Nothing says holiday cheer quite like the combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the quintessential treat for the season, marrying chewy chocolate goodness with a refreshing burst of peppermint. Whether you're baking them for a cozy night in, a family holiday gathering, or as festive gifts for loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and leave everyone craving more.
Here's how to create your own batch of these delectable holiday cookies!
Ingredients
To make about 24 cookies, you'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Optional: powdered sugar for a light dusting
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2 – Mix the Base Dough
- Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 3 – Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until a thick dough forms.
Step 4 – Add Mix-ins
Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies with a spatula. These pockets of flavor add a delightful surprise to each bite.
Step 5 – Shape and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Slightly flatten the cookies with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle the tops with the remaining crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges have set. The centers might look slightly soft—this is perfect for achieving that chewy texture.
Step 6 – Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust the cookies with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Butter matters — Use unsalted butter, so you can control the salt level. Make sure it's softened, not melted, for the right texture.
- Don’t overbake — Slightly underbaking prevents the cookies from becoming dry and keeps them soft and chewy.
- Customize your peppermint — If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Crushing peppermint candies — Place your candy canes or peppermint candies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
- Storage — Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Add a slice of bread to the container if you want to keep your cookies extra soft.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are at their finest when paired with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a cold glass of milk. Serve them at your next holiday party or wrap them in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for delightful homemade gifts. You can also stack a few in a mason jar, add a holiday tag, and present them as charming stocking stuffers.
No matter how you share them, these cookies promise to spread the joyous flavors of the season. Happy Baking!
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