The scent of peppermint fills the air, mingling with chocolatey goodness, while colorful sprinkles dance on top of freshly baked cookies. These delightful Christmas peppermint cookies are not just a treat; they’re a holiday celebration wrapped in sweet, minty bliss. hearty holiday side dish Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with laughter, flour dusting the countertops, and the sound of your favorite holiday tunes playing softly.
As you take that first bite, the crunch gives way to a chewy center bursting with flavor. It’s like a winter wonderland in your mouth! What could be better during the festive season than sharing these delicious Christmas peppermint cookies with family and friends? Get ready to create magic in your kitchen as we dive into this delightful recipe that promises joy in every bite. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These delicious Christmas peppermint cookies are a cinch to prepare, meaning less time fussing and more time enjoying
- Their rich peppermint flavor combined with chocolate creates an irresistible treat
- Visually stunning with festive colors, they make an eye-catching centerpiece for any holiday gathering
- Perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy nights by the fire, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round!
I remember one Christmas when my cousin accidentally used salt instead of sugar in his batch. The reactions were priceless—let’s just say it was a memorable holiday gathering!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cookies; sift it for best results and avoid lumps.
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Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! sweet dessert pairing.
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Baking Soda: This little ingredient helps our cookies rise and become fluffy; fresh baking soda works best.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
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Unsalted Butter: I use room temperature butter for easy mixing—just make sure it’s soft but not melted.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness alert! This is essential for creating that perfect cookie texture. perfect party appetizer.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and richness; I prefer light brown sugar for this recipe.
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Eggs: Two large eggs bring everything together; don’t forget to beat them lightly before adding.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth to our cookies—always opt for pure extract if you can!
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Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens—add just enough for that refreshing minty kick.
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Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chips add melty goodness; mix them generously throughout your dough! For more inspiration, check out this Sweet potato au gratin recipe.
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Candy Canes (crushed): These add that classic Christmas touch—don’t hold back on the crunch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This ensures you have everything at hand while baking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. The aroma of cocoa will waft through your kitchen—so good!
Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. You want that creamy texture that makes dreams come true!
Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in eggs one at a time along with vanilla and peppermint extracts. Your mixture should be smooth and smell divine.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Gently fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes for extra fun.
Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
Let those cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. The minty aroma will have everyone rushing to grab one!
Now that you’ve baked these delicious Christmas peppermint cookies, share them at gatherings or keep them all to yourself—I won’t judge! Enjoy every festive moment as you savor each flavorful bite filled with love and joy!
You Must Know
- These delightful Christmas peppermint cookies are not just tasty; they fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of the holidays
- The texture achieves a perfect balance between chewy and crunchy, making every bite a festive treat
- Don’t forget to have fun while baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the crushed peppermint for that extra holiday cheer.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint for other flavors like chocolate or almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also sprinkle some festive colored sugar on top before baking for an extra holiday touch!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature butter for a creamier texture; it makes mixing easier
- Don’t skip chilling the dough, as this helps prevent spreading during baking
- Remember to adjust baking time based on your oven’s quirks for perfect cookies every time
Baking these cookies has become a family tradition. One year, my cousin mistakenly added salt instead of sugar—let’s just say those cookies didn’t make it past the first taste test!
FAQ
Can I freeze Christmas peppermint cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them by placing cooled cookies in an airtight container.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
Try using vanilla extract or almond extract for a unique twist on flavor. unique festive twist.
Christmas Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Peppermint Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with rich chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying by the fire. With a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top, they not only taste amazing but also add a visually stunning touch to your holiday spread. Gather your loved ones and bring the magic of Christmas into your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla and peppermint extracts until smooth.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined; fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons onto prepared sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft. Cool on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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