Peppermint Chocolate Delight Cookies
Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with these delightful peppermint chocolate cookies. Each bite offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them a festive favorite. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are a holiday must-have for several reasons! Their flavor is a divine combination of rich, decadent chocolate and the cool, invigorating taste of peppermint. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for any level of baker. Plus, they’re family-friendly and sure to please guests of all ages.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Wire rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize these cookies by adding white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or swapping the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a delightful contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. Add them to your holiday cookie platter for extra festive flair!
Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your butter is softened for even mixing.
– Don’t overmix the dough once you add dry ingredients; it helps keep the cookies tender.
– Use an ice cream scoop to get evenly sized cookies.
Storing and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey experience.
FAQ Section
– Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to three months.
– What if I can’t find peppermint candies?
Use candy canes or peppermint bark as a substitute.
Conclusion
Peppermint Chocolate Delight Cookies are a simple yet luxurious treat, perfect for cultivating the holiday spirit in your home. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy! We’d love to see how they turned out for you — feel free to leave a review or tag us in your cookie creations on Instagram or Pinterest.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per cookie:
– Calories: 150
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 19g
– Protein: 2g
