Get ready to indulge in a festive treat with the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe. These cookies blend rich cocoa, cooling peppermint, and melty chocolate chips into every bite, creating a perfect balance of warmth and winter cheer. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become an instant favorite that captures the spirit of the season with every delicious mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting cookies that are fudgy, flavorful, and festive. From the rich cocoa powder to the refreshing peppermint extract, every component contributes to the magic of these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: This forms the sturdy base of the cookie dough, ensuring the perfect texture.
- 3/4 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate richness; swap with regular cocoa if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb—make sure it’s fresh!
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Provides a gentle lift and contributes to a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and chocolate notes.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened): For creamy richness and moisture throughout each bite.
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Compacted): Gives moisture and caramel undertones that complement the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch.
- 2 large Egg Yolks: Bind everything together while lending a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: Brings the signature refreshing holiday flavor; adjust to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: A subtle background sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup Peppermint Chips: These festive morsels deliver bursts of minty delight in every bite.
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that intensify the double chocolate experience.
- 1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes: Optional festive flair that adds colorful crunch and extra peppermint punch.
How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This little prep step guarantees your cookies come out picture-perfect without any hassle.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture everyone craves.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolks and Extracts
Mix in the two egg yolks along with peppermint extract and vanilla bean paste (or extract). Beat until the mixture turns a pale, fluffy color. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and that unmistakable fresh holiday aroma that makes this recipe special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix so your cookies stay tender and fudgy.
Step 5: Fold in Peppermint and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These mix-ins are the stars of the show, bringing delightful textures and that perfect double chocolate-mint flavor explosion.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the cookie dough into 18 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for just the right amount of chewiness you love.
Step 7: Cool and Finish with Candy Canes
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that extra festive crunch and a pop of color that screams holiday celebration.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely crushed candy canes adds a sparkling, festive touch not only visually but also a little extra peppermint zing that complements the flavors perfectly. You could also dust with a light layer of powdered sugar for a snowy effect if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiked coffee, bringing out the best in both the drink and the cookie. For parties, serving alongside a bowl of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert game to something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a festive platter tied with a velvet ribbon for gift-giving or arrange them in a holiday-themed tin to share with friends and family. You can also gently warm a cookie and sandwich it with peppermint-flavored marshmallow fluff for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature; they should stay soft and scrumptious for up to a week. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature to enjoy that freshly baked taste anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring out the softness and enhance the melty chocolate, warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or a few minutes in a low-temperature oven. This simple step will rejuvenate each bite like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch Process?
Absolutely! While Dutch process cocoa gives a richer, smoother chocolate flavor, regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine in a pinch and will still yield delicious cookies.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can try using a few drops of peppermint oil or even crushed peppermint candies for flavor, but the extract ensures the most consistent and balanced peppermint taste.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
How do I get chewy cookies instead of crunchy?
For chewier cookies, be sure not to overbake them—take them out as soon as the edges set but the centers still look slightly soft. Using brown sugar also helps retain moisture, which creates that perfect chew.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter and flax egg substitutes, you can make a vegan version, though you might want to experiment with baking times and texture adjustments for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe. It’s the perfect cookie to share warmth, joy, and deliciousness with your loved ones throughout the holiday season. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a cherished tradition. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this festive baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies That’ll Wow Your Holidays Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies combine rich cocoa and chocolate chips with refreshing peppermint for a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft and chewy with a hint of minty sparkle from crushed candy canes, they make an impressive and delicious cookie to share.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Spoon and level for accuracy)
- 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process recommended; regular cocoa works in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Check for freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened for easy mixing)
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (Compacted for accuracy)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Egg Yolks (For binding and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Adjust for taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup Peppermint Chips (Andes brand recommended)
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes (For festive flair)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg Yolks and Extracts: Beat in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste or extract until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed to ensure the leavening agents are uniformly distributed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chips: Gently fold the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough until they are well distributed, adding bursts of chocolate and peppermint throughout.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 18 evenly sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Check for your preferred level of chewiness – cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Topping: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the cookies while slightly warm or just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best creaming results.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for proper rise and texture.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste if you prefer a more subtle or stronger mint flavor.
- Allow enough space between cookie dough balls to prevent sticking while baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
