Week 7 :: World Peace Cookies

This recipe originally came from Pierre Herme who created these cookies for a restaurant in Paris.  As this recipe has been passed around it has earned the name "World Peace Cookies."  
These cookies are truly fantastic, and legend has it that if everyone had one of these cookies every day we could ensure planetary happiness ;o)  So I'm happy to do my part....
I found this recipe via my newest blog follower.  She posted the recipe on her blog along with a great post I encourage you to read here.  I encourage everyone to share these cookies or another sweet with someone who needs a little peace in their life....Happy Baking!!

World Peace Cookies

::Prep Time:: 10 minutes

::Chill Time:: At least 2 hours

::Yields:: 28 cookies

::Ingredients::

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 11 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
• 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces

::Directions::

1. Sift together flour, cocoa, and baking soda.  Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth, beat in sugars, vanilla, and sea salt.
3. Add flour to butter and sugar until mixed.
4. Mix in chocolate.  Note :: Dough will be crumbly.
5. Knead dough into ball and divide in half.  Place each half on a piece of plastic wrap and roll into equal logs about 1.5 inches in diameter.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Note :: dough can be kept in fridge up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
6. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Using a thin sharp knife, cut logs into 1/2 inch slices.  Space cookies one each apart on baking sheet.
7. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until cookies appear dry.
8. Cool on wire rack before storing in airtight container.