The air is filled with the delightful scent of peppermint and chocolate, instantly transporting you to a holiday wonderland. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie adorned with a dusting of crushed candy canes, a burst of minty freshness mingling with rich chocolate—pure bliss on a plate. healthy appetizer options.
As the holiday season rolls around, these delicious Christmas peppermint cookies become a staple in my kitchen. Each batch brings back memories of baking marathons with family, where flour fights and laughter echo through the house. unique holiday spreads The anticipation builds as we wait for them to cool—trust me, the flavor experience is worth every minute!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The delightful combination of peppermint and chocolate creates an unforgettable flavor that everyone loves
- These cookies are quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings
- Their vibrant red and white appearance adds festive cheer to any cookie platter
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, these cookies will become a favorite!
I remember the first time I served these cookies; my friends’ eyes widened with delight as they took their first bites, demanding the recipe immediately. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry stuffing recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is your cookie base; use fresh flour for the best texture.
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Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
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Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh for proper rising and fluffiness.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy blending; it adds richness.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness meets its match here; feel free to adjust based on your taste! For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato au gratin recipe.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; always use packed brown sugar.
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Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together beautifully.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and balances the flavors perfectly.
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Chocolate Chips: Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips—your choice!
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Candy Canes: Crush them up for that perfect holiday crunch on top. perfect holiday dessert pairing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Preheat Your Oven!: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper while you gather your ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients!: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this aside—it’s about to get chocolaty!
Cream Butter and Sugars!: In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. This step adds air into your batter; trust me, it makes a difference!
Add Eggs and Vanilla!: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and creamy—a perfect foundation for our cookies.
Combine Mixtures!: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that!
Add Chocolate Chips!: Fold in those glorious chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently. The smell alone will have you dreaming of Christmas morning!
Scoop and Bake!: Using two tablespoons or an ice cream scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
Let these delightful treats cool on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks. Sprinkle any remaining crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm—you want that festive look!
Now you’ve got yourself a batch of delicious Christmas peppermint cookies ready to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy them with hot cocoa or give them as gifts—the joy they bring is truly magical!
You Must Know
- These delicious Christmas peppermint cookies are not just festive; they bring holiday cheer with every bite
- The combination of minty freshness and chocolatey richness makes them irresistible
- Plus, their cheerful colors brighten up any cookie platter, making them perfect for family gatherings and holiday parties
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create these delightful cookies, start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in eggs and extract. Combine dry ingredients separately before gradually adding to the wet mix for a consistent texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also mix in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to enhance the texture and taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain that fresh-baked feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results with these cookies, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking
- This prevents spreading and helps maintain that perfect shape
- Also, don’t skip the peppermint garnish; it adds a festive touch! </p>
- <p>Always use fresh baking soda for optimal rise and texture in your cookies
- Lastly, keep an eye on baking times; overbaking leads to dry cookies instead of soft ones
I still remember the first time I baked these peppermint cookies for my family’s holiday gathering; they disappeared faster than Santa on Christmas Eve! Everyone raved about them, which made me feel like a holiday baking superstar. holiday gathering ideas.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! Dark or white chocolate can be used as alternatives to semi-sweet for more variety.
What’s the best way to decorate my peppermint cookies?
Drizzling melted chocolate on top gives them a beautiful finish while enhancing flavor!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Christmas Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas peppermint cookies! Combining rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these soft, chewy treats are topped with crushed candy canes for a holiday crunch. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, they promise to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, baking these cookies is a joyful tradition you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on 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: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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