Peppermint hot chocolate cookies are the perfect treat to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth during the chilly months. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that captures the essence of your favorite winter beverage, complete with a delightful hint of peppermint. These cookies not only evoke the cozy feelings of the holiday season but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. People love peppermint hot chocolate cookies for their unique taste and texture; the soft, fudgy center paired with a crisp edge makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring the warmth of peppermint hot chocolate into your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Once the dough is combined, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula. Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Preparing for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie before baking.
Baking the Cookies
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
- After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure they don’t become soggy.
Finishing Touches
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. This adds a nice contrast to the dark chocolate and peppermint colors.
- If desired, you can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the cookies for an extra indulgent touch. Simply melt some semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, then use a fork to drizzle it over the cookies.
- For an added peppermint flavor, you can sprinkle a few more crushed peppermint candies on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
Storing the Cookies
- Once the cookies are fully cooled and decorated, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
- If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
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Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season, then these peppermint hot chocolate cookies are an absolute must-try! The combination of rich chocolate, creamy marshmallows, and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and festive. Each bite is like a warm hug, making them perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or as a sweet addition to your holiday gatherings.
To elevate your cookie experience, consider serving these delicious cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures will surely impress your family and friends. You can also get creative with variations! Try adding crushed candy canes on top for an extra crunch, or swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange to give your cookies a unique flair.
I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give these peppermint hot chocolate cookies a try. They are not only simple to make but also a fun activity to do with kids or friends. Baking together can create wonderful memories, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible. Once you’ve baked a batch (or two!), I would love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your loved ones react? Sharing your baking journey not only inspires others but also creates a sense of community around the joy of cooking.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the magic of these peppermint hot chocolate cookies fill your home with warmth and cheer. I can’t wait to see how your cookies turn out! Happy baking!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
Enjoy the festive flavors of Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, featuring a soft and chewy texture with a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Topped with powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie before baking.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies for an indulgent touch. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle it using a fork.
- For added peppermint flavor, sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Store the fully cooled and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preference.
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