The holiday season calls for delightful treats, and Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect indulgence. These cookies combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, making them an irresistible holiday favorite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to create these delectable cookies.
Ingredients
To create these festive cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a rich flavor base.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
4. Add Mix-Ins
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. These add-ins give the cookies their distinctive double chocolate and peppermint flavor. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching each other as they bake.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
7. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process helps them firm up and develop their final texture.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Achieving the perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies involves a few key tips:
- Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Softened butter ensures a creamy, even mixture with the sugars.
- Even Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size for even baking. Uniform cookies will bake more consistently, preventing some from being overdone while others are undercooked.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and chewy, so be careful not to overbake them. They may appear slightly underdone when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Peppermint Candies: Crush the peppermint candies finely so they mix well into the dough and provide even bursts of peppermint flavor.
Storage
Store the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Variations
While the classic Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are fantastic on their own, you can try a few variations to keep things interesting:
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Substitute dark chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra minty kick.
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Use only white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie.
- Gluten-Free Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
There are many reasons why these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will become a holiday favorite:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips gives these cookies an intense chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Festive Peppermint: Crushed peppermint candies add a refreshing and festive touch that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the edges, these cookies have the ideal texture for a satisfying bite.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
Serving Suggestions
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies can be enjoyed on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:
- With Hot Cocoa: Serve warm cookies with a mug of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Cookie Platter: Include these cookies in a holiday cookie platter with other favorites like gingerbread men and sugar cookies.
- Gift Boxes: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes or tins for a homemade holiday gift that’s sure to delight.
Conclusion
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-try for the holiday season. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious, making them a great addition to your festive treats. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply wanting to enjoy a festive treat, these cookies are the perfect choice.
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones. Happy holidays and happy baking!