If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cookie that embodies the festive spirit of the season, look no further than these indulgent Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Bursting with rich cocoa flavor, these cookies are a delightful combination of fudgy goodness and crunchy peppermint morsels, making them the perfect treat for Christmas gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or as part of your holiday cookie box. Easy to whip up and just as enjoyable to devour, this recipe caters to bakers of all skill levels, providing a straightforward approach that guarantees a mouthwatering result.
Imagine biting into a soft, warm cookie with melted chocolate chips melting in your mouth, complemented by the refreshing flavor of peppermint. It’s no wonder why these cookies are a beloved choice during the holiday season. Not only are they a feast for the senses, but they also bring back nostalgic memories of festive celebrations filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. Prepare yourself for compliments and requests for the recipe as you serve these scrumptious cookies to friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich double chocolate flavor paired with the invigorating taste of peppermint creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, these cookies are perfect for those busy holiday afternoons when you need to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Treat: Whether you’re preparing treats for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or a bake sale, these cookies are a versatile option that will be a hit with all ages.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist by experimenting with mix-ins or toppings. The base recipe provides a delicious starting point for creativity!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure a smooth baking experience when making your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace effectively. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out in advance, as this will streamline the process. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step guarantees easy cookie removal and minimal cleanup.
As for tools, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for creaming the butter and sugars, a separate bowl for the dry ingredients, and a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. A whisk will come in handy for ensuring your dry ingredients are well combined. If you want perfectly shaped cookies, consider using a cookie scoop for uniform portions. Having an efficient setup will make baking these delightful cookies not only easier but also more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, resulting in cookies that have a lovely texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl midway through to ensure everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts
Once your butter and sugars are creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time to maintain consistency in the batter. After adding both eggs, stir in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract if you choose to use it. The peppermint extract will enhance the peppermint flavor throughout the cookies and deliver a delightful aroma.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed and will help your cookies rise as they bake. Once combined, gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Take care not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Peppermint
After your dough is combined, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, and crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. These add layers of flavor and texture to your cookies and make them undeniably festive. If you want your cookies to have pops of chocolate and peppermint on top, reserve a few pieces to sprinkle on top before baking.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
For thicker cookies with a chewy texture, cover your bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough intensifies the flavors and helps control the spread during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven again to 350°F (175°C) if necessary. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. For an extra touch, press additional chocolate chips and crushed peppermint onto the tops of the cookies. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time will help them firm up. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!
Variations
- Protein: For added protein, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. They can be incorporated into the dough for extra crunch.
- Vegetables: Incorporate a bit of grated zucchini for moisture and a subtle nutrition boost without changing the taste.
- Spices: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the chocolate and peppermint.
Cooking Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial—this lets the flavors meld and improves the texture of the cookies.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, opt for Dutch-process cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder.
- Keep an eye on baking times, especially during your first batch. Every oven is different!
- If you overbake, the cookies will become too firm; they should be soft when they come out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
- These cookies are a fantastic addition to a homemade gift basket alongside other holiday treats.
Tips
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chunks to find your perfect combination—white chocolate or milk chocolate work well too.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of crushed candy canes and peppermint extract slightly.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness, especially if they last longer than a few days—though we doubt they will!
- To freeze, shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag for future cookie cravings.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredients of your other mix-ins to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How should I store these cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them.
Can I add more peppermint flavor?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed candy canes and peppermint extract to enhance the minty flavor.
What if the dough seems too soft?
If the dough appears soft, chill it for an extra 15–30 minutes, giving the butter more time to firm up.
Conclusion
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect way to elevate your holiday baking and spread joy to friends and family. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have 24 decadent cookies that are sure to impress. Their delightful blend of chocolate and peppermint flavors will fill your home with a festive spirit and create lasting memories. Don’t forget to try different variations and toppings to make each batch unique! We hope you enjoy making, sharing, and savoring these treats as much as we do. Let us know in the comments how your cookies turned out!
Print
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich blend of chocolate and refreshing peppermint every holiday season with these delightful cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt and fold into the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, and crushed peppermint.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), portion dough onto baking sheets, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
Chill the dough for best results and to enhance the flavors; use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 2 g