Peppermint-Fudge Cookie Sticks

Try a new twist on a peppermint stick this Christmas! Fudgy chocolate cookie “sticks” get dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for a treat that’ll really stand out on your cookie tray.

Ingredients:

Steps:

1 pouch (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ double chocolate chunk cookie mix
Butter, water and egg called for on cookie mix pouch
1 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening
4 hard peppermint candies, unwrapped, coarsely crushed (about 2 tablespoons)


Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, mix cookie mix, softened butter, water and egg with spoon until dough forms. Divide dough in half; place on ungreased large cookie sheet. Press each into 14x2 1/2-inch rectangle. (If dough is sticky, use floured fingers.)

2. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges and center are set. Cool 1 minute; cut crosswise into 1-inch wide slices with sharp knife, cleaning knife blade, as needed. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheet. Move slices from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

3. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 30 seconds. Stir; continue to microwave in 15-second increments until mixture can be stirred smooth.

4. Working with one cookie slice at a time, hold center of cookie stick and carefully dip one end at an angle into melted chocolate; slide bottom of slice on edge of bowl to remove excess. Place on waxed paper. Sprinkle with crushed candies. Repeat with remaining cookie slices. If chocolate has cooled too much, reheat. Let stand about 4 hours or until chocolate is set. Store covered in airtight container in single layer.