Name: Delicious Peppermint Chocolate Cookies for a Festive Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour); 3/4 cup Unsalted butter (Room temperature); 1 cup Light brown sugar (Moisture and caramel flavor); 3 Tbsp Granulated sugar (Could be omitted for less sweetness); 1 1/2 tsp Peppermint extract (Use carefully to avoid overpowering); 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (Can substitute with almond extract); 2 large Egg yolks (Room temperature); 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Use dark cocoa for richer taste); 1 tsp Baking soda (Ensure freshness); 1 tsp Baking powder (Ensure freshness); 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt recommended); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Room temperature); 2 1/2 cups Confectioner’s sugar (Can substitute with powdered sugar alternatives); 3-5 Tbsp Heavy whipping cream (Use milk in a pinch); Red food dye (Optional, for color)

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Amidst the flurry of holiday preparations, there’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Topping are an inviting nod to the festive season, perfectly marrying the richness of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Not only are these cookies a delightful treat, but they also offer a quick prep time, making them the ideal option for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in. Imagine serving these chewy confections adorned with a swirl of creamy buttercream—your friends and family are sure to be impressed! So, are you curious about how to whip up this festive delight? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are Peppermint Chocolate Cookies a must-try?

Festive Flavor Fusion: These cookies combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, making each bite a perfect holiday treat.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. Even novice bakers will shine!

Impressive Presentation: Topping them with creamy vanilla buttercream not only enhances flavor but creates a stunning look that draws everyone in.

Versatile Varieties: Feel free to add your twist—consider crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips for delightful variations!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for festive gatherings, these cookies will be a hit at parties or cozy family nights. Pair them with a warm cup of Pink Hot Chocolate for an extra touch of holiday cheer!

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; use dark cocoa for a richer taste.
• Baking soda and baking powder – Leavening agents for texture; ensure they’re fresh for best results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; use kosher salt for a subtle contrast.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, room temperature) – Binds the cookie dough and adds richness; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup) – Provides moisture and a slight caramel flavor; brown sugar can be replaced with white sugar if unavailable.
• Granulated sugar (3 Tbsp) – Sweetness and crisping; could be omitted for a less sweet cookie.
• Egg yolks (2, room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture; whole eggs can be used, but yolks create a softer texture.
• Peppermint extract (1 1/2 tsp) – Provides minty flavor; use finely adjusted amounts to avoid overpowering the cookies.
• Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp) – Balances flavors; can substitute with almond extract for a different profile.

For the Frosting
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature) – Creates a fluffy buttercream; must be softened for easy whipping.
• Confectioner’s sugar (2 1/2 cups) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; can substitute with powdered sugar alternatives.
• Heavy whipping cream (3-5 Tbsp) – Adjusts frosting consistency; use milk in a pinch.
• Red food dye (optional) – Enhances visual appeal through color; use gel food coloring for optimal results.

These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are not just a delightful treat but a festive centerpiece that’s bound to leave your loved ones craving more!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal later. This simple step ensures your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making your cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mixture creates a delightful foundation for your cookies. Be sure to combine well until the dry ingredients are thoroughly blended, which helps to prevent any clumps in your cookie batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients until they become light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step adds the rich, creamy texture that your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies crave!

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Blend them together until fully combined and smooth. This mixture should have a lovely creamy consistency, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma that hints at the peppermint delight to come.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could lead to tougher cookies. The final dough should be soft and slightly sticky, with a rich chocolate hue that promises indulgence.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. With this method, your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies will bake evenly and maintain their shape during the process.

Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place the cookie-laden baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set but the middle is still soft and slightly under-baked. After baking, let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar followed by the heavy cream, mixing until you achieve a smooth and fluffy frosting. Adjust the consistency with more cream as needed for your desired texture.

Step 9: Decorate with Frosting
Once the Peppermint Chocolate Cookies have completely cooled, you can pipe or spread the delicious vanilla buttercream on top. This adds not only flavor but also a beautiful presentation. Feel free to get creative with your frosting techniques for a festive appeal!

