Peppermint Cocoa Crinkles

Christmas is over, I know, I know. But these were maybe my favorite cookies of Christmas. Soft, chewy, minty, chocolaty - my, oh my. But ladies and gentlemen, do not be fooled. Just because they were taken in front of a Christmas themed background does not mean they can only be enjoyed during Yuletide; they can actually be made any time of year! Truth! And quite necessary. In fact, I might go make some right now. With milk. To aid in my New Year's Resolution to drink more milk. Oh, 2013 - you're lookin' bright!

Peppermint Cocoa Crinkles

1 cup shortening

1 & 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. peppermint extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Powdered sugar for dusting

1. Cream together shortening and sugar using hand held or stand mixer. Add eggs, peppermint extract and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.

2. Slowly add dry ingredients. A lot of recipes have you mix dry ingredients together separately and then add slowly to wet ingredients. I rarely do this. I just add the dry ingredients slowly, mixing between every cup of flour.

3. Roll into 1-1&1/2" balls. I prefer mine on the bigger side. This guarantees the center will be soft and gooey.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. 

5. Let cool on wire racks.

6. Dust with powder sugar. 

Delish!