Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract and peppermint flavor. Cream together using a hand-held or stand mixer; add eggs, mixing until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 3 to 4 batches, mixing and scraping bowl in between each addition. Stir in the 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes.
5. Line one or more baking sheets with parchment paper. Portion dough into balls using a cookie dough scoop, and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack; cool completely.
7. Drizzle with or dip into melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for garnish. Let chocolate topping firm up at room temperature before serving. Cookies can be enjoyed without the chocolate-peppermint topping, as well.