From bittersweet and semisweet to white and dark, chocolate is by far one of the most popular baking ingredients, and for good reason. These festive recipes from America’s Dairy Farmers use several different types of chocolate. Look for a good-quality chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa – it will deliver the best fl avor and melt better.

Wintermint Wafers - Makes 3 dozen cookies
Chocolate Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups flour

Cookies:
In large bowl, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Stir in peppermint extract followed by salt and cocoa powder; mix.

Add flour and mix to incorporate.

Divide dough in two pieces and place each on large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into 1/2-inch thick discs, wrap and refrigerate until firm enough to roll out, about 45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove chilled dough, place disc between two sheets of parchment; roll out to 1/8-inch thick. Cut desired shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven; cool on pan 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Coating:
1 pound semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Coating:
Place chocolate in large microwavesafe dish. Microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring after each until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in peppermint extract.

To frost cookies, place one cookie on slotted spatula, carefully dip into the chocolate, coating completely; lift cookie out. Hold cookie on spatula, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place cookie onto wire cooling rack to let chocolate set.

Repeat with remaining cookies.

Place coated cookies in freezer for 1 hour to set before storing or serving.

Store cookies in airtight container for up to 1 week, or in freezer for up to 3 weeks.