A Housewarming Party and Chocolate-Mint Layer Cookies

Since I grew up in the Seattle area, I look for any excuse to return to the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. One of the delightful Daring Bakers, Peabody, is kindly hosting a housewarming party in honor of her beautiful new home. So, what better reasons could there be -- new friends, new homes, and the Pacific Northwest -- to participate in this potluck?


One of my most requested cookies, from family and friends, is a chocolate-mint layer cookie. It's easy to prepare, delicious, and very, very rich. It's just the right dish to share with new friends during this festive occasion.

Chocolate-Mint Layer Cookies

Dough layer: Grease a 9x9x2" pan. Melt 2 squares unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup butter in a medium saucepan. Cool slightly. Beat in 1 cup granulated sugar and then 2 eggs. Add 1/2 cup sifted flour and 1/2 cup sliced, unblanched almonds, and stir until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Mint cream filling: Beat until smooth 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 Tablespoons soft sweet butter, 2 Tablespoons heavy cream, and 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Add a drop or two of green coloring, if desired. Spread filling evenly over the cookie layer, cover, and chill until firm, about one hour.

Chocolate glaze: Melt 1 ounce of semisweet chocolate and 1 Tablespoon butter. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle the glaze over the mint topping. Cover and chill again until firm. Cut into bite-sized squares.

Happy New Home, Peabody!