Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Delight
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with these delicious Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies! Combining the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, these treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home. With their chewy texture and festive appearance, they are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients List
To make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
- Crushed Peppermint Candies (½ cup) – plus extra for garnish
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon) – optional, for extra flavor
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, 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. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using).
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 peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: 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 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 9: 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 peppermint on top while they are still warm.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Peppermint Chocolate Chip 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: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and measurements.
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip 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 peppermint 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.
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Peppermint Bark Cookies: Top the cookies with melted chocolate and crushed peppermint for a bark-like finish.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking lineup! With their festive flavors and chewy texture, they are sure to bring joy to any gathering. Try this recipe today and spread some holiday cheer with these delicious cookies!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
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.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Delight
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (½ teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
- Crushed Peppermint Candies (½ cup) – plus extra for garnish
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon) – optional, for extra flavor
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, 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. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using).
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 peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: 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 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 9: 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 peppermint on top while they are still warm.