why make this recipe
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They blend the rich taste of chocolate with refreshing peppermint, making them a delightful treat for parties or cozy nights at home. These cookies are easy to make and will impress your family and friends. Dipping them in white chocolate and topping them with crushed candy canes adds a festive touch.
how to make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cup Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and espresso powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the butter mixture. Be careful not to overbeat the dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. If the cookies are domed on top, lightly press them down.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt the white chocolate according to the package directions. Dip half of each cookie in the melted white chocolate and then in the crushed peppermint candy.
- Place the cookies on parchment paper to set for about 15 minutes.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
how to serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or simply enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. They also make great gifts when packaged neatly in a decorated box or jar.
how to store Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
tips to make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- You can use different types of chocolate for dipping if you prefer dark or milk chocolate.
variation
You can replace the peppermint candy canes with crushed nuts or leave them plain for a simple chocolate cookie. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate can also enhance the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for dipping if you prefer a different chocolate flavor.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will stay fresh for about a week.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them for later use. Just thaw and dip in chocolate when ready to serve.
