CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES


226 grams (1 cup) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup icing sugar
250 gram (8 ounces) dark choc chips, melted*
1/2 cup oil
2 large eggs
4 1/2 to 5 cups plain flour
3/4 cup  cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar


preheat the oven to  180 c (350 f) and line baking trays
with baking paper.

in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar and icing sugar together until pale and fluffy.


beat in the melted chocolate then the oil until well combined.

add the eggs, one at a time until well combined

add 4 ½ cups of the flour, along with the cocoa, salt, bicarb soda, and cream of tartar, and mix until combined. if the dough seems sticky, add the remaining flour, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it can be handled easily.(I needed an extra 2 tablespoons)

roll about 2 tablespoon-sized pieces dough into balls and place them on the  baking trays.

dip the bottom of a small drinking glass into sugar, then use it to lightly flatten the balls.

cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until set around the edges but still  soft.

cool completely.

ice

ICING

1 1/2 cups sour cream
113 grams (1/2 cup) butter, softened
4 cups icing sugar
175 grams (6 ounces) dark choc chips, melted*
3/4 cup  cocoa
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
peppermint crisp, crushed

place the sour cream and butter in a medium mixing bowl
and using an electric mixer, beat until smooth.

add the icing sugar, a cup at a time, until combined.

beat in the melted chocolate, cocoa powder and peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy.

thin if needed with milk.(I didn't)

spread about 1 ½ tablespoons of icing onto each cookie, then top with a pinch of peppermint crisp.

*melt the chocolate in a microwave safe jug in 20 second bursts, stirring after each. stir till smooth.