As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth that wafts from the oven, especially when it’s infused with the irresistible scents of chocolate and peppermint. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies during a cozy afternoon of baking, with the comforting sounds of holiday music playing in the background. These cookies have become my go-to treat for everything from festive gatherings to cozy nights at home.
With a rich, fudgy texture complemented by that refreshing peppermint kick, each bite is like a little celebration. It’s amazing how such a simple combination of ingredients can create such decadent treats that please crowds, yet are easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand, especially when cravings strike or unexpected guests drop by. Let’s dive into this holiday favorite that will surely become a cherished part of your baking tradition!
Why are Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies a Must-Try?
Indulgence at Its Finest: These cookies are a luscious chocolate lover’s dream, delivering rich flavor in every bite.
Holiday Cheer: The refreshing peppermint twist makes them perfect for festive gatherings, spreading warmth and joy.
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and a total baking time of around 32 minutes, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re ideal for sharing, inviting compliments and happy faces at every occasion.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have the essentials in your pantry, making it easy to whip these up on a whim.
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful way to embrace the season, and if you’re interested, check out our guide on Holiday Baking Tips to enhance your skills!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
• Perfect for a festive treat!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – helps create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and crispness to the edges
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – enhances moisture and adds depth of flavor
- 2 large eggs – binds ingredients together for a chewy consistency
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enriches the overall flavor profile
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure to the cookies
- 1 cup cocoa powder – ensures deep chocolate flavor; may substitute with carob powder for a different twist
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – gives the cookies a slight rise for a softer texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
- 1 cup chocolate chips – adds chocolatey goodness; mix dark and milk for variety
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – gives the signature minty freshness essential for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly, creating the perfect soft center with slightly crisp edges.
Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth. This mix should look light and fluffy, which helps give your cookies a tender texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the aromatic vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making every bite unforgettable.
Combine the dry ingredients: in another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the baking soda, ensuring your cookies rise perfectly!
Blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually. Stir well until fully incorporated, making sure there are no lumps; the dough should be thick and fudgy.
Fold in the chocolate chips and peppermint extract gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate chips will create divine pockets of chocolate goodness in each cookie!
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for them to spread as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the sheet.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps maintain their chewy texture while cooling completely.
Optional: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for an extra festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor.
Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, store the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to use a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive that freshly baked gooeyness everyone loves!
Helpful Tricks for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Mixing Order Matters: Start with the wet ingredients before adding the dry. This ensures a rich, smooth batter for your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are set but the center is still soft to maintain that fudgy texture.
Cooling Technique: Let the cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming too crumbly.
Chill for Flavor: Consider chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking. It enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Add Texture: For added crunch, mix in roughly chopped nuts or sprinkle some on top before baking. It adds a delightful contrast to the soft cookie.
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Cozy up with these delicious cookies that promise warmth, joy, and the sweet scent of the holidays.
Rich Hot Chocolate: The ultimate companion, a cup of rich hot chocolate enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cookies, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the fudgy texture of the cookies, creating a delightful spoonful with every bite.
Peppermint Tea: The refreshing notes of peppermint tea complement the cookie’s flavor while offering a soothing, aromatic experience, perfect for a quiet evening.
Milk: Always a classic, a tall glass of cold milk balances the sweetness and makes for a nostalgic, comforting treat that every nostalgic childhood lover will appreciate.
Chocolate Ganache Dip: For those who want to elevate their indulgence, a drizzle of smooth chocolate ganache turns each cookie into a decadent dessert masterpiece!
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and a refreshing touch to your dessert spread, cutting through the richness of the cookies and providing a healthy pop of flavor.
Decaf Coffee: This smooth pairing offers a soft caffeine kick, enhancing the chocolate and peppermint notes while being gentle enough for nighttime enjoyment.
Crushed Candy Canes: A sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds a festive touch and an extra crunch, creating a lovely texture contrast that makes each bite memorable.
Enjoy these delightful pairings and elevate your baking experience to a magical celebration!
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as instructed, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag and refrigerate it. This helps maintain freshness and flavor. You can also scoop out the dough and freeze individual balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. You’ll enjoy fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for spontaneous treats or planned gatherings!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to customize your cookies for unique flavors and dietary needs that your family will love!
Nut-Free: Substitute the chocolate chips with carob chips or omit them entirely for a delightful, crunchy texture.
Vegan: Replace butter with vegan margarine and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). These swaps won’t compromise on flavor!
Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
Minty Boost: For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon; your cookies will be a refreshing holiday delight!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for an unexpected heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate.
Crunchy Topping: Before baking, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top to introduce a delightful salty crunch that complements the sweet cookie base. Enjoy a fun twist!
Chocolate Lovers: Use white chocolate chips alongside the dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich contrast that adds even more chocolatey goodness.
Cookie Sandwiches: Create a delightful cookie sandwich by spreading peppermint frosting between two cookies for an extravagant treat to impress your guests!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ingredients for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose ingredients that are fresh and high-quality. Ensure your unsalted butter is soft but not melted – a quick way to soften it is to leave it out for about 30 minutes or cut it into cubes. Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor, and check that your chocolate chips are not past their expiration date for optimal gooeyness.
What is the best way to store Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, transferring them to the fridge will extend their shelf life to about a week. Just make sure to seal them properly to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours, and they’ll taste freshly baked!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly?
If your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are dry, the most common culprit is overbaking. To remedy this, start checking them at the 10-minute mark; they should be set around the edges but soft in the center. Also, consider adding an extra egg yolk next time to increase moisture, or try chilling the dough before baking, which helps maintain a chewy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, note that these cookies contain gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). Consider substituting with gluten-free flour blends and dairy-free butter alternatives to meet dietary needs. For pets, keep in mind that chocolate is toxic to dogs, so always store these cookies out of their reach!
Indulgent Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and peppermint extract gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.