Chocolate Peppermints

 Photo Credit: http://shewearsmanyhats.com

Chocolate Peppermints

Original Recipe: http://shewearsmanyhats.com/2011/12/chocolate-peppermints/

Makes about 8 dozen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
• 4 ounces, weight cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Using a mixer, gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese, beat well until incorporated.
2. Add peppermint extract and combine well.
3. Roll dough into teaspoon size balls and place on baking sheet(s) lined with wax paper or parchment. Create a small "bowl" or indention in each ball using a 1/4 teaspoon or your finger. Cover with plastic wrap and let firm up in refrigerator for a few hours.
4. When peppermints have firmed, melt chocolate according to package directions (microwave is fine). Fill a piping bag or freezer bag with the corner snipped with the melted chocolate. Fill each mini peppermint bowl/indention with chocolate and let cool.
5. Refrigerate in airtight container until ready to serve.

   
Tips:

•  If working solo, only make a few balls at a time before pressing the bowls/indentions to avoid them drying and cracking. The best thing is to work with a fellow peppermint maker and have one person roll the balls, while the other follows behind making the bowls/indentations. A ball maker and a bowl maker make the perfect peppermint pair.
•  Be sure to keep main peppermint mixture lightly covered with plastic or a damp paper towel while making the balls to avoid it drying out.