Ah, the smell of fresh peppermint cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season—it’s absolutely magical! I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to bake these delightful treats, especially when the air is crisp and cold. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is simply irresistible, and these cookies are the perfect way to spread some festive cheer. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re chewy, they’re sweet, and they’re just the right amount of minty. I love making these peppermint cookies to share with family and friends, or even just to indulge myself while curled up with a good book. So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with the warmth and joy of the season!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Prepare Peppermint Cookies
Getting ready to whip up these peppermint cookies is so much fun, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s dive into the steps to create these festive delights. You’ll want to follow along closely for the best results, especially when it comes to baking time, so grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because we want those cookies to bake evenly and perfectly!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures a smooth cookie base.
- Now, grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. You want it to be smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Oh, the smell of peppermint is just heavenly!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Just mix until it’s combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. You really want to make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each ball, as they’ll spread while baking.
- Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are firm but the centers look a bit soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly and keeps them from breaking apart.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect peppermint cookies is all about the little details! Here are some of my best tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time. Follow these, and you’ll be a peppermint cookie pro in no time!
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients correctly. Use a kitchen scale for the best accuracy if you have one, especially for flour!
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create that lovely fluffy texture!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you thicker cookies!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies! They should be set at the edges but still soft in the center—perfectly chewy!
- Cool properly: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them helps them firm up without breaking.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste! If you love a strong minty flavor, don’t be shy about adding a bit more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These peppermint cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a delightful experience that will warm your heart and fill your home with joy! Let me share why this recipe has a special place in my baking routine:
- Quick to prepare: You can whip up a batch of these cookies in just over half an hour! Perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint is simply divine. Every bite is a harmonious dance of flavors that just screams festive cheer!
- Chewy and delicious: I love that they have a wonderful chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. They’re soft in the middle with just the right amount of crunch on the edges.
- Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple family get-together, these cookies make the perfect gift! Everyone will be asking for the recipe, trust me!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the peppermint flavor or add different mix-ins to make them your own. The possibilities are endless, and it’s so much fun to experiment!
- Festive appeal: With a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any dessert table!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delightful peppermint cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on standard ingredients, so the values may vary slightly depending on your specific brands and ingredient choices.
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and they’ll undoubtedly bring a smile to your face during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful peppermint cookies? No worries—I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers:
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using chocolate chips for that classic taste, you can switch things up by using white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just make sure whatever you choose complements the peppermint!
How should I store leftover peppermint cookies?
Great question! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re well-wrapped!
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No problem! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different yet tasty cookie. Or, if you want to keep that minty flavor, try using mint-flavored baking chips!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking, so it’s easier to scoop.
Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This can happen if your butter is too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. That should help keep them nice and thick!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve baked a batch of these amazing peppermint cookies and you have some leftovers (if that ever happens!). Here’s how to store them to keep them as delicious as the day they came out of the oven:
- Storage: Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you really want to keep them longer, you can freeze them!
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well protected from freezer burn!
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll soften up beautifully!
- Reheating: If you like your cookies warm (and who doesn’t?), you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might become too soft. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh that chewy texture!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your peppermint cookies for days! Trust me, they’re just as delightful after a little time in the container or freezer. Happy snacking!
Variations on Peppermint Cookies
One of the best things about my peppermint cookies is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to try. Trust me, each version has its own special charm!
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap out the regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. The sweetness of the white chocolate pairs beautifully with the minty flavor, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please!
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: If you prefer a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips instead. The deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate complements the peppermint perfectly, making every bite a chocolate-lover’s dream!
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: For a fun twist, take some mint chocolate ice cream and fold in small chunks or swirls of it into the cookie dough. You’ll get bursts of minty goodness with every bite!
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: For all the chocolate fans out there, add an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough. This will amp up the chocolate flavor and make these cookies even more decadent!
- Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and then sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top while the chocolate is still warm. This adds an elegant touch and an extra layer of flavor!
- Peppermint Bark Cookies: Fold crushed peppermint bark pieces into the dough instead of just peppermint candies. You’ll get that delightful crunch and a mix of chocolate and peppermint flavors in every bite!
- Peppermint Mocha Cookies: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the wet ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs excellently with the chocolate and peppermint. It’s like enjoying a festive peppermint mocha in cookie form!
Feel free to get creative and combine these ideas! The beauty of baking is that you can always make it your own, and with these variations, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family even more. Happy baking!
Print
Peppermint Cookies: 7 Irresistible Ways to Delight Your Senses
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add more peppermint extract.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, dessert