Holiday Chocolate Drops

When it comes to making holiday desserts, Christmas definitely has better options than Hanukkah. No way am I going to deep-fry jelly doughnuts. Just the thought of a pot of hot oil makes me cringe. Of course there are other cute desserts like sugar cookies in the shapes of dreidels or menoras, but I still think Christmas wins the award for the largest variety of holiday desserts. These cookies are pretty simple and easy, and look very festive with crushed peppermint candies. You can make them a day before you serve them as well, just keep them in an airtight container.

You can really make these cookies any time of the year. I love the festive color combination in this variation, but the options of how to tweak these are seemingly endless. I made these three ways- plain, with a chocolate ganache, and with crushed peppermints. Out of the variations I have tried so far, the peppermint topped chocolate drop is my favorite. If I had hard caramel candies around, I'm sure they would also go great on these. You can also press pecan or walnut halves into the cookies right as they come out of the oven. Click the Baker's Chocolate link below for even more ideas on how to top these cookies.

Recipe from Baker's Chocolate
Makes about 5 dozen

4 ounces (113 grams) unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Peppermint candies, coarsely chopped

In a large nonreactive bowl, microwave the chocolate and butter for about 2 minutes, or until butter is melted. Using a wooden spoon, mix until the chocolate melts. Stir in the sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing to combine. Add the flour and mix well. Place in your fridge for about an hour or 2, until the dough is easier to handle.

Preheat your oven to 350ºF/175ºC. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Roll dough into 1" balls and place on cookies sheet, leaving 2" or space between cookies. Bake for 10 minutes, or until just set. When still hot, sprinkle with the chopped peppermint candies. Gently press them into the cookie if they don't stick. Allow to cool on cookie sheet. Pin It Now!