A delightful aroma wafts through my kitchen as I bake my favorite holiday treat: Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The combination of rich dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a festive harmony that instantly uplifts my spirit. This recipe is a go-to for busy days, as it requires no chilling and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those unexpected holiday guests! Each cookie has a soft, chewy center and a deliciously crisp edge, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, they’re easily customizable; swap in your favorite chocolate or toppings to make them truly your own. Ready to fill your home with cheerful holiday vibes and satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s dive into these irresistible cookies!
Why Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Quick and Easy: You can whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for when you need a festive treat on short notice.
Chewy Perfection: Each cookie boasts a wonderfully chewy center paired with crispy edges, delivering a delightful textural contrast.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The intense dark chocolate combined with refreshing peppermint creates a truly decadent experience that melts in your mouth.
Customizable Delights: Feel free to swap peppermint chips for your favorite chocolate varieties or add toppings like crushed candy canes for extra flair.
Crowd Favorite: These cookies are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a hit for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in—imagine pairing them with a warm glass of milk or hot cocoa!
Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge, so you’re always ready for surprise visitors or late-night cravings.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
For the Cookie Base
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; ensure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; regular cocoa can be substituted if needed.
- Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise for that perfect texture.
- Baking Soda – Aids in leavening, ensuring a light and airy finish.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and chewiness; pack it tightly for proper measurement.
- Granulated White Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that desirable cookie texture.
- Egg Yolks – Provide moisture and richness; best if they’re at room temperature.
For Flavoring
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses a refreshing peppermint flavor; can be omitted for a pure chocolate experience.
- Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract – Provides depth and enhances flavor complexity.
For the Chocolatey Goodness
- Peppermint Chips – Bursts of peppermint in every bite; Andes brand is recommended.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – Increases chocolate intensity for that decadent touch.
For Optional Topping
- Crushed Candy Canes – Adds additional peppermint flavor and visual appeal; perfect for festive decoration.
Get ready to indulge in the delightful flavors of these cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients to streamline the process. You’ll be baking these delightful Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in no time!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, resulting in a delightfully chewy texture for your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until everything is well combined and pale in color. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture appears smooth and fluffy, ensuring a luscious base for your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make your cookies tough. You should see a decadent, rich chocolate dough beginning to form.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint Chips
Gently fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. This adds bursts of flavor and extra chocolatey goodness to your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, making it easy to scoop and shape into cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into 18 equal balls, placing them two inches apart on the lined baking sheets. This spacing is important, as the cookies will spread while baking. You can also roll the dough balls in crushed candy canes for a festive touch!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. For chewier centers, opt for the shorter baking time; if you prefer crispy edges, leave them in for about 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake—they should look set at the edges and slightly soft in the center.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for two minutes. This helps them firm up while still warm, making it easier to transfer them. After the brief cooling period, gently move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The result will be irresistibly chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, ready to enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just be aware that refrigeration may alter their texture slightly.
Freezer: Freeze your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 weeks; just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To revive leftover cookies, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for that freshly baked experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if you want to make even more ahead, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough out of the fridge or freezer, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften, and then bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort, ensuring they are just as delicious as when made fresh.
What to Serve with Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Treat your taste buds and your loved ones by crafting the perfect meal around these delightful holiday delights!
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Rich Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm mug of hot cocoa, adding a sprinkle of peppermint on top to echo the flavors of your cookies.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a cool, creamy contrast, melting into the warm cookie for a delightful balance.
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Crisp Green Salad: Serve a fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette to cool down the rich chocolate, providing a refreshing break between bites.
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Roasted Nuts: Offer a bowl of mixed roasted nuts for a crunchy, salty snack that enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds varying textures.
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Sparkling Water with Mint: Refreshing sparkling water garnished with mint leaves brings a fizzy uplift to your cookies, making a perfect pairing for a festive get-together.
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Christmas Fruit Platter: Assemble a colorful platter of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples, adding a bright note to balance the decadence of double chocolate peppermint cookies.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to embrace your culinary creativity with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter as a substitute, paired with non-dairy chocolate chips for a vegan version.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap out the peppermint extract for a splash of mint chocolate chip ice cream flavoring for a unique treat.
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and crunch; they pair beautifully with the chocolate.
- Spicy Touch: For those who enjoy a kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to elevate your cookie game.
- Double Chocolate Delight: Replace peppermint chips with extra semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer, chocolate-forward treat—perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun!
- Holiday Decorations: Roll dough balls in crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles before baking for an extra jolly look.
- Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Swirl in some melted white chocolate for a decorative and delicious twist that makes each bite special.
If you’re looking for even more festive flavors, check out my recipes for Shortbread Cookies Perfectly or Chocolate Pretzel Cupcakes that make great accompaniments to this cookie batch! Enjoy customizing and sharing these delightful cookies!
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid excess, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Creaming Matters: Beat butter and sugars until fluffy for the ideal chewy texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Add dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough cookies; the dough should remain thick and slightly sticky.
- Baking Time: Adjust baking minutes based on your texture preference; 10 minutes for chewy centers, 12 for crisp edges.
- Chill If Needed: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for about 15-30 minutes will make it easier to scoop.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, select all-purpose flour that feels fine and is a light color to ensure it’s fresh. When choosing cocoa powder, opt for Dutch process for depth of flavor, but if you only have regular cocoa on hand, that will do just fine. Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming, and check the expiration date on your baking powder and soda for optimal leavening power.
What’s the best way to store my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Very! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps them maintain their chewy texture. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just be careful, as the texture might change slightly.
Can I freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies? If so, how?
Of course! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my cookie dough feels too dry?
I often make adjustments based on the texture! If your dough seems dry, check if you’ve measured the flour correctly—too much flour can lead to a sandy texture. You can also try adding a teaspoon of milk or an additional egg yolk for moisture, which will enhance the dough’s consistency. Remember to mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft.
Are there any dietary considerations I should know for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, make sure to check for any sensitivities to eggs, dairy, or gluten. You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivity. If you’re concerned about peppermint extract, it’s optional, so feel free to omit it for a pure chocolate experience instead!
How long can I keep the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Irresistibly Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Fold in peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into 18 equal balls, placing them two inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, adjusting time based on desired texture.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for two minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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