Every time I make these Rich Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, I’m drawn back to my childhood holidays, filled with the warmth of family and the aroma of sweet treats wafting through the air. I can almost see my mother rolling out her famous cookie dough while the snow gently falls outside our cozy home. The kitchen was our happy place, buzzing with laughter and love, and every cookie that emerged from the oven brought joy to our hearts. These cookies, with their luscious chocolate and refreshing peppermint, hold that same magic.
I remember the first time I made them for my own family. It was just before Christmas, and I wanted something special to share at our holiday gathering. The moment those cookies baked, the delicious scent and peppermint fragrance filled my home, and when we took that first bite, we were instantly transported to a winter wonderland. I hope that you, too, experience that kind of joy when you make them!
How to make Rich Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients:
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1 cup butter, softened: This is the base for our cookies and gives them that rich, creamy texture you’ll love.
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1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! It helps create that beautiful crispy edge while keeping the centers chewy.
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1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
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2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and creating a soft texture.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors.
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2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of our cookies; it helps them hold together while baking.
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3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This ingredient brings that rich chocolate flavor to life.
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1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise and gives them a lovely texture.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance and elevate the flavors.
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For those chocolatey bites that melt in your mouth!
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1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This gives our cookies their signature refreshing taste.
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1/2 cup crushed candy canes: These are for decoration and a delightful crunch!
I love adding crushed candy canes; they not only add a festive touch, but they also bring a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie perfectly!
Cooking Steps
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Preheat your oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for baking perfectly textured cookies.
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Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes, and it’s a great arm workout, too!
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Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time. After each egg, mix well until incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The combination of these flavors is heavenly!
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Blend the dry with the wet: Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. I usually do this in thirds to prevent a flour explosion! Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
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Shape the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake: Place the trays into the pre-heated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should look firm while the centers remain soft.
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Sprinkle crushed candy canes: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. This gives them a festive look and an irresistible crunch.
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Cool on racks: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Why I Love Making This Dish: There’s something magical about baking cookies, especially during the holiday season. The aromas fill my home with warmth, and sitting down to enjoy a cookie with a cup of hot cocoa feels like a cozy hug. Whenever I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of the joy of family gatherings and cherished memories. Each bite brings back those sweet moments from my childhood, and I adore sharing this love with my family.
What You’ll Need: You will need some basic baking tools: a mixing bowl, measuring cups, a whisk, a spoon, and a baking sheet. A cookie scoop makes portioning the dough easier, but a simple tablespoon will do the trick, too.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in your extracts.
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In another bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.
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Gradually combine the dry and wet mixtures.
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Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet.
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Bake them for 10-12 minutes, and while they cool, sprinkle with candy canes.
Tips for Perfect Results: To get those delightful crispy edges and soft centers, be sure not to overbake the cookies! If you prefer a mintier flavor, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract. I usually do this for my family gatherings, and it’s always a hit!
Serving Suggestions and Sides: These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. A light scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also be a delightful treat, especially if you warm the cookies slightly in the microwave first!
Leftovers: Oh, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. They can also be frozen! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQ Section:
Can I use margarine instead of butter? You can, but I always find that butter gives cookies a richer flavor and better texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips? Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. Each will bring a unique flavor to your cookies!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend searching for a blend that includes xanthan gum, as it will help with the texture.
Are these cookies good for shipping? Yes! If you wrap them tight in plastic wrap and then place them in a sturdy container, they should ship well. I’ve sent cookies to family on the other side of the country and they loved them!
In conclusion, these Rich Chocolate Peppermint Cookies have become a beloved family tradition for me, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes them a delightful treat, perfect for sharing during the holidays. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know your family will love them as much as mine does. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out and if your loved ones ask for seconds! Happy baking!