Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Things have just been so busy this year that Christmas was almost lost in all the hub-bub. However, the Christmas spirit struck me last week (just in time!) and I decided that these cookies HAD to be made. I even went so far as to buy the ingredients and make the cookies after working a 12 hour day. They were crucial to me surviving the day. Lucky for me, they were super easy and quick.



They are veeeeerrry chocolatey and have just the right amount of peppermint. They will make a nice addition to your Christmas celebration or any goodie plates that you deliver (they were made again for our goodie plates that were sent out today). 

Recipe:

Yield: 15-18 cookie sandwiches

1 bag + 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (about 2 1/2 cups total)
2 tablespoons butter
2 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

2/3 cup powdered sugar
3.5 oz bar peppermint bark, crushed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt a bag (or about 1 1/2 cups) of chocolate chips and butter over low heat until smooth. Allow to cool just a little. Add the eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla, and baking powder and mix until blended. Add the remaining cup of chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely.

When your cookies are cool, prepare the frosting. To make the frosting, mix the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar. If needed, add a little milk to reach the right consistency (I didn't need to add any milk). Once well mixed, add the crushed peppermint bark and stir to mix.

Frost one cookie and top with another. Enjoy!

Source: adapted from Ghirardelli