Cozy Up with Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
There’s something magical about baking Chocolate Peppermint Cookies that takes me back to colder nights spent gathering around the kitchen with loved ones. The rich aroma of chocolate combined with the invigorating scent of fresh peppermint fills the air as soon as the dough hits the oven. The final product—a slightly chewy cookie, drizzled with white chocolate and specked with crushed candy canes—looks as delightful as it tastes, evoking memories of holiday celebrations and warm-hearted gatherings. It’s the kind of cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your heart with nostalgia and warmth. In a world that often feels rushed, making these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is a delightful way to slow down, savor, and share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Peppermint Cookie recipe stands out for a multitude of reasons that will entice every cookie lover out there. Here’s why these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Irresistible Flavor Pairing: The contrast between rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Festive Vibes: With crushed candy canes sprinkling the tops, they bring a holiday cheer to gatherings any time of the year.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to shop for exotic items; everything you’ll need is likely already in your pantry.
- Nostalgia: There’s an emotional connection with the scents and tastes that transport you to joyful moments spent with family.
- Versatile Texture: The combination of chocolate chips and crushed peppermint adds an exciting crunch that makes every bite delightful.
Whether you’re planning a holiday bash or just craving something sweet to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage, these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies provide that cozy hug in cookie form.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Now that you’re excited to get baking, let’s walk through the simple steps of making these delightful cookies. Trust me, the process of making these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is as enjoyable as the final treat.
Ingredients
Before diving into the directions, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Now let’s break down these key ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter makes for a creamier batter, adding richness and texture to your cookies. If you need a substitute, coconut oil can add a delightful flavor.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination of both types of sugar contributes to a balanced sweetness and helps create that wonderful chewy texture. Brown sugar adds moisture to the cookies.
- Eggs: They act as a binding agent while also contributing to the moisture and structure of the cookie.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds an aromatic depth that brings all the other flavors together beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, too much flour can lead to drier cookies, so measure carefully!
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that deep chocolate flavor with no extra sweetness. If you want a less intense chocolate profile, substituting with a lighter cocoa could work!
- Baking Soda and Salt: The baking soda helps the cookies rise, while salt enhances all the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: These provide bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. Dark or semi-sweet chips can offer a more intense flavor profile.
- White Chocolate Chips: They offer a lovely contrast to the dark chocolate and a creamy texture that balances the flavor.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: These add the refreshing minty crunch. Feel free to experiment with other types of candy, like crushed Oreos, for a fun twist!
Directions
First, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats up, take a large bowl and combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer or your trusty wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2–3 minutes, and trust me, you’ll know it’s ready when it starts to look fluffy and delicious!
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the fragrant vanilla extract. At this stage, you’ll be enveloped in the warm, inviting smells that make baking so enjoyable.
While that’s mixing, grab another bowl to combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently whisk it together to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Once they are blended, start gradually incorporating this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t worry if it looks thick at this point—it’ll all come together beautifully!
Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and the crushed peppermint candy canes with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is when it starts to smell amazing, filled with a delightful chocolate aroma highlighted by that cool peppermint.
Now, it’s time to shape your cookies. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and drop them onto ungreased baking sheets—give them a little space, as they’ll spread out a bit while baking.
Pop those trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly soft. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they are done when the edges start to turn a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. After that, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. I always sneak a few while they’re still warm—there’s nothing like that burst of melting chocolate!
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
The best way to serve these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is with a side of cheer! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings as a sweet treat or enjoyed on cozy afternoons with a steaming cup of cocoa. To make them visually appealing, consider arranging them on a festive platter sprinkled with a bit of powdered sugar or drizzling the cookies with white chocolate for an elegant touch.
They truly shine as dessert for holiday parties or as an afternoon snack when it’s chilly outside. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm peppermint mocha for a truly festive experience. You could even use them in a cookie exchange or as part of a gift for family and friends—who would say no to a box of these treats?
How to Store Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
If you find you have leftovers (but let’s be honest, who can resist more than one?), it’s important to store them properly. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will last at room temperature for up to a week, and if you refrigerate them, they’ll hold their deliciousness for about two weeks.
For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to regain that freshly baked texture, or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection sometimes requires a few extra tips. Here are my tried-and-true pieces of advice:
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. This is a common mistake that can lead to dense outcomes!
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want them set at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line your baking sheets with parchment paper if you have it on hand.
- Experiment with Peppermint: If you want a stronger mint flavor, consider adding a drop or two of peppermint extract into the batter—just be cautious not to go overboard, as it can easily overpower the chocolate.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to sneak a little taste of the cookie dough (especially with the eggs and sugars mixed)—it’s a great way to check if you’ve balanced the flavors just the way you like!
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, here are a few creative variations of these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Instead of white chocolate chips, opt for mint-flavored chocolate chips for an extra layer of minty goodness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
- Vegan Twist: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use vegan butter.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Use all dark chocolate chips instead of a mix for a richer flavor profile, appealing to those with a more mature palate.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake from cold, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use fresh mint instead of candy canes?
While fresh mint leaves can be refreshing, they wouldn’t provide the crunchy texture candy canes offer. However, you could try a mint extract in the dough and use crushed candy canes on top for that festive crunch.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a meat mallet. This keeps the mess contained and allows you to control the size of the pieces.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes?
Yes! You can replace the amount of crushed peppermint with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a more intense mint flavor without the crunch. Just remember that less is more—start small and adjust to your taste.
Conclusion
Making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is not just a culinary task; it’s a heartwarming experience that fills your home with comforting scents and delightful flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them with family during the holidays or gifting them to friends, these cookies have a special way of bringing joy to any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients and set aside some time to create these tasty treats—you won’t regret the sweet reward that comes from this simple recipe. If you love this Chocolate Peppermint Cookie recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies combining rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candy canes.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
