Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s bursting with rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint zest, this Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly soft yet slightly crisp, these cookies bring a festive twist to your baking routine, ideal for holiday celebrations or satisfying anytime cravings. The blend of smooth cocoa, crunchy peppermint bits, and a touch of sweetness makes each bite simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses simple steps that anyone can follow, making holiday baking a breeze.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a classic holiday taste that delights the senses.
• Perfect Texture: Soft centers with crisp edges offer the ultimate cookie experience.
• Versatile Treat: Great for gifting, parties, or cozy nights in with a cup of hot cocoa.
• Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to deliver amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding richness to balancing sweetness and providing that signature peppermint crunch.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Offers richness and contributes to a chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crispness to edges.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and aids in texture development.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor complexity.
• Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Infuses refreshing peppermint flavor with a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate chips or chunks: Provides pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Feel free to make these cookies your own by experimenting with flavors and ingredients. This recipe is easy to adapt whether you want to switch up texture, accommodate dietary restrictions, or add unique twists.

• White chocolate swap: Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep the cookies safe for sensitive eaters.
• Vegan version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed meal for a plant-based alternative.
• Extra peppermint punch: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to intensify the minty flavor.
• Nutty additions: Toss in chopped almonds or pecans for an added crunch and richness.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution for balanced flavor and texture in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance of chewiness and crisp edges.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars, stirring just until combined. This adds moisture and binds all ingredients for the right cookie consistency.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to create a rich cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in Peppermint Pieces and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips into the dough, spreading the festive flavors evenly throughout.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing cookies to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and slightly crisp while centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Use room temperature butter: It creams better with sugars, producing lighter cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Crush peppermint candies finely: This prevents large chunks that can overpower the dough.
• Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances flavor and controls spreading.
• Bake on parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance presentation by sprinkling a few extra crushed peppermint pieces or a drizzle of melted chocolate over cooled cookies for an irresistible look and added flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a glass of cold milk for a perfect cozy combination that complements the minty chocolate goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on festive platters, decorate with holiday ribbons for gifting, or sandwich them with peppermint-flavored cream cheese or frosting for a show-stopping dessert option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers. This allows quick baking or thawing whenever you want a festive treat without the extra prep time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat briefly in the oven to bring back that freshly baked texture and softness, making them taste as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?

Yes, using peppermint extract can enhance the mint flavor, but it won’t provide the crunchy texture that crushed candies add, so consider pairing it with some peppermint pieces for balance.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

By substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free needs without compromising taste.

How long do Chocolate Peppermint Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature, making them ideal for making ahead.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough for an hour or even overnight enhances the flavors and controls cookie spread during baking.

What’s the best way to get a chewy texture?

Use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar, avoid overbaking, and slightly undercook the cookies for a soft, chewy center every time.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying the cozy, festive magic of these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Whether baking for holidays, gifting, or treating yourself, this recipe delivers a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Give it a try—you’re going to love every crumb!

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• Sugar Cookie Icing

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