Peppermint Chocolate Bliss Cookies
Transport yourself to a winter wonderland with these delectable Peppermint Chocolate Bliss Cookies! Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Enjoy them with a warm beverage or share them with loved ones for a truly delightful experience. Let’s dive into this festive treat, and if you’d like to receive the recipe by email, don’t hesitate to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about peppermint and chocolate coming together in one cookie! These Peppermint Chocolate Bliss Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is family-friendly and enjoyable to make together. The blend of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and delightful crunchy bits of peppermint candies will make these cookies a staple during the holiday season!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Parchment paper
– Baking sheets
– Rubber spatula
– Wire rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to customize your cookies? Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or substitute white chocolate chips for a different twist. You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and a burst of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to elevate the flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies gently to maintain their delightful textures.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are crisp but the centers remain soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a cozy coffee drink. Consider serving them on a festive platter for an eye-catching dessert display at your holiday gatherings!
Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.
– Don’t skip cooling the cookies on a wire rack; this step ensures they retain their chewy texture.
– For added holiday flair, sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint on top of the cookies just after baking!
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, tightly wrap the cookies and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds – they’ll taste freshly baked again!
FAQ Section
– **Can I use margarine instead of butter?** While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch, though it may alter the taste slightly.
– **What if I don’t have peppermint extract?** You can substitute with extra vanilla extract or leave it out entirely for a straight chocolate cookie.
– **Can these be made gluten-free?** Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Chocolate Bliss Cookies are a festive treat that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday season. With their perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, they’re not only simple to make but also a delightful way to spread cheer. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your cookie creations on Pinterest or Instagram! I would love to hear your thoughts – leave a review or tag me in your photos!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per cookie:
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful holiday cookies!
