Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will be your new favorite! They are the perfect blend of rich dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful bite that’s chewy in the center and loaded with melty chocolate chips. These cookies are not just for Christmas—they’re great for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or when you’re simply craving something sweet.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to make. In just a short time, you can whip up a batch that will fill your home with the most inviting aroma. Trust me; your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore these cookies, making them perfect for baking together on a weekend.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment—they freeze well too!
• Festive Touch: The crushed candy canes on top add a festive flair that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Gather these items to get started on this delicious adventure!

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, see notes)
• 6 tbsps (30 g) cocoa powder, Dutch process
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (Andes)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp crushed candy canes for topping, optional

Variations

This cookie recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Change the Chips: Swap out peppermint chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips to personalize your cookie.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without worry.
• Experiment with Extracts: Try using orange or almond extract instead of peppermint for a unique twist.

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture we all love.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together for about two minutes until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, helping create those delightful chewy centers we desire.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Extracts

Next, add the egg yolks along with peppermint extract and vanilla bean paste to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is combined and pale in color—this should take about two minutes. This stage adds moisture and flavor that elevate our cookies!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the dry ingredients! Gently mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture until just combined. Remember—too much flour can ruin the consistency of your cookies. It’s best to measure carefully here!

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those irresistible peppermint chips along with semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The moment you mix these guys in is when things start getting exciting—the anticipation is real!

Step 6: Scoop Dough Onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls (about two inches apart) on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have enough space as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Ready

Pop those beautiful trays into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. If you prefer chewier centers, stick closer to ten minutes; if crispy edges are more your style, let them go for twelve. The smell wafting through your kitchen? Pure bliss.

Step 8: Cool Down & Serve!

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for about two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes over each cookie while they’re still warm! Enjoy every last bite!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container for up to three days. But trust me; they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll create cookies that are not just good but absolutely irresistible!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and egg yolks helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother cookie dough, resulting in a better texture.
• Measure your flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t use too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Taking them out when they still look slightly underbaked will give you that chewy center we all love!
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add in nuts or swap out the peppermint chips for other flavors like orange or raspberry for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can elevate your dessert game during gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Garnishes

• Crushed candy canes: Sprinkle over the top to add a festive crunch and enhance the peppermint flavor.
• Drizzle of melted dark chocolate: A simple drizzle adds elegance and extra chocolate flavor.
• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light dusting gives your cookies a snowy appearance, perfect for winter celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and peppermint flavors beautifully.
• Hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat, especially during chilly evenings.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the dense cookies.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a great side dish option.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will not only taste heavenly but will also impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy their rich flavor whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• For softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container; it will help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies!

Can I use other types of chocolate chips in the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips to find your favorite combination. You could even use white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

How can I make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture!

Can I add nuts to my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?

Yes! Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor. Just keep in mind that adding nuts may slightly alter the texture of your cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Happy baking, and may every bite fill your heart with warmth and joy!