Every holiday season, my family gathers in the kitchen, and the smell of chocolate fills the air. Making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies has become a joyful tradition for us. I remember my kids eagerly waiting by the oven, ready to enjoy these delightful treats. They are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings!
These cookies blend rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a hit for any holiday occasion. Whether it's a family get-together or a cozy night in, these cookies will brighten your day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Delightful balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint
- Great for sharing during holidays or special occasions
- Visually appealing with crushed peppermint on top
- A family favorite that everyone will love
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a festive treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. They are fun to make and even more fun to eat!
How To Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Creating these cookies is simple and rewarding. The combination of chocolate and peppermint will have your kitchen smelling delightful. Follow the steps, and enjoy baking!
Star Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise nicely.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies are soft and fluffy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed: Adds moisture and a deep flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly.
- 1 egg: Binds all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Gives that enjoyable minty twist.
- ½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Provides pockets of melted chocolate.
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy about 3 candy canes or 15 peppermints: Adds a festive crunch and touches of holiday spirit.
Simple Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
- Scrape the sides, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat for an additional minute.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Then stir in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick.
- Use a large cookie scoop to portion into 3 tablespoon-sized balls.
- Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart and bake for 7-9 minutes until the top of the cookie has a dry appearance.
- Remove from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermints over the cookies. You can also press in additional chocolate chips if desired.
- Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
You Must Know
When baking these cookies, ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. Allow the cookies to cool before serving so the chocolate sets slightly. If you’re baking in humid weather, you may need to adjust the flour slightly for the perfect consistency.
How To Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies are best served fresh out of the oven but taste great at room temperature, too. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or milk for a cozy treat. They also make lovely gifts—just package them in a festive tin!
How To Store Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last for about three months. Just thaw them at room temperature and enjoy!
Tips To Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
To make your cookies even more special, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top once they are cool. Experimenting with different types of chocolate chips, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, can also change the flavor profile deliciously.
Playful Variations
Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also substitute some of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. For a double chocolate effect, mix in a few extra cocoa powder or chocolate chips!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give the cookies a richer flavor, making them even more indulgent. Just ensure they are finely chopped to mix well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract instead. Just use a little less because mint flavor can be stronger.
How do I make my cookies chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try baking them for a shorter time or adding a bit more brown sugar. Underbaking slightly will also help maintain the chewiness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready for a festive treat! These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for the holidays. My family loves them, and they disappear fast! Great for cozy weekend baking. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter softened
¼ cup brown sugar packed
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
¼ cup crushed peppermint candy about 3 candy canes or 15 peppermints
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
4. Scrape the sides, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat for an additional minute.
5. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Then stir in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick.
6. Use a large cookie scoop to portion into 3 tablespoon-sized balls.
7. Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart and bake for 7-9 minutes until the top of the cookie has a dry appearance.
8. Remove from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermints over the cookies. You can also press in additional chocolate chips if desired.
9. Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Notes
Perfect Balance of Flavors: These cookies combine the richness of cocoa powder with the refreshing minty kick of peppermint, making them an ideal treat for the holiday season.
Cookie Texture: The dough is thick, so using a cookie scoop helps create uniform-sized cookies. This ensures each cookie bakes evenly and has the perfect chewy texture.
Peppermint Crunch: Sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top of the cookies just after baking adds a delightful crunch and a burst of mint flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time for holiday celebrations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 12 cookies)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint extract, chocolate chips, baking, easy cookie recipe, Christmas cookies, mint cookies, dessert, festive treats