Chocolate-Dipped Spumoni Cookies

I always like to try a few new cookie recipes each Christmas season, and as soon as I saw these, I knew they would make the list. Some of my favorite things - pistachios and cherries - are embedded in a CHEWY chocolate cookie! And then to make them even better (possible?), you dip them in chocolate and add more pistachios and cherries...

I should have asked for elastic-waisted pants for Christmas...

Find more great stuff at Inspiration Monday, Mix it up.


Chocolate-Dipped Spumoni Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cups finely chopped pistachios, divided
1 1/3 cups finely chopped dried cherries, divided
1 3/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. shortening

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in 1 cup each pistachios and cherries.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway into chocolate, allowing excess to drip off; sprinkle with remaining pistachios and cherries. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

Makes about 6 dozen.


Recipe Source: Taste of Home