Making a List, Checking it Twice.
I'm a list maker. I thrive on organization and categorization. There's something so comforting about knowing exactly what you need, when and where to get it.
Things. Lots of things.
Wrapping paper here. Ribbon there. Toasted almonds here. Butter there.
Needless to say there are a lot of lists floating around here right now. I'm sure the same goes for you too. I always tell myself I'm going to get my shopping done early and wouldn't you know it never happens. Despite my mad organizational skills I seem to lack motivation. It's not a good combo. My lists taunt me and call me names for months until I simply have to get out there and get it done. Otherwise my family would find gas station goodies wrapped in the funnies under the tree.
It's intimidating though isn't it? Shopping. And not just any shopping. Push-and-shove-endless-lineups-all-sold-out-interminable-traffic-fall-off-your-feet-dreaded-holiday shopping.
Let's take a break from the mall madness and mountains of lists shall we? Why not indulge and transport yourself to chocolate peppermint heaven? Step away from the tape dispenser. Kick off those boots. Put that pen down. You work hard. You deserve it.
Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Source: Adapted from my family recipe.
3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup candy cane, finely ground
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Cream together the butters, sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and ground candy cane then blend well into the butter and sugar mixture.
On a large piece of plastic wrap form the dough into two logs both 9 inches long. Wrap each tightly and refrigerate them for an hour or two to firm up.
When you're ready to bake preheat the oven to 350 degrees and position and rack in the center. Line you baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Slice the cookies about a 1/4 of an inch thick and bake them for about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a cooking rack and enjoy!
December 17th, 2010 - 20:21
Ooo…I think I would forget the list if I had these cookies in front of me.
December 18th, 2010 - 08:42
Delicious! I forgot about all the shopping I still have to do when I saw these gorgeous cookies. Aren’t chocolate and mint the best combination? Thank you so much for sharing with me. Have a super Saturday!
December 18th, 2010 - 10:04
Thanks Monet! I’m going to be shopping all day today, yay!
December 18th, 2010 - 09:48
These look so nice! How festive. Chocolate and mint is timeless.
December 18th, 2010 - 15:55
I’m always in awe at how gorgeous your photos are. Not to mention, I want to devour everything you make. I especially love the picture of the slices of cookie dough, just beautiful! What a great idea to put pieces of candy cane in the chocolate cookies, I would have never of thought of that. Oh they look sooo delicious!
December 18th, 2010 - 19:59
Thank you so much Lindsey! I’m becoming very proud of my photos. I think that my photography skills have definitely transformed and it makes me happy that you noticed.
December 19th, 2010 - 13:11
Mmm, thin, crispy and minty. Just right! I’m not that much of a list-maker, but if I do make them, I usually only do have the stuff on them anyway!
December 19th, 2010 - 21:50
Oh wow, these are so festive and look super addicting – I’m a big mint/chocolate fan!
December 20th, 2010 - 15:01
That unbaked roll of cookie dough almost looks like some kind of delicious sausage, y’know
But these cookies look nothing like sausage, they just look delicious. Good job!
Jax x
December 28th, 2010 - 16:48
Happy Holidays! These cookies look heavenly to me, I’ve got to try your recipe soon. By the way please thank your Mom for the comment she left me about my Turmeric rice
Hope you have a great new years eve!
December 29th, 2010 - 11:48
I will definitely thank her! She loved your tumeric rice!
December 29th, 2010 - 12:15
Mmm these sound delicious. Why did I have to discover them after Christmas? I might have to hang on to this for next year! And fantastic pictures, as always — love the ones of the lights on the tree.
December 29th, 2010 - 13:13
Thanks Danielle!
December 30th, 2010 - 18:05
elegant and decadent! GREg
December 30th, 2010 - 18:08
Thanks Greg!
December 31st, 2010 - 08:48
Beautiful pics, Lindsey!! And your cookies look amazing!! MMM….I want twenty of them!!
Happy New Year to you guys!!
December 31st, 2010 - 19:33
Thanks Kristan! Happy New Year to you too!
May 7th, 2011 - 12:11
I was wondering if the finely ground candy cane could be substituted with peppermint extract? Unless, the candy cane is more valued since it gives it a crunch?
Thank you
May 7th, 2011 - 13:51
The candy cane does give it a little bit of a crunch but it would be just fine if you wanted to substitute it for maybe a tsp of peppermint extract.