Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Nothing says festive cheer quite like the rich combination of chocolate and peppermint. Our frosted peppermint chocolate cookies will fill your home with the scents of the season as they bake to delicious perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving some yuletide confection, this easy recipe promises to deliver the holiday joy right to your taste buds.
Every year as the holiday season approaches, my family gathers in the kitchen for our traditional cookie-baking weekend. Among all the treats, the peppermint chocolate cookies have always been a crowd favorite. I remember my grandmother carefully rolling out the dough as my siblings and I watched eagerly. The magic moment came when we topped each cookie with a frosty drizzle and sprinkled crushed candy canes on top—unveiling the classic holiday scent we’ve come to cherish. These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a beloved tradition that keeps our family close.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies burst with the delightful taste of chocolate and peppermint, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness. They are easy to make, requiring only basic pantry ingredients, and they stay soft and fresh for days. The addition of decadent chocolate chips and a touch of peppermint extract elevates their flavor, making them an irresistible holiday delight.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed, every item is easy to find and budget-friendly.
- Quick Prep Time: Get these cookies ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as homemade gifts.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient plays a crucial part in delivering the perfect flavor and texture to these cookies. You’ll need to source good quality chocolate and peppermint extract to ensure a full-bodied flavor. If you’re in a pinch, dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips can substitute semi-sweet chips.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. Sift it to avoid lumps.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for rich chocolatey flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add texture and richness.
- Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way; adjust to taste.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies will bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients evenly prevents clumps and ensures a smooth dough.
Step 3
Cream the butter and sugars in another bowl until pale and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and tender cookie.
Step 4
Gradually add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the peppermint extract until fully integrated. Then, combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Step 5
Fold in the chocolate chips, and scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage Options
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag, separating layers with wax paper. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Variations & Substitutions
For a subtle twist, try replacing half the peppermint extract with vanilla extract. You can also adapt these cookies for dietary needs; use gluten-free flour to make them celiac-friendly or dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based butter for a vegan version. Add crushed nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate to create your own unique holiday flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake, which can enhance the flavor profile. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before baking.
How can I make these cookies more pepperminty? You can increase the peppermint extract slightly if you desire a stronger flavor. Additionally, sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on top adds extra minty bursts with each bite.
What if I don’t have parchment paper? If parchment paper is unavailable, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease your baking sheets with non-stick spray or butter to prevent any sticking or burning.
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Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 sticks butter softened
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract or to taste
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs large
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and peppermint extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
