These peppermint chocolate cookies are a festive treat that blend rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. They are chewy, delicious, and perfect for sharing!
Making these cookies always fills my kitchen with amazing smells. Plus, watching everyone enjoy them is the best part. I mean, who can resist chocolate and peppermint together? 🍪💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to your cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well too. Just make sure to let it soften before mixing!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives your cookies their chocolatey flavor. If you’re short on cocoa, you could use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste. Just stick with unsweetened for this recipe.
Peppermint Extract: This ingredient gives the cookies their minty kick! You can swap it with mint extract for a stronger flavor, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar helps with sweetness and texture. You can substitute with coconut sugar if you want a healthier option, but be aware it may darken the cookies slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are fantastic, but you could use dark chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a different twist. Just keep in mind that white chocolate won’t give you that chocolate base flavor.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies?
To get those soft and chewy cookies, a few key steps are important. Start by creaming your butter and sugars well – this incorporates air, making them lighter! Then, avoid overmixing once you add the flour to maintain that chewy texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough if you have time; it firms it up and prevents spreading too much while baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Remove the cookies when they’re set at the edges but still soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Letting them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks is crucial. This helps with the cooking process!
Enjoy making your cookies, and remember, having fun in the kitchen is what it’s all about! 🍪
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some extra time for cooling and frosting. Overall, expect around 45 minutes to 1 hour to have these yummy cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where your cookies get their nice texture!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add a touch of flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps prevent clumps and ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet blend, mixing until just combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this point.
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look a bit soft—that’s perfect! Once done, remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Add Flavor and Color:
Mix in the peppermint extract for that refreshing flavor. If using food coloring, add a few drops to create a festive red color. For some fun, you can make a red and white swirled effect by mixing the red food coloring lightly into just part of the frosting.
10. Frost the Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting over each cookie. If you’re feeling creative, use a piping bag to create swirls with both the white and red frosting.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Top the frosted cookies with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a crunchy, festive finish. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving—or dive right in!
Enjoy your amazing peppermint chocolate cookies, perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a sweet treat! 🍪✨
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and flavor, giving a unique twist to your cookies!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to replace regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional cookies.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Omit the Frosting?
Yes, you can certainly skip the frosting if you prefer simpler cookies. They are delicious on their own, or you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a quick touch of sweetness!
