Imagine biting into a warm cookie, the rich flavor of chocolate melting in your mouth, while a hint of peppermint dances on your taste buds. Peppermint chocolate cookies are not just desserts; they are delightful little packages of joy that scream holiday cheer and cozy evenings by the fireplace. strawberry cinnamon rolls pumpkin hummus recipe cinnamon roll cupcakes.
If you’ve ever felt the chill of winter and longed for something sweet to brighten your day, these cookies will be your new best friend. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or just when you need a pick-me-up. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s baking?”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This peppermint chocolate cookie recipe is easy to whip up, making it perfect for any skill level
- The combination of mint and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s hard to resist
- Visually striking with their festive colors, these cookies make any dessert table pop
- They’re versatile enough to adapt for various occasions or simply to satisfy a sweet craving
I still remember the first time I made peppermint chocolate cookies for my family. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed, “These are like Christmas in a cookie!” That memory still makes me chuckle every time I bake them. For more inspiration, check out this delicious Christmas mints recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies; use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds depth; Dutch-processed cocoa can give it a richer taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar enhances sweetness and helps create that chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor—essential for chewy cookies.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise beautifully without becoming too dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch; it enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- Unsalted Butter: I prefer using room temperature butter for easy mixing—plus, it results in softer cookies.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together while adding richness to our dough.
- Peppermint Extract: Use pure extract for an authentic flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips provide that melty goodness; feel free to mix in dark chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
- Candy Cane Pieces (optional): For that festive crunch and color—sprinkle them on top before baking!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Gingerbread truffles recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and that delicious aroma fills your home.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. You should see no lumps—this means air is getting in!
Add Eggs and Extract: Beat in one large egg along with peppermint extract until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture turning creamy and aromatic.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stop when just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies!
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips (and candy cane pieces if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop onto Baking Sheet: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions onto ungreased baking sheets about two inches apart. Leave enough space for spreading!
Bake Cookies: Pop them into your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until slightly firm around edges but soft in the center. They’ll continue cooking outside of the oven.
Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Patience pays off as they firm up beautifully during this time!
Serve Warm: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. These delightful treats will have everyone coming back for seconds!
With these steps completed, you’ll have perfectly baked peppermint chocolate cookies ready to bring joy to any occasion!
You Must Know
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are not just festive; they’re a delightful treat year-round
- The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a unique flavor explosion that delights all ages
- Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then mix in eggs before gradually adding dry ingredients for even blending.
Add Your Touch
Try adding crushed candy canes or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor variations.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat in the oven for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor
- Chill the dough for better texture and shape during baking
- Don’t skip the sea salt sprinkle on top; it enhances sweetness beautifully!
I remember the first time I made Peppermint Chocolate Cookies; my friends devoured them in minutes, claiming they were “life-changing.” Their enthusiasm made me realize how much joy baking can bring!
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking to help maintain their shape while cooking.
Can I substitute fresh peppermint for extract?
Yes, but use sparingly as fresh leaves are more potent than extract.
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Chocolate Cookies! These irresistible treats combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, their warm aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Easy to make and visually striking, these cookies are sure to become a favorite anytime sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy cane pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and optional candy cane pieces.
- Drop rounded portions onto ungreased baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
