Description
Every December, my kitchen transforms into a cookie wonderland, and these double chocolate peppermint cookies have earned their place as the crown jewel of my holiday baking repertoire. The first time I pulled a batch from the oven, the intoxicating aroma of rich chocolate mingling with cool peppermint filled every corner of my home. My children came running, drawn by the irresistible scent, and watched with wide eyes as I dusted the warm cookies with powdered sugar like fresh-fallen snow. It was one of those perfect moments that crystallizes into a cherished memory.
Complete Ingredient List for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (or natural unsweetened)
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon fine sea salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (not chips)
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½ cup dark chocolate chips (60% cacao or higher)
For Topping:
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½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Flaky sea salt (optional, for salted chocolate lovers)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Sift if your cocoa powder is lumpy. Set aside.
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Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 4-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
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Add the peppermint extract and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point – that’s completely normal.
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Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, mixing just until combined after each addition. Stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
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Remove bowl from mixer and fold in the chocolate chunks and dark chocolate chips by hand using a rubber spatula. Ensure the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly against the dough surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling step is essential for proper texture and prevents excessive spreading.
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When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), portion dough into balls and place 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. The dough will be quite firm from chilling.
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Gently press 4-5 crushed peppermint candy pieces into the top of each cookie ball, pressing just enough to adhere without flattening the dough significantly.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The edges should appear set while the centers still look slightly underdone and may appear cracked. Do not overbake.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 full minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Detailed Nutritional Information for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Per cookie (makes approximately 36 cookies): 175 calories, 8g total fat (5g saturated), 25g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 1.5g dietary fiber, 125mg sodium, 16g sugar, and 25mg cholesterol. These cookies contain iron from the cocoa powder (about 6% daily value per cookie) and small amounts of calcium and potassium. The dark chocolate provides beneficial flavonoids and antioxidants. While certainly an indulgent treat, the portion-controlled cookie size allows for mindful enjoyment during the holiday season.
Presentation Ideas for Your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Transform these stunning double chocolate peppermint cookies into impressive gifts by stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with curling red and white ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with the recipe name for a personal touch. For cookie exchanges, arrange them on a festive holiday platter layered with parchment paper, alternating with other varieties for visual interest. The powdered sugar dusting adds a magical snowy effect that looks especially beautiful under string lights.
For an elegant display at holiday parties, arrange cookies on a tiered serving stand alongside candy canes and fresh mint sprigs for a cohesive presentation. Consider placing them in individual cupcake liners to keep the powdered sugar from transferring between cookies. A glass cookie jar filled with these beauties makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday tables.
Perfect Pairings for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These double chocolate peppermint cookies pair divinely with a steaming cup of homemade hot cocoa, creating a chocolate-lover’s dream combination. Peppermint tea or a peppermint mocha latte echo the cookie’s minty notes beautifully. For the classic choice, a tall glass of cold milk cuts through the richness perfectly. The intense chocolate and cool mint flavors also complement vanilla ice cream beautifully – try making ice cream sandwiches with slightly underbaked cookies for an elevated dessert experience.
For adult gatherings, consider pairing with coffee drinks like espresso or Americanos, whose bitterness complements the sweet chocolate wonderfully. A peppermint schnapps-spiked hot chocolate creates a festive adult beverage pairing. Wine lovers might enjoy these with a ruby port or sweet dessert wine.
Creative Recipe Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
For white chocolate lovers, substitute white chocolate chips for half of the dark chocolate to create a stunning visual contrast and sweeter flavor profile. Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the finished cookies in a zigzag pattern for extra elegance. Transform them into thumbprint cookies by pressing an indentation into each ball before baking, then filling with peppermint ganache (made from cream and crushed candy canes) after cooling.
For a completely different texture, try making them as brownie cookies by reducing flour by ¼ cup and adding an extra egg yolk. This creates an even fudgier, more intense chocolate experience. Adventurous bakers might add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for Mexican hot chocolate-inspired cookies with a subtle warm finish.
Important Notes for Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
★ Do not skip the chilling time. Cold dough spreads less during baking, resulting in thicker, fudgier cookies with those coveted crinkle tops.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much and come out flat? A: Flat cookies are usually caused by dough that wasn’t chilled long enough, butter that was too soft, or an oven that wasn’t fully preheated. Make sure your butter is just soft enough to dent with a finger but not melty.
Q: Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract? A: Yes, but be very careful with quantities. Peppermint oil is significantly more concentrated than extract. Use only ¼ teaspoon of oil in place of 1 teaspoon of extract.
Q: Why didn’t my cookies develop those pretty crinkle tops? A: Crinkle tops form when the outside of the cookie sets before the inside. This requires properly chilled dough and a fully preheated oven. If your dough is too warm, or your oven runs cool, the cookie sets uniformly without cracking.
Q: Can I make these double chocolate peppermint cookies gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum) in place of the all-purpose flour. The results will be very similar.
Q: How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh? A: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by layers of parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days. Don’t add the powdered sugar until just before serving if storing for multiple days.
Q: My cookies are too cakey. What went wrong? A: Cakey cookies usually result from too much flour (always spoon flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping), too much baking soda, or overbaking.
