Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are an absolutely delightful treat to whip up during the holiday season! The rich, dark chocolate perfectly meets the cool burst of peppermint, making them not just cookies, but a true festive experience. As the holiday spirit fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies to bring everyone together. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and more importantly, how great they taste! Picture yourself in a cozy kitchen, favorite holiday tunes playing, as you mix these simple yet scrumptious ingredients. You’ll be sipping on a warm drink, enjoying the little things that make this time of year truly special. Whether you’ll be sharing them at a gathering or keeping some for yourself (we won’t tell!), these cookies are bound to create smiles all around.

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Why This Recipe Works

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, promising to elevate your holiday baking experience. Crafted with meticulous attention to texture and flavor balance, they guarantee a chewy center with decadent melty chocolate chips in every bite. The idea of chocolate and peppermint is not just seasonal; it’s a classic combination that captures the essence of festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint creates a festive treat that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you are sharing them at a holiday gathering or savoring them solo, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Each bite offers a swirl of rich flavors complemented by a cheerful crunch of peppermint. Plus, they are easy to make and can fill your holiday season with sweet memories.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 6 tbsp (30 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (Andes)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp crushed candy canes for topping (optional)

Preparing the Cookies

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial; a properly heated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will make all the difference, helping the cookies release easily and preventing sticking.

Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream this mixture for about two minutes. You want it to become light and fluffy, creating a perfect base for your delicious cookies!

Incorporate Egg Yolks and Extracts

Next, you’ll add in the room temperature egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste (or extract). Mix on medium speed for another two minutes. The goal here is to create a mixture that is pale and fluffy, packed with all that wonderful flavor.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well is essential. Gradually add them to your wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep that lovely chewy texture!

Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint Chips

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in those delicious peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly incorporated. Each cookie will be a delightful surprise with chocolate melting in your mouth and that fresh peppermint boost.

Scoop and Arrange Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough into approximately 18 balls. Carefully arrange the dough balls two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This space lets them spread beautifully as they bake, creating perfect round cookies.

Bake the Cookies

It’s time to bake! Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer chewy centers, aim for around 10 minutes. For crispier edges, go the full 12 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.

Cool and Garnish

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about two minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling. If you want to add an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the warm cookies. Who can resist a little extra crunch?

Tips for Success

• Ensure you measure your flour accurately by spooning and leveling it. This simple trick helps avoid dense cookies, so they remain light and fluffy.
• You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to add your personal flavor twist.
• If you want thicker cookies, consider chilling your dough for a bit before baking. It helps maintain shape and makes for a great texture.

Variations

• Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat that still has that delicious chocolate flavor.
• Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a unique texture and flavor profile. Both options add an interesting crunch and sweetness.
• For coffee lovers, try adding espresso powder to the mix; it adds a lovely depth of flavor and intensifies the chocolate taste.

Storage Tips

If by some chance you have leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, scoop out the unbaked dough balls, freeze them, and bake directly from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!

Serving Suggestions

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies taste heavenly with a warm glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a rich cup of hot cocoa. They can find a cozy spot in your dessert table alongside other holiday favorites, making them a perfect accompaniment for festive gatherings.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
A1: Absolutely! White chocolate chips can create a sweeter, creamier flavor contrast that many enjoy.

Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the scooped dough and keep it for up to three months, baking straight from the freezer when ready.

Q4: How do I make my cookies more minty?
A4: You can slightly increase the peppermint extract or use more peppermint chips for an extra burst of flavor!

Q5: What should I do if my cookies are flat?
A5: Make sure you’re measuring the flour correctly and avoid overmixing the dough! Check that your baking soda and powder are fresh for the best rise.

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies represent not just a treat but an experience filled with warmth, coziness, and festive cheer. Gather your ingredients, step into your kitchen, and enjoy the magic of baking. With each soft, chocolatey morsel, you’ll create lasting memories and sweeten the holiday season just a bit more.

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