Baking cookies is one of life’s little pleasures, especially when chocolate and peppermint come together in a delightful treat. Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or simply indulging in a cozy family gathering. These cookies strike the right balance between rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint, making them a special dessert that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking to impress your family or friends, these cookies are sure to do the trick. The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a nostalgic taste that brings back fond memories of the holidays. What makes this recipe even better is how quick and simple it is to put together. With just a few minutes of prep and a short bake time, you can create a batch of cookies that everyone will rave about.
"These cookies were a hit at our holiday party! They looked beautiful and tasted even better," says a happy home baker.
How to Make Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process. First, you’ll want to start by preheating your oven to the right temperature. Next, cream together softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies a light texture. After adding eggs and extracts, you’ll mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
Next, combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones, taking care not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for that signature flavor burst. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Finally, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake until the edges are crisp but the centers remain soft—this ensures a chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
To prepare these ultimate cookies, gather the following items:
All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed preferred), Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted Butter (softened), Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract, Chocolate Chips or Chunks, Peppermint Candies (Crushed).
A quick note: If you need to make substitutions, you can replace some of the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive version.
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
These cookies are delightful on their own, but there are plenty of fun ways to serve them! Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a comforting treat that kids will adore. For a festive touch, consider stacking them on a holiday-themed platter, garnished with extra crushed peppermint candies.
If you’re hosting a gathering, these cookies can also be part of a dessert table alongside other treats. They make great gifts for neighbors and friends when wrapped in pretty boxes or tins, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your holiday cheer.
How to Store
To keep your Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll remain good for about five days, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze individual dough balls before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed. This way, you’ll always have homemade cookies at the ready!
Tips to Make
For the best results, here are a few helpful tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create the right consistency when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it allows the dough to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- For an extra peppermint kick, you can add crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies right before baking.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate—dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix can elevate the flavor.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! You can turn these into a brownie-like treat by adding a little more cocoa powder and reducing the flour. For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough.
If you’re aiming for a lighter version, replace half of the butter with applesauce or yogurt. You can also switch up the flavor by using orange extract instead of peppermint for a festive, citrusy spin on flavor.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
You can substitute with natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but the chocolate flavor might be slightly different.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan butter substitute in place of regular butter.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky after chilling, consider adding a tablespoon or two of flour to help make it easier to scoop.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our protein muffins for a scrumptious breakfast idea or our smash cake for your little one’s special day.
We hope you enjoy making these Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us on social media!
Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.