Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

Total Time: 2 hrs Preparation Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy, for garnish
• 2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons water

Recipe

• 1 to make the cookie: mix powdered sugar, butter, shortening, egg and vanilla. stir in flour, cocoa and salt. knead level tablespoonful of dough with hands until right consistency for molding. roll into pencil-like rope, about 9 inches long, on board. twist into pretzel shape and place on ungreased cookie sheet. repeat with remaining dough.
• 2 heat oven to 375 degrees. bake until set, about 9 minutes. let stand 1-2 minutes before removing from cookie sheet; cool.
• 3 to make chocolate glaze:.
• 4 heat unsweetened chocolate and butter over low heat until melted; remove from heat. beat in 2 cups powdered sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of water until smooth and of desired consistency.
• 5 to finish: dip the tops of the pretzel cookies in the chocolate glaze. sprinkle with peppermint candy. let dry before storing.