Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the quintessential treats for the holiday season. These cookies are chewy, rich, and packed with festive flavors that will warm your heart. Made with Dutch-process cocoa and loaded with peppermint chips, they create a delightful balance of chocolate and mint. The addition of crushed candy canes on top adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy nights at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer a variety of reasons to love them. Firstly, they deliver a perfect blend of chocolate and mint, making them a favorite during the holiday season. Secondly, their chewy texture creates an irresistible bite. Thirdly, they’re easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can also explore creative variations like Mint Chocolate Cookies or Peppermint Chocolate Biscotti. They are vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for gluten-free diets. Lastly, their festive appearance makes them ideal for celebrating!
Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp (30 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (e.g., Andes)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes (optional, for topping)
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla. Beat for 2 more minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the peppermint chips and chocolate chips.
- Step 7: Scoop the dough into 18 balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.
- Step 9: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Step 10: Optionally, sprinkle with crushed candy canes while still warm.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- For a more intense flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips.
- Experiment with adding different types of minty chocolate candies to the mix.
- Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for chewy cookies.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies shine in various serving scenarios. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a delightful pairing. They also make excellent gifts when packed in festive tins. For a fun twist, try them as a base for a Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Recipe by layering them with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
What is a chocolate peppermint cookie?
A chocolate peppermint cookie is a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint, often featuring ingredients like cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and candy canes to create a festive dessert.
Why are chocolate peppermint cookies popular during holidays?
Chocolate peppermint cookies are popular during the holidays because they embody the festive flavors of the season, combining the warmth of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them ideal for celebrations and gatherings.
Can I make chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and refrigerate it or bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies You Can Try
Try these fun variations:
- Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Options: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs.
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipes: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends.
- Chocolate Mint Treats: Dip cookies in dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Peppermint Cocoa Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: 10 Irresistible Variations
These chocolate peppermint cookies are chewy, rich, and full of festive flavor. Made with Dutch-process cocoa, peppermint chips, and a touch of crushed candy canes, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp (30 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (e.g., Andes)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla. Beat for 2 more minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the peppermint chips and chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough into 18 balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle with crushed candy canes while still warm.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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