Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a holiday classic, blending rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or a cozy evening treat, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly festive.
What Are Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, topped with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. These cookies are a perfect combination of decadence and holiday cheer, making them a favorite for chocolate and peppermint lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these cookies are easy to whip up.
- Festive Appeal: Crushed candy canes make them perfect for the holiday season.
- Rich and Decadent: Double chocolate ensures every bite is indulgent.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to dietary preferences with simple swaps.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (50 g) crushed candy canes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shaping and Baking
- Incorporate Add-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed candy canes.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Adding the Peppermint Touch
- Sprinkle with Candy Canes: Immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with the remaining crushed candy canes.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or paired with:
- A steaming mug of hot cocoa.
- A glass of cold milk.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: For a longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, the egg with a flaxseed egg, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Extra Peppermint: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the dough for a more intense flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint for a sweeter twist.
How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place candy canes in a sealed zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze as described above.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—rich, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, these cookies are guaranteed to delight. Try them today and make your holiday season extra sweet!
PrintDouble Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Rich, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor, Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies combine the decadence of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with hot cocoa!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (50 g) crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips and half of the crushed candy canes.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Add Candy Canes: Immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with the remaining crushed candy canes.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Crushing Candy Canes: Place candy canes in a sealed zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin for minimal mess.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
- Dietary Options: Replace flour with a gluten-free alternative or make vegan-friendly swaps for the butter and egg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal (per serving)