These peppermint chocolate cookies are a festive treat that combines rich chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. They bake up soft and chewy, perfect for the holiday season!
Trust me, the aroma of these cookies baking is pure magic! I love them fresh from the oven, and they are excellent for sharing—or hoarding for yourself! 🍪✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find butter gives the best flavor.
Granulated and brown sugar: The combination of these sugars adds sweetness and moisture. If you want a healthier option, coconut sugar can be used, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for a rich chocolate taste. You can swap it for Dutch-processed cocoa if you want a milder flavor, but adjust the baking soda accordingly.
Powdered sugar: This is used for frosting—it creates a smooth texture. If you need a sugar substitute, powdered erythritol works well for low-sugar options.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar is a vital step for fluffy cookies. It incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your butter is truly softened—leave it out at room temperature for 30 minutes or so.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together at medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well mixed.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Frosted Cookies?
Frosting cookies can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get beautiful results. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start with cooled cookies—this prevents the frosting from melting.
- Use a piping bag for more control. Fill it with your prepared frosting, and if you want a swirl effect, alternate colors in the bag.
- Pipe from the center outward, then pull up to form a swirl. Practice makes perfect!
Enjoy making these peppermint chocolate cookies! They’re sure to be a hit, bringing festive cheer to your kitchen and gatherings.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Frosting and Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candy canes (about 1/2 cup)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and about 12 minutes to bake the cookies. Don’t forget to chill the dough for at least 1 hour, which gives you time to clean up or relax! Total time including chilling is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Chill the Dough:
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
5. Form and Bake Cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, scoop rounded tablespoons of it onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Peppermint Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat. Then add the peppermint extract and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat until the frosting is fluffy. If you like, you can divide the frosting in half and tint one part with a few drops of red food coloring for that festive swirl effect!
7. Create Peppermint Swirl Frosting:
To achieve the lovely red and white swirl design, use a piping bag. Fill it by placing alternating lines or dots of white and red frosting side-by-side. Use a round or star tip and pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie in a swirl pattern.
8. Add Crushed Candy Cane Topping:
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes generously over the swirled frosting, adding that delightful crunch and festive flair.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the frosting set for a bit before serving. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will stay fresh for several days.
Now, enjoy your scrumptious peppermint chocolate cookies! They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays, or to enjoy all on your own! 🎄🍪
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Just make sure to use a similar amount as specified in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping before baking.
What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use a similar flavoring like vanilla or almond extract, but this will change the flavor profile. You can also crush some additional peppermint candy canes and mix them into the frosting for that peppermint kick!