Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate peppermint cookies? This Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is the perfect blend of rich, dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint, a festive treat that will delight both kids and adults. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your cookies turn out perfect every time. You’ll be the star baker of the season with these delightful little bites of holiday cheer! Similar to a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe, this recipe starts with creaming butter and sugar.

Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s assemble our ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the baking experience so much smoother, trust me! This recipe uses readily available pantry staples and a few special ingredients that bring that holiday magic.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (not melted!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (about 10-12 candy canes)

Mixing the Dough: The Foundation of Your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Think of it like building a strong foundation for your cookie dream house! This step incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Remember, don’t overmix!

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures your cookies have the perfect texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few streaks of flour are okay. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.

Shaping and Baking: Bringing Your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to Life

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Remember, they’ll spread a bit as they bake. These cookies bake quickly! Pop them in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Don’t overbake them; you want them to be chewy and delicious.

Cooling and Enjoying: The Sweet Reward

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up and prevents them from crumbling. Then, grab a glass of milk (or maybe some hot cocoa!) and indulge in these festive treats.

Troubleshooting Your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies often result from using overly softened butter or overmixing the dough. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted, and mix the ingredients just until combined.

How can I make my cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. They will continue to bake a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried cranberries. If you are looking for recipes that do not require a lot of baking time, check out our curated list of no-bake cookies recipe.

Perfectly baked chocolate peppermint cookies cooling on a wire rack

Variations on the Classic Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Looking to add a twist to this classic recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey kick.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a festive and elegant look. This is similar to the process of making icing recipe for sugar cookies.
• Peppermint Mocha Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the peppermint.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free option. Just like our sugar free cookie recipes, you can adapt this recipe for various dietary needs.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking will help prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
• Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
• Store properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag.

Q: How do I crush peppermint candies?
A: Place the candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.

Q: Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?
A: Yes, you can use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of the crushed candies. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.

Crushed peppermint candies ready to be added to the cookie dough

This chocolate peppermint cookies recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of holiday cheer! Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs (and perhaps even a few cookies) with your loved ones. Happy baking! And for those who adore intricate designs, our lace cookie recipe offers another delightful option.