Chocolate Mint Kiss Cookies

From Lovely's chocolate cupboard

You'll need

• 1/2 cup (115 g) softened unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for rolling
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 24 individually wrapped mint-chocolate candies

Aprons on

Let's make it

1. 1

   Ask a grown-up to heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and unwrap the mint-chocolate candies.

2. 2

   Beat the butter and 2/3 cup sugar until creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

4. 4

   Roll level tablespoons of dough into 24 balls, then roll each lightly in the extra sugar. Arrange them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the trays.

5. 5

   A grown-up bakes one tray at a time for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centres still look soft.

6. 6

   As soon as the tray comes out, carefully press one mint-chocolate candy into the centre of each cookie. Leave the cookies on the hot tray for 5 minutes, then move them to a rack to cool completely.