As I walked through the festive aisles of my favorite grocery store, the scent of peppermint and chocolate wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a winter wonderland. There’s something magical about holiday baking, especially when it comes to these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Bursting with rich chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint, these chewy delights come together in just under 30 minutes—perfect for that impromptu gathering with friends or a cozy night in with loved ones. Not only do they satisfy your chocolate cravings, but they also bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen without any fuss. Ready to dive into the world of holiday flavors? Let’s make some merry memories with these irresistible cookies!
Why are these cookies a holiday must?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich dark chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint creates a festive taste that’s truly special.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of under 30 minutes and no chill required, they promise to fit into any busy holiday schedule.
Chewy Goodness: The perfect chewy center complemented by crisp edges will have everyone reaching for another!
Customize Your Way: Want to change it up? Try adding nuts or making a non-peppermint version for variety.
Crowd Favorite: These cookies are an instant hit at holiday gatherings, much like our delicious Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pears or Mini Chocolate Lava treats!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
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For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; measure properly to avoid excess.
• Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) – Adds rich chocolate flavor; regular cocoa can be used if needed.
• Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best lift.
• Baking Soda – Works with baking powder to enhance leavening; check for freshness for optimal results.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; can be omitted if using salted butter. -
For the Chewy Texture
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; should be softened for even mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and chewiness; dark brown sugar is a great substitute for deeper flavor.
• Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve crisp edges; coconut sugar can offer a unique taste.
• Egg Yolks – Bind ingredients together and add richness; use flax eggs for a vegan alternative—textural change expected. -
For the Festive Flair
• Peppermint Extract – Imparts a distinct holiday flavor; reduce for a milder taste if desired.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract – Enhances overall profile; vanilla extract can substitute for similar results.
• Peppermint Chips (Andes) – Provide bursts of peppermint; can use chocolate chips if you prefer.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Enhance chocolate intensity; dark chocolate chips can deepen the flavor. -
Optional Topping
• Crushed Candy Canes – Adds flavor and festive decoration; can skip or replace with seasonal sprinkles as you wish.
Bake your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with these delightful ingredients and spread the joy of the holidays!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure that your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies bake evenly. Feel free to double-check the temperature to confirm it’s just right for baking those chewy centers to perfection.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale in color, indicating that the sugars are well incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful chewy texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, mix in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste to your butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll immediately notice the delightful holiday scent as the peppermint blends in, creating a fragrant base for your cookie dough.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to your wet mixture. Stir the ingredients together until just combined, making sure to stop mixing when the flour disappears into the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep an eye on that beautiful blend of chocolate and peppermint goodness.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will add rich chocolate intensity and bursts of refreshing peppermint to your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Look for the dough to be thick and well mixed, showcasing those enticing bits of chocolate.
Step 6: Shape the Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, gather the dough and portion it into 18 balls, placing them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing ensures that the cookies have room to spread while baking, resulting in perfectly chewy cookies with a bit of crispness at the edges.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. For chewier cookies, aim for the lower end of that range, while the upper end will give you a slightly crispier result. Watch for the edges to look set, but the centers should still appear soft.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes, which will help them firm up a bit. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 10 minutes. If you like, sprinkle with crushed candy canes while they’re still warm for a festive touch and added flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and then refrigerating the dough, ensuring it maintains its rich flavors and chewy texture. For even longer storage, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies quickly, saving time during the hectic holiday season!
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Warm, festive flavors deserve the perfect accompaniments to create memorable holiday moments.
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Cold Milk: The classic pairing enhances the cookies’ chocolaty richness, making every bite feel indulgent and nostalgic.
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Hot Cocoa: A cozy cup of hot cocoa with a sprinkle of peppermint adds a delightful touch that complements the cookies beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop provides a cool contrast to the warm cookies, creating an indulgent dessert experience to savor together.
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Peppermint Tea: A soothing cup of peppermint tea balances the sweetness of the cookies while echoing their festive flavor, perfect for a mid-afternoon treat.
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Chocolate Pudding: Decadent and rich, chocolate pudding adds another layer of velvety chocolate flavor, creating a delightful dessert atmosphere.
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Sugar Cookies: Light and buttery sugar cookies offer a lovely contrast, balancing the intense chocolate and peppermint flavors for a delightful cookie platter.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries and oranges introduce a refreshing, zesty element that brightens the table and enhances your dessert spread.
With these thoughtful pairings, your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will shine even brighter during the holiday season!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe and make them your own!
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Non-Peppermint Version: Omit peppermint extract and chips for classic double chocolate cookies that everyone will love.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a delicious, inclusive treat.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and rich flavor that complements the chocolate.
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Mint Chocolate Swirl: Mix in a few drops of green food coloring with the peppermint extract for a festive look!
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Heat It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that elevates the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
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Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
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Flavor Boost: Experiment with a dash of espresso powder in the dough to enhance that deep chocolate flavor beautifully.
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Layered Delight: Swap half the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast in flavor and sweetness.
For more holiday cheer, try serving these cookies alongside our delectable Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies or enjoy them with a cup of rich hot cocoa. Each variation offers a new way to savor the festive season!
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.
Refrigerator: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies, which will keep them good for about 5 days. Just ensure they’re sealed properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Dough Freezing: If you have leftover dough, shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag; they’ll be ready to bake straight from the freezer!
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
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Proper Flour Measurement: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour; too much can lead to dry cookies instead of delightful chewiness.
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Mixing Technique: Beat egg yolks with the butter and sugars until fluffy. This step is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture in your double chocolate peppermint cookies.
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Adjusting Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; the perfect timing varies by oven. Experiment between 10-12 minutes to find your preferred level of chewiness.
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Cooling Matters: Allow your cookies to rest before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape while achieving the ideal chewy consistency.
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Storing Tips: Place cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days; they also freeze beautifully for future indulgence.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh ingredients. Select all-purpose flour that feels light and fluffy, with no clumps. Make sure to use Dutch process cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor, though regular cocoa will work in a pinch. When it comes to peppermint extract, opt for pure extract for a cleaner taste if available.
How should I store my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Very! Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for about 3 days. For optimal texture, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, ensuring they are properly sealed to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Of course! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you have extra dough, shape it into balls and flash freeze on a baking sheet. Once hard, transfer them to a zip-top bag for quick baking later—just bake straight from the freezer!
What should I do if my cookies come out too hard?
The more the merrier—you want to get the best chewy outcome! If your cookies turn out hard, it likely means they were overbaked or too much flour was used. Next time, try measuring flour with a spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag. Watch the baking time closely—aim for 10 minutes for soft centers.
Are Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies safe for pets?
Absolutely not! While these cookies are a delightful treat for humans, keep them away from pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and peppermint might upset their stomachs. Always ensure your furry friends stick to their own safe treats.
Can I make my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies gluten-free?
Very much so! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure to check that the baking powder you’re using is also gluten-free. Follow the same measurements, and enjoy cookies everyone can indulge in!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for a Festive Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste to the butter and sugar mixture, beating for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, gather the dough and portion it into 18 balls, placing them about two inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, sprinkle with crushed candy canes while still warm.
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