Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies--and a giveaway!

 I'm excited.  

I'm excited for Christmas.  I'm excited for holiday baking (can you tell?).  I'm excited for time off with family and friends over the holidays.  I'm excited to give gifts...and let's be honest, I'm excited to get some too.  But most of all today, I'm excited to announce my very first giveaway on my blog!! 

Courtesy of their Blogger Outreach Program, OXO sent me a free "Good Cookie" spatula and also sent me an extra one to giveaway to one lucky reader!  Thank you OXO :) 

Here's the scoop on the spatula:

You can join OXO in the movement to find a cure for pediatric cancer with the Limited Edition “Good Cookie” Spatula. The purchase of every Limited Edition Cookie Spatula helps OXO support Cookies for Kids' Cancer as 50% of profits benefit pediatric cancer awareness, up to $100,000.  Etched with an inspirational message, the Spatula serves as a reminder to “Be a Good Cookie,” while supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Its thin, flexible edge glides easily beneath all foods and is the perfect size for getting between cookies on a crowded baking sheet. The rounded corner is great for getting sticky cookie dough out of the spoon and the angled handle keeps hands away from fragile foods. 

How you can help bake a difference:  

Please visit www.oxogoodcookies.com.  There you will be able to send "Virtual Cookies" to help spread the word and find out how to host a Bake Sale or fundraising event for Cookies for Kids' Cancer.  Until December 31st, OXO will match all proceeds from registered bake sales, up to $100,000.  

 How you can win:  Giveaway closed.  Congrats to the winner - Renee Jacobson!

In the spirit of giving - I'm giving you multiple ways to enter to win!

1) Leave a comment on this blog about what you are excited for this holiday season!

2) Like my facebook page (if you haven't already) and leave a comment on the facebook page!

3) Post about this giveaway and recipe on your blog or facebook page and link it back to me!

You will be entered once for each method you choose!  Winners will be selected randomly (using a lifeless random number generator) and announced on Saturday, December 10th.  Giveaway closed.
(I will ship the spatula to the winner for free within the U.S.)

Good luck and happy baking!

Now for the recipe...

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chunks, divided

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 large eggs

4 peppermint candy canes, coarsely crushed

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

2.      In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 ½ cups of chocolate chunks in the microwave on 50% power for one minute. Stir. If un-melted pieces remain continue microwaving and stirring the chocolate in 30-second intervals at 50% power until it is all melted and smooth. Measure 2/3 cup melted chocolate; transfer to bowl or bag and reserve for drizzling.

3.      In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, coffee powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter with hand mixer until creamy. Add sugar and both extracts; beat until smooth. Add eggs; beat to blend. Beat in melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients; beat just to blend. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chunks.

4.      Roll a tablespoon of dough into a 1½-inch ball or use cookie scoop and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.

5.      Bake cookies in preheated oven until cracked all over, about 8 to 9 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheet 5 minutes. Transfer cookies on parchment paper to cooling racks to cool completely.

6.      Rewarm reserved 2/3 cup chocolate in the microwave on 50% power for 10 second intervals until smooth. Place melted chocolate in a ziploc bag and snip off the very tip of the bag. Gently squeeze chocolate drizzles all over the cookie. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Chill just until chocolate sets, about 20 minutes.

Source: adapted from Sweet Peas Kitchen