Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat

Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors, wrapped in a beautiful swirl design. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift, these cookies combine festive charm with irresistible taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields stunning results that everyone will adore.

What Are Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies?

These cookies feature a soft, buttery chocolate dough layered with a peppermint-infused swirl. The addition of crushed peppermint candies adds texture and flavor, while optional food coloring gives the cookies a festive, candy cane-inspired look. With their eye-catching appearance and delectable taste, they’re a holiday classic in the making.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Design: The peppermint swirl adds a decorative touch perfect for the holiday season.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable: Adjust the peppermint intensity or omit