Oh, let me tell you about these peppermint cookies! They’re the ultimate treat for the holiday season, filling the air with a sweet, minty aroma that just screams festive cheer. I remember the first time I made them with my kids, the kitchen turned into a winter wonderland of flour and crushed candies! We laughed, made a mess, and ended up with a batch of cookies that were soft, chewy, and perfectly kissed with peppermint. Trust me, these cookies are not just delicious—they bring everyone together. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying them with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, peppermint cookies are sure to spread joy all around!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Prepare Peppermint Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get those peppermint cookies baking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it a nice warm-up while we mix our ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This dry mixture is crucial for that perfect cookie texture!
Now, in a separate large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy—oh, that buttery goodness! Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix it all together until combined, and you’ll start to smell that delightful mint!
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Now comes the fun part: fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. You’ll want to get those chunks evenly distributed throughout the dough. Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers still look a little soft. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And just like that, you’ve got a batch of festive peppermint cookies ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint—that festive flavor is unbeatable!
- Super easy to make, so you can whip them up even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
- These cookies are a wonderful way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking—everyone loves smashing those peppermint candies!
- The aroma that fills your home while they bake is pure holiday magic; it’s like a warm hug from the oven.
- They make for fantastic holiday gifts, neatly packed in a tin, spreading joy wherever they go.
- Perfectly chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the candies—it’s a texture dream!
- And let’s be honest, they’re just plain fun to eat! Who can resist that sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your peppermint cookies turn out perfect every time! Here are my top tips to elevate your baking game:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter, leading to cookies that are soft and chewy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be light and fluffy!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while they bake.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you notice your cookies browning too quickly, it might be worth investing in an oven thermometer. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for that perfect texture.
- Experiment with Extracts: If you want an extra kick of peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract! Just be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way!
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it also helps prevent your cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be firm but the centers to remain soft for that perfect chewy texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the best peppermint cookies around. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your peppermint cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! First, once your cookies have completely cooled on the wire rack, I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This helps lock in that delightful minty flavor and keeps them from drying out. You can stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, which is super helpful if you have a tall stack!
If you plan to keep them for longer, these cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy some festive goodness, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to bake them again—just enjoy the soft, chewy magic right away!
Now, if you find yourself wanting a warm cookie (who doesn’t?), you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit too soft. Alternatively, pop them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This way, they’ll get that wonderful fresh-baked aroma and texture back, making them even more irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of these peppermint cookies, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can give you some estimates, they may not be 100% precise. That said, here’s what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These little bites of joy not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also give you a little boost of energy with that perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy every delicious morsel, and remember, it’s all about balance and indulging in the holiday spirit!
FAQ Section
Can I make variations of these peppermint cookies?
Absolutely! You can switch things up by adding white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a lovely contrast. Or, if you want a fun twist, try adding crushed Oreo cookies into the dough for a cookies-and-cream version. You could even swap out the peppermint extract for other flavors like almond or vanilla for a different taste experience. The possibilities are endless!
How do I freeze peppermint cookies properly?
Freezing is a fantastic way to save some of those delicious peppermint cookies for later! Just make sure they’re completely cooled first. You can wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. Easy peasy!
What’s the best way to serve peppermint cookies?
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings! You can serve them on a festive platter with some hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—they make for an amazing dessert sandwich! You could also package them beautifully in a tin as gifts for friends and family, spreading the holiday cheer.
Can I use different types of peppermint candies?
Definitely! While I love using crushed peppermint candies for that classic look and taste, you can also try using other types of minty treats, like Andes mints or even peppermint bark. Just be mindful of the size when you chop them up; you want to make sure they blend well into the cookie dough without overpowering it!
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no, that can be a bummer! If your peppermint cookies spread too much, it might be because the butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough before baking. Remember, chilling the dough helps it firm up and keeps those lovely cookie shapes intact. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little can lead to spreading as well!