Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the irresistible scents of freshly baked peppermint chocolate cookies. The aroma dances through the air, mingling rich chocolate and refreshing mint, creating a symphony of sweetness that beckons you closer. Cinnabon cinnamon roll cake Each cookie, perfectly soft on the inside with a delightful crunch on the outside, promises to be a flavor explosion that will make even the grumpiest of Grinches crack a smile. cinnamon syrup for desserts.
These cookies are not just an indulgent treat; they evoke memories of holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, and laughter shared over mugs of hot cocoa. Whether you’re whipping them up for a festive celebration or simply because it’s Wednesday and you deserve a treat, these peppermint chocolate cookies are your ticket to sweet satisfaction. pumpkin spice pancakes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint chocolate cookies are a breeze to whip up and require minimal effort
- Their flavor profile blends rich chocolate with refreshing mint for an irresistible experience
- Visually appealing with their festive colors, they add joy to any occasion
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy nights in front of the fire
Baking these cookies became an instant tradition in my house when my kids discovered how much fun it was to decorate them with sprinkles.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base. Use unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to control sweetness while adding rich flavor.
- Baking Soda: A crucial ingredient for that perfect rise; use fresh baking soda for optimal results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies that classic chewy texture we all love.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses adds depth and moisture, making your cookies irresistibly soft.
- Peppermint Extract: Essential for that refreshing minty kick; use pure extract for best flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness nicely. pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
- Peppermint Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add holiday cheer and crunchy texture on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for those delicious cookies.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. It keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set it aside like it’s taking a little nap.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that dreamy texture.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in eggs one at a time along with peppermint extract until fully combined. You’ll want this mixture to resemble a silky dream.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing will lead to tough cookies!
Add Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula. The anticipation builds as you see the colors come together!
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets : Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Give them space; they need room to spread out!
Bake Them Up!: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges look firm but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on sheets before transferring them to wire racks.
Now that everything is set up perfectly, watch as your kitchen transforms into a bakery filled with delectable aromas! Enjoy these peppermint chocolate cookies fresh from the oven or save some for later—if you can resist eating them all at once!
You Must Know
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are the perfect holiday treat; they combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint
- The aroma alone can lift spirits, making them a favorite at gatherings
- These cookies not only taste amazing but also look festive and inviting on any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven and mix dry ingredients first for better blending. Incorporate wet ingredients gradually, ensuring a smooth cookie dough. This method saves time and results in evenly baked, chewy cookies.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding crushed candy canes for extra crunch or swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate. You can even drizzle melted chocolate on top for that extra wow factor at holiday parties.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. If you have leftovers, simply reheat them briefly in the oven to regain their soft, chewy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, chill your dough before baking to enhance the flavors
- Make sure to measure flour correctly to avoid overly dense cookies
- Don’t overbake; slightly underbaked cookies will firm up as they cool, keeping them chewy
There was that one Christmas where I made these Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, and everyone raved about them! I swear my friends were sneaking back for seconds—who knew cookies could steal the show? For more inspiration, check out this Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies recipe.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Dark or white chocolate can be great alternatives in Peppermint Chocolate Cookies.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, where rich chocolate meets refreshing mint. These cookies are soft on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Decorated with crushed candy canes, they bring joy to any occasion, making them an irresistible treat for everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time along with peppermint extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges firm but centers remain soft. Cool on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
