Chocolate Snow Biscuits

I think these look very Christmassy. Very tasty too - either as plain chocolate, or mint-choc. (Prep time does not include 2 hours chilling before baking).

1. 1

   Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until smooth. In a separate saucepan, or in a microwave, melt the butter. Leave both to cool slightly.
   In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, egg, and melted butter with an electric whisk for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Beat in the mint extract, if using. Pour in the melted chocolate and beat until smooth. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa into the bowl and mix. Cover the bowl with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
   Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Line a couple of baking sheets with baking paper. Sift the icing sugar into a small bowl.
   Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, then roll the balls in sifted icing sugar. Coat them really well all over. Put the white balls on the baking sheet(s), at least 3cm apart. I usually make 12 standard size (balls approximately 2.5cm diameter), or 24 mini ones.
   Bake for about 10 minutes. Leave on the baking sheet(s) for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.