Chocolate Filled Peppermint Valentine Heart Cookies

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. (5 minutes)

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. (7 minutes)

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the milk and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined. (3 minutes)

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. (5 minutes)

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (1 hour)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

While the dough is chilling, prepare the chocolate filling by melting 1 3/4 cups of milk chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (15 minutes)

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts. (10 minutes)

Place half of the heart cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Spread each cookie with a teaspoon of the cooled chocolate filling, leaving a small border around the edge. (15 minutes)

Top each filled cookie with a remaining heart cookie, gently pressing the edges together to seal. (10 minutes)

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. (10 minutes)

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 1 minute before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. (1 minute)

Prepare the peppermint drizzle by whisking together the confectioners' sugar, peppermint extract, red food coloring, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and of drizzling consistency. (5 minutes)

Prepare the chocolate drizzle by melting 1/4 cup of milk chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth. (5 minutes)

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle each cookie with peppermint drizzle on one side and chocolate drizzle on the other. (15 minutes)

Let the drizzle set completely before serving, about 30 minutes. (30 minutes)