Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint flavors, creating a truly irresistible treat. These cookies are more than just dessert; they’re an enchanting blend of sweetness, refreshing mint, and a touch of festive spirit. Each bite brings a moment of joy as the chocolate melts in your mouth, harmonizing beautifully with the coolness of peppermint. With their chewy texture and delectable taste, these cookies are worth making for any occasion, especially during the holiday season.

In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how to whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies that are bound to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. First, they boast an uncomplicated preparation process that makes them accessible even for novice bakers. With minimal effort and only a few common ingredients, you can create an impressive dessert that feels handcrafted.

These cookies are family-friendly and a surefire hit at gatherings. The delightful combination of flavors appeals to both children and adults, making them perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights at home. Plus, they can be made quickly, allowing you to satisfy those chocolate cravings in no time.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect base for your cookies.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Rich cocoa adds a deep chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: This will help your cookies rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For that necessary sweetness.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: It adds depth and an extra touch of moistness.
• 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must for flavor enhancement.
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: For that festive, minty flavor kick.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea!
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: For crunch and that holiday twist!
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling): For a beautiful finishing touch.
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish): To make your cookies pop visually!

Step-by-Step Directions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will provide the structure and chocolatey base for your cookies.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture until well combined.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint: Now fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. The dough will be thick and deliciously aromatic.

7. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.

8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly under-baked; this is perfect for a chewy cookie texture.

9. Cool and Drizzle: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. If you’re opting for the optional white chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies.

10. Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also make great gifts or additions to any dessert table!

Tips & Tricks

To ensure perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, keep these chef’s secrets in mind:

• Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. Room temperature ensures the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stop mixing once combined. This helps keep your cookies dense and chewy.
• Chill Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Experiment with Varieties: Feel free to swap peppermint with orange extract or other flavors for a fun twist.
• Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and consider freezing them for longer-lasting enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Looking for creative ways to present your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies? Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with extra crushed peppermint candies for a striking visual appeal. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a refreshing peppermint tea for an indulgent experience. For parties, consider arranging the cookies alongside a decadent chocolate fondue, inviting guests to dip and enjoy.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, keep in mind that moderation is key to enjoying treats without compromising your dietary goals. Each cookie contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on portion size and additional toppings. They also come packed with the goodness of dark chocolate and peppermint, offering a delightful treat for any chocolate lover.

Storing Tips & Variations for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

For variations, consider using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate or adding chopped nuts for a different texture. You could also try using almond extract instead of peppermint for a nutty flavor twist.

Conclusion for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

With the holidays just around the corner or any time you crave something sweet, don’t hesitate to whip up these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. They’re guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more. Try making them today and experience the delightful marriage of chocolate and peppermint!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a gum replacement for structure.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer shelf-life.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

4. What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
Feel free to use other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different flavor profile!

5. How can I make these cookies more festive?
Try adding festive sprinkles or using seasonal cookie cutters for fun shapes that match the holidays!

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Delightful cookies combining rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint, perfect for the holidays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 175

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides the perfect base for your cookies.
• 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Adds a deep chocolate flavor.
• 0.5 tsp baking soda Helps cookies rise and stay fluffy.
• 0.25 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and moisture.
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar For necessary sweetness.
• 0.25 cups packed brown sugar Adds depth and moisture.
• 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
• 0.5 tsp peppermint extract For a festive flavor kick.

Add-ins

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips More chocolate is always a good idea!
• 0.5 cups crushed peppermint candies or candy canes Adds crunch and holiday twist!
• 0.25 cups white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling) For a beautiful finishing touch.
• 0.25 cups crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish) To make your cookies pop visually!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes.

Mixing

1. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamed mixture until well combined.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies until well incorporated.

Baking

1. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets and flatten slightly.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Centers may look slightly under-baked.
3. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire racks.

Finishing Touches

1. Melt white chocolate (if using) and drizzle over cooled cookies, then sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies.
2. Serve and enjoy your delightful cookies!

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Store in an airtight container for freshness. Freeze cookies for up to three months.