These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich dark chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for the holiday season or any occasion, these cookies boast chewy centers and melty chocolate chips in every bite. They’re not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring they will be a hit with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint creates a unique taste that is both comforting and festive.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies are designed to have chewy centers, making them perfect for those who love soft cookies.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the kitchen by letting them help mix the dough and sprinkle the candy canes on top.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, see notes)
- 6 tbsps (30 g) cocoa powder, Dutch process
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (Andes)
- 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes for topping, optional
How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about two minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed for another two minutes until it becomes pale in color and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; too much flour can affect cookie consistency.
Step 5: Add Chips
Fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Scoop the dough into 18 equal balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets at least two inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer chewier centers, aim for 10 minutes; for crispier edges, bake closer to 12 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Down
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top for added decoration.
Step 9: Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to three days. Enjoy!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These delightful double chocolate peppermint cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own or pair them with various accompaniments to elevate your dessert experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, milk complements the rich chocolate flavor and enhances the cookie’s chewy texture.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies alongside other holiday treats like brownies and fudge for a festive dessert spread.
Warmed with Ice Cream
- Heat the cookies slightly in the microwave and serve them with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Break the cookies into pieces and sprinkle them over yogurt for a sweet breakfast or snack option that combines creamy and crunchy textures.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends and family during the holiday season.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Achieving the perfect double chocolate peppermint cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.
- Use proper flour measurement: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dense cookies.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Chill the dough: If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help improve the cookie’s texture and prevent spreading.
- Watch baking time closely: Bake just until the edges set; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
- Customize toppings: Experiment with different toppings like chocolate drizzle or nuts to add variety to your cookies.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Pairing side dishes with double chocolate peppermint cookies can create a delightful dessert experience. Here are some great options:
Mint Hot Chocolate
A warm, creamy mint hot chocolate complements the peppermint flavor in the cookies perfectly.Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.Whipped Cream
Serve whipped cream on the side for guests to dip their cookies, adding an extra layer of sweetness.Chocolate Fondue
Pair these cookies with a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate.Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecake bites add a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookies.Coffee or Espresso
A steaming cup of coffee or espresso enhances the deep chocolate taste while providing a cozy atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Bold measuring flour: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Bold neglecting room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can prevent proper mixing. Ensure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Bold not chilling the dough: Chilling cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping.
- Bold overmixing after adding flour: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding flour and cocoa powder to keep them chewy.
- Bold skipping the cooling period: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet prevents them from becoming too soft. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before transferring them.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store remaining cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for 10-15 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about a minute, covered, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
You can certainly substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
How do I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
To maintain chewiness, avoid overbaking and let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them from the baking sheet.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add extra texture and flavor if you enjoy nuts in your cookies.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract instead; just note that it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their rich chocolate flavor paired with refreshing peppermint, they are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with various chips or toppings like nuts or sprinkles. Get creative and enjoy these delightful treats!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. These cookies perfectly blend the richness of dark chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them an ideal treat for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With their chewy centers and melty chocolate chips, each bite is a celebration of flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, these cookies are a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts or savoring them solo, this recipe guarantees a deliciously memorable experience.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peppermint chips
- 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough into equal balls and place on prepared sheets at least two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes; cool on sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For extra chewiness, avoid overbaking and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes prior to baking. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for added texture.