Enter the 2009 Cookie Bakeoff Bonanza!
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour (measure before sifting)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ounces cream cheese
10 starlight peppermint candies, or 4 soft peppermint sticks, ground in a blender or food processor
Directions:
1. In a large bowl stir together the sugar and butter till mixed. Stir in the vanilla, chocolate, and egg. Sift flour into the chocolate mixture. Add baking powder and salt.
2. Roll into 1-1/2 inch balls. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together cream cheese and crushed peppermint. Take each ball and press a hole in the center. Fill hole with peppermint mixture. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, peppermint side up, 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let cool in pan 2 minutes. Move to a cooling rack.
Yield: 20 cookies
Submitted by Deborah Puette
