Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate Glaze (see below)
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, or other peppermint candy

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, shortening, egg and vanilla until well mixed.

Gradually add the flour, cocoa and salt until thoroughly combined.

Knead tablespoonfuls of dough by hand into desired consistency for shaping.

On a flat clean surface, roll dough into thin rope (about the size of a pencil) 9 inches long.

Twist and mold dough into shape of a pretzel on ungreased cookie sheet.

Repeat with remaining cookie dough.

Bake about 9 minutes, or until set.

Remove from oven and let cookies stand on sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare the Chocolate Glaze: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate with 2 tablespoons butter, stirring continuously.

Remove pan with melted chocolate from heat and beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar along with 3 to 4 tablespoons of water; just enough water to achieve desired consistency for dipping cookies.

Dip tops of cooled pretzel-shaped cookies into Chocolate Glaze and place on waxed paper. Sprinkle cookies with crushed peppermint candy.

This recipe makes about 48 Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Cookies.