Introduction
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and a soft, chewy texture. These cookies are a holiday favorite, blending deep cocoa flavors with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch and festive touch. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or gifted to loved ones, these cookies bring the joy of the holiday season to every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible chocolate flavor – A double dose of cocoa and chocolate chips
- Festive and fun – Perfect for holiday baking and gifting
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method
- Soft and chewy – With a slight crunch from peppermint candy
Origin of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Chocolate cookies date back to the 1930s, evolving from the original Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe.
- Peppermint and chocolate have long been a classic pairing, especially in holiday treats.
- The modern version of this cookie became popular in the U.S. during the holiday season, thanks to the festive combination of flavors.
Ingredients Used
For the Cookies
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure
- ½ cup cocoa powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates a rich texture
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract – Adds refreshing peppermint taste
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Provides extra chocolate goodness
- ½ cup crushed candy canes – Adds festive crunch
For Topping (Optional)
- White chocolate drizzle – For extra sweetness
- More crushed candy canes – For decoration
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (for better texture).
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into small balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
Step 4: Cool and Add Toppings
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed candy canes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for even mixing.
- Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Don’t overbake – Cookies will continue baking as they cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much peppermint extract – A little goes a long way!
- Skipping chilling time – Results in flat cookies.
- Adding too many crushed candy canes to the dough – Can make cookies too crunchy.
Serving Tips
- Best enjoyed warm with hot chocolate or milk.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Gift them in holiday tins for a thoughtful treat.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Dark chocolate – High in antioxidants and good for heart health.
- Peppermint – Can aid digestion and freshen breath.
- Cocoa powder – Rich in flavonoids that support brain function.
Interesting Facts About This Cookie
- Peppermint candy canes were originally white; red stripes were added later for decoration.
- The world’s largest chocolate chip cookie weighed over 40,000 pounds.
- Peppermint and chocolate were first combined in Europe before becoming a holiday tradition in the U.S.
Quick Summary of Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes.
- Cool, drizzle with white chocolate, and sprinkle with candy canes.
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-try holiday treat, combining rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint for the perfect festive bite. Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking!
