Dark Chocolate Mint Crinkles

This is the other cookie recipe I promised you that is one of the kinds of cookies that I make every Christmas. I used to make them with vanilla extract, but then realized that mint would make it into a cookie I would like even more and I like dark chocolate better than the traditional bittersweet chocolate that is usually used.  So I have made it that way for many years now and it is always a big success. This is the first cookie that gets cleaned out on the cookie plate, so if you have some chocolate lovers in your family, you need to make this cookie!

Dark Chocolate Mint Crinkles

8 ounces of Dark Chocolate (use your favorite candy bar) melted and cooled

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup Dutch process Cocoa Powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons) butter

1 1/3 cups light brown sugar, packed tight

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons Peppermint Extract

1/3 cup milk

1 cup Powdered Sugar for rolling cookies in

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Chop the Dark Chocolate into little pieces and melt in a heat proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or a double boiler).  Set aside to cool.

Mix together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in one bowl. In a larger bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar.  Add eggs and Peppermint extract and beat until mixed thoroughly.  Add melted chocolate.  Add dry ingredients in with milk until just mixed. Refrigerate for two hours or even overnight.  When ready to bake, use a spoon to scoop up dough to make walnut sized balls rolling between your hands.  Roll in powdered sugar and place 2 inches apart on a Silpat or Parchment lined baking pan.  Cook until the sugar splits and the cookies have flattened slightly - about 12 - 15 minutes. 

Five Element Analysis

Chocolate belongs to the Fire Element so that element is clearly represented.  The wheat flour adds in the Wood Element. The eggs contribute the Water Element and the Peppermint Extract and milk bring in the Metal Element.  The Earth Element is found in the brown sugar and powdered sugar.  So, this is actually considered a balanced cookie!  Now that doesn't mean that you should eat them instead of a meal, but how delightful to find balance in a dessert!