If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent holiday treat that bursts with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are everything you could want in a festive dessert: deeply chocolatey with a soft, chewy center and that perfect crinkled exterior dusted in delicate confectioners’ sugar. The peppermint extract adds a bright, refreshing twist that lifts the rich cocoa to a new level, making these cookies an absolute showstopper for any occasion. Once you bake a batch, plan on disappearing into a deliciously minty chocolate bliss that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create this cookie magic. Each one plays an essential role, from chocolate depth and minty brightness to the perfect texture and that signature crinkle look.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the rich flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 tsp peppermint extract: The star that brings that invigorating, fresh mint aroma and taste.
- 1 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process): Provides a deep, intense chocolate character that’s rich and luscious.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base of your cookie dough — King Arthur brand is ideal for consistent results.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens perfectly while helping to create that soft chewiness.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Crucial for binding and helping the batter mix smoothly for a tender crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives a slight rise and lightness without overpowering the cookie’s dense texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable (or canola) oil: Adds moistness and contributes to that soft, luscious mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: For rolling, creating the signature crinkled snowy look and a delicate sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Sifting them ensures there are no lumps and gives your cookies that even texture and perfect rise. This blend of dry ingredients is what packs the deep chocolate punch and lays the groundwork for the lovely crinkle effect later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly fluffy — this will add some lift to the dough. Then stir in the vegetable oil and peppermint extract, which infuses the whole dough with that refreshing aroma we’re after. Combining these wet ingredients well is crucial to the cookie’s chewy texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a dough that’s thick and rich but not tough. This step is when the cookie dough comes together into that luscious, fudge-like consistency.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is what helps develop the flavors fully and gives you that true crinkle—because cold dough rolls better and cracks beautifully when baked.
Step 5: Shape and Roll in Confectioners’ Sugar
Once chilled, scoop the dough into evenly sized balls, roughly one tablespoon each, and roll them generously in confectioners’ sugar. This not only adds sweetness but creates the signature snow-kissed crackled top that makes these cookies irresistible before you even take a bite.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!
Arrange your coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet with a bit of space between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft in the center. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies shine best when they’re moist and tender inside with a delicate crisp outside.
How to Serve Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar over the cookies just before serving. If you want an elegant look, add a few crushed candy canes on top while the cookies are still warm, so they stick slightly, adding a crunchy peppermint pop alongside the soft cookie.
Side Dishes
Pair these Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy, soothing drinks highlight the bold flavors of the cookie while offering the perfect balance, leaving every bite and sip a blissful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack a dozen or so cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon and a sprig of fresh mint or a candy cane. At parties, serve them on a festive platter with a few ornaments scattered around. You can also sandwich a bit of peppermint buttercream between two cookies for a delightful twist that feels like a holiday treat everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to a week, maintaining their soft middle and crackly edges perfectly.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
To bring those cookies back to just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes—this warms the centers without drying them out, reviving that melty, peppermint chocolate delight.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint?
Fresh mint doesn’t carry the concentrated flavor that peppermint extract offers, so if you swap it, your cookies might lack the same vibrant minty punch. Peppermint extract is preferred for that classic candy-cane flavor.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and producing the iconic crinkle texture during baking. Plus, it allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a richer taste.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?
Yes, but Dutch-process cocoa gives a smoother, less acidic taste that enhances the richness. Regular cocoa will work but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough well and avoid using butter instead of oil, which tends to spread more. Also, bake immediately once rolled in confectioners’ sugar to lock the shape.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you might experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture and rise may change.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely cannot recommend making the Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe enough—they’re such a joyous way to celebrate any season with friends and family. The combination of intense chocolate and bright peppermint creates a cookie experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Next time you want a dessert that’s simple, stunning, and utterly scrumptious, dive into this recipe and prepare to impress everyone (including yourself!). Happy baking and savor every sweet moment!
Print
Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rich Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delicious treat, blending deep Dutch-process cocoa with vibrant peppermint extract. Soft and fudgy inside with a distinctive crinkled powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a delightful chocolate-mint flavor combination.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process for deeper chocolate flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur all-purpose)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 tsp peppermint extract (adds bright minty flavor)
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for rolling, creates crinkled effect)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mix until evenly blended to form the dry base of the dough.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs then add the vegetable oil and peppermint extract. Combine well to ensure the peppermint is evenly incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly until a thick, sticky dough forms. Ensure all ingredients are well combined but do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, which helps with rolling the cookies.
- Form cookie balls: Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough and roll into approximately 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball thoroughly in the confectioners’ sugar to coat.
- Bake the cookies: Place the sugared dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your rich, peppermint-infused chocolate crinkle cookies!
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help create a smooth, even dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential for the distinctive crinkle effect and easier handling.
- Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for the best chocolate depth.
- Be sure not to overbake; cookies should remain soft and fudgy inside.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra holiday flair, you can add crushed candy canes to the dough or on top before baking.
