Top Secret Chocolate Cookies

Recipe courtesy of Christy Hyer from the Food Network episode Paula's Cookie Swan.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 36

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2  cups sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3⁄4 cup  Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  white sanding sugar, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar and cream together with a hand mixer.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients and continue mixing until incorporated.
5. Roll the dough into 2 logs that are about 2 inches high and 1 foot long.
6. Wrap them in waxed paper and place in a refrigerator for 2 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
8. Once thoroughly chilled, slice the cookies into 1/2 inch thick rounds and cover with sanding sugar.
9. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
10. Remove to a wire rack to cool.