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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate peppermint cookies combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations!
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Chocolate peppermint cookies bring together rich chocolate and refreshing mint in every delicious bite. These festive cookies are perfect for holiday baking or sharing with loved ones. With a soft texture and a candy cane crunch, they’re an irresistible treat. Whip up a batch today and fill your home with cozy, peppermint goodness.
This recipe for peppermint Christmas cookies includes step-by-step photos and clear directions to guide you. Discover pro tips, tricks, and answers to common questions for perfect results every time! Follow along and create the ultimate chocolate peppermint cookies that everyone will love.
More Recipes ⭐ Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies | Peppermint Cheesecakes | Layered Peppermint Fudge
Chocolate peppermint cookies are a holiday favorite that you can bake in under 30 minutes! Their rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with a refreshing peppermint crunch, making them a standout treat for parties or gift-giving. These cookies bring festive cheer with every bite and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Bake a batch today and enjoy a homemade holiday treat that tastes better than store-bought!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract
- ½ cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup of crushed peppermint candy (about 3 peppermint candy canes or 15 peppermints)
Substitutions and Additions
Here are some easy substitutions and additions for making these homemade cookies. Easy changes can make your cookies uniquely yours. Simply swap out ingredients or add delicious extras!
- Substitute Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a fun twist on classic chocolate peppermint cookies.
- Add Crushed Candy Canes: Mix in extra crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor in every bite.
- Swap Peppermint Extract: Replace peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a milder, sweet twist on the original flavor.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Fold in mini marshmallows to give your cookies a gooey, hot-chocolate-inspired surprise.
- Substitute Flour: Try almond flour or gluten-free flour to make the recipe more suitable for dietary needs without losing flavor.
These swaps and additions keep your chocolate peppermint cookies fresh, fun, and perfect for your holiday baking!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Christmas
Follow our pictures and step-by-step instructions to make perfect peppermint cookies. Use the tips and tricks below for success. Let’s get started and create these festive, delicious treats together!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
SECOND STEP: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set flour mixture aside.
THIRD STEP: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed using an electric hand mixer.
Beat for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
FOURTH STEP: Scrape the sides, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat for an additional minute.
Pro Tip
Peppermint is a potent flavoring, so a little peppermint extract goes a long way!
FIFTH STEP: Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Then stir in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick.
SIXTH STEP: Use a large cookie scoop to shape dough into 3 tablespoon-sized balls.
SEVENTH STEP: Place cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least 2 inches apart and bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the top of the cookie has a dry appearance.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
EIGHTH STEP: Remove cookies from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermints over the baked cookies.
You can also press in additional chocolate chips if desired.
Pro Tip
To give your double chocolate peppermint cookies a bakery-like appearanc. Strategically place some peppermint pieces with the red stripes facing up and press additional chocolate chips into the cookies.
NINTH STEP: Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
How To Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate candy cane cookies are perfect for sharing in every season. From holiday parties to cozy winter nights, they bring joy and flavor. Here are three fun ways to serve this recipe:
- Holiday Celebrations: These cookies are a must-have for holiday parties and gatherings. Their peppermint crunch adds a festive touch to dessert tables. Pair them with hot chocolate bombs or a creamy no-bake cheesecake for a magical holiday spread.
- Family-Friendly Snacks: Kids and adults both love these cookies for their chocolaty goodness and candy cane sprinkles. Serve them with warm milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Add strawberry lemon blondies or peanut butter fudge to create a snack tray everyone will enjoy.
- Winter Comfort: Chocolate peppermint cookies are a cozy choice for chilly winter evenings. Their refreshing peppermint flavor pairs well with a mudslide. Complement them with cinnamon sugar donuts or a warm apple crisp for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Cookies Recipe
This peppermint cookie recipe is a reader favorite for so many reasons, delivering joy with each bite. Here's what makes them irresistible:
- A Perfect Holiday Pairing: These cookies blend rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, creating a festive flavor that screams holiday cheer. The soft, chewy texture complements the sweet, minty icing for a treat that's always a crowd-pleaser. Whether baking for a party or a cozy family night, these cookies feel like a little holiday celebration.
- Easy and Fun to Make: This recipe keeps baking simple and fun with clear instructions and minimal prep time. Even beginners can create these bakery-worthy cookies! The delightful process of adding the peppermint icing and crushed candy canes makes them a joy to assemble.
- Delight in Every Bite: Each bite offers a perfect balance of chocolaty richness and cool peppermint freshness. The texture and flavor combination make them a go-to treat for holiday cookie exchanges or sweet moments at home.
Double chocolate peppermint cookies bring happiness to any occasion. Bake a batch and savor the festive magic today!
Recipe FAQ
How do I get the perfect chewy texture for chocolate peppermint cookies?
Mix the ingredients just until combined, and avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy inside.
How can I ensure the peppermint flavor stands out in the cookies?
Use pure peppermint extract for a strong, fresh flavor and top with crushed peppermint candies for extra minty goodness.
What is the best way to apply the icing to chocolate peppermint cookies?
Let the cookies cool completely, then drizzle or spread the icing evenly to ensure it sets without melting.
How do I prevent the crushed peppermint candies from becoming sticky on the cookies?
Add the crushed candies immediately after icing, then allow the cookies to set at room temperature before storing them.
Serving FAQ
When is the best time to serve chocolate peppermint cookies?
Serve these cookies during the holidays or any festive occasion when you want a sweet, minty treat to impress guests.
How should I present chocolate peppermint cookies for a party?
Arrange them on a decorative platter or holiday tray to showcase their festive icing and crushed candy toppings.
Can I serve chocolate peppermint cookies as a gift?
Absolutely! Pack them in a holiday tin or gift box lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
How many chocolate peppermint cookies should I plan for each guest?
Plan for two to three cookies per person to ensure everyone gets to enjoy these delightful holiday treats.
Storage FAQ
From making ahead to storing leftovers, our tips and tricks will keep your chocolate peppermint cookies fresh and delicious. Follow the directions below for optimal storage and easy reheating to enjoy these festive treats anytime.
Can I prepare chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to three days before serving.
What is the best way to store leftover chocolate peppermint cookies?
Place the cookies in a sealed container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to five days.
Can I freeze chocolate peppermint cookies?
Yes, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
How should I thaw and serve frozen chocolate peppermint cookies?
Thaw the cookies at room temperature for about thirty minutes before serving to restore their soft, chewy texture.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate peppermint cookies combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy (about 3 candy canes or 15 peppermints)
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed using an electric mixer. Beat for 2 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Scrape the sides, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat for an additional minute.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Then stir in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick.
- Use a large cookie scoop to portion into 3 tablespoon-sized balls.
- Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart and bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the top of the cookie has a dry appearance.
- Remove from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermints over the cookies. You can also press in additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure that your butter is at room temperature. It is important that it is soft so that it mixes well into the ingredients. The softened butter also helps the cookies spread properly.
- Peppermint is a potent flavoring, so a little peppermint extract goes a long way!
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- To give your double chocolate peppermint cookies a bakery-like appearance, strategically place some peppermint pieces with the red stripes facing up and press additional chocolate chips into the cookies.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
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