Helpful Tricks for Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Peppermint Measurement: Precise measuring of peppermint extract is key; too much can easily overpower the chocolate flavor and spoil the balance of your cookies.
Cool Cookies: Always let your cookies cool completely before frosting. This helps the frosting stick better and prevents melting and sliding.
Mixing Technique: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Over-mixing can result in tough cookies, so fold until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should look slightly under-baked in the center; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage Secrets: Store your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for up to two months to maintain freshness.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just cover it tightly and refrigerate to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Additionally, you can frost the cookies up to 3 days ahead; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and follow the usual baking instructions—this way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with ease. Your loved ones will be just as delighted, and you’ll save precious time on busy holiday nights!

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Variations

Looking to add a personal twist to your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies? Let your creativity shine with these delightful variations!

Candy Cane Topper:
Add crushed candy cane pieces on top for a sweet and crunchy holiday flair.
White Chocolate Delight:
Incorporate white chocolate chips into the dough for a creamier, sweeter flavor contrast. The combination of chocolate and peppermint becomes irresistible!
Almond Extract Addition:
Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a unique flavor profile. It adds depth that beautifully complements the peppermint.
Chewy Chocolate Swirls:
Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa for an intense chocolate experience. Each bite will be richer and more decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers!
Frosting Fun:
Experiment with green food dye alongside red for multi-colored frosting swirls on your buttercream. Get creative, and make each cookie visually stunning!
Texture Twist:
Top with chocolate peppermint bark instead of buttercream for added texture and a fun twist. The crunchiness contrasts perfectly with the soft cookie base.
Spiced Up:
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a hint of warm spice, making these cookies even cozier for the holiday season.
Nutty Surprise:
Fold in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and a wholesome touch. They add depth and richness that elevate your cookies!

With these variations, your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies can shine in new and exciting ways, just like the ones you might find in delightful holiday recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or even Chocolate Peanut Butter. Enjoy every sweet moment!

Storage Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer extra freshness, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave cookies for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel.

What to Serve with Peppermint Chocolate Cookies?

Indulging in rich and chewy cookies is only the beginning; elevate your holiday experience with delightful pairings that complement each perfect bite.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats a warm cup of creamy cocoa beside freshly baked cookies, heightening the chocolatey decadence of each bite.
Peppermint Tea: Its soothing minty flavor enhances the peppermint notes in the cookies, creating a cozy, aromatic pairing for chilly evenings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A smooth scoop provides a cool contrast to the warm cookies, creating a wonderful marriage of textures and flavors.
Chocolate Milk: Rich and sweet, chocolate milk is a nostalgic accompaniment that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ nuanced chocolate tones.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits balances the richness with brightness and natural sweetness, perfect after a sweet treat.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider brings warm, festive flavors that cozy up nicely with peppermint chocolate’s rich allure.
Candy Cane Crumble: Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top of your cookies add an extra crunch and visual appeal—festive and fun!
Gingerbread Latte: This aromatic drink blends coffee with spiced warmth, a delicious and invigorating choice sure to please beside your cookies.
Pecan Pie Bars: A decadent dessert option that contrasts the cookies’ softness with a crunchy top and gooey filling—a holiday treat duo to savor.

Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint extract should I use?
I recommend using pure peppermint extract for the most authentic flavor. Be careful with the quantity; just 1 ½ teaspoons should do the trick to avoid overpowering the chocolate. You can use artificial extracts if needed, but they may not offer the same depth of flavor.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The key to perfect Peppermint Chocolate Cookies lies in watching the edges. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are set, while the centers remain soft—this will ensure a delightfully chewy texture. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to slightly under-bake them!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving. Enjoy that fresh-baked flavor!

How should I store leftover cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for about a week. Be sure to bring them back to room temperature for that soft, chewy goodness before indulging!

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, it may be due to the humidity or flour measurement. Try adding a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a more manageable consistency. Also, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets or allergies?
These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies contain several ingredients that might pose risks for pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, so be sure to keep these cookies out of their reach. If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, remember to check that your ingredients, especially any extracts and baking supplies, are allergy-safe!