Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! These rich, fudgy cookies are packed with chocolate and infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. With their chewy texture and festive appearance, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients List
To make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon)
Mix-Ins
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
- Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup) – plus extra for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)
- For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top while they are still warm.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per cookie (assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and measurements.
Tips for the Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overbaking; they should be soft in the center.
- Customize the Peppermint: Adjust the amount of crushed candy canes based on your preference for minty flavor.
Variations
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Cookies: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough for a festive touch.
- Nutty Chocolate Cookies: Stir in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint twist, they are sure to become a favorite! Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful holiday treat!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
2. How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Wet Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon)
- Mix-Ins
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
- Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup) – plus extra for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional)
- For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top while they are still warm.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.