt, set aside.
2. In a saucepan heat 1 cup of chocolate pieces over low heat until melted, stirring constantly.
3. Beat butter with a mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in granulated sugar until combined. Add in melted chocolate, eggs, vanilla, and mint flavoring. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in flour mixture and remaining chocolate pieces.
5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap.
6. Freeze 30 minutes or until firm enough to shape.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F
8. Shape dough into 1" balls; roll balls in powdered sugar. Place balls about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are crackled.
9. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet.
10. Transfer to wire racks; cool.