Peppermint Dark Chocolate Cookies

I tried this recipe out last night and decided to do some changing around to it. For the flour, you can use the whole wheat flour but I recommend white flour. The substitution is not quite as healthy for you but the texture of the cookie is well worth the few extra calories. I will put both options on the recipe for you!

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg
1 egg white
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (you can substitute almond extract for the vanilla)
2 sticks (light butter/margarine ~50 calories per serving)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (here is the white flour substitution)
1 cup white whole wheat flour
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TOPPING

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
4 sugar-free candy canes


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix eggs and vanilla or almond extract in a small bowl. In another bowl, blend softened butter in an electric mixer and slowly add in the sugar. Cream together. Add egg mixture and blend until incorporated. Add the flours and blend on low until a dough is formed.

Divide the dough in half. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Place half of the dough on the wrap. Using a floured hand shape into 9-inch long roll. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 45 minutes, or until dough is firm. Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone sheets for easy baking. Roll dough into small balls with hands and place onto the sheets. To assure even baking, place 1 pan on upper-middle rack and 1 pan on lower middle rack. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Rotate cookies front to back and change racks. Continue baking until golden brown about another 7 minutes. Cool on rack.

TOPPING:

In a double boiler to avoid burnt chocolate, melt the chocolate chips over medium heat. Crush the peppermint by placing in ziploc bag and lightly hit with a rolling pin. Spread 1/3 of the cookie with melted chocolate and sprinkle with small amount of crushed peppermint. Allow to dry and package for all of your friends!


Enjoy!


-Recipe provided in part by Sparkpeople.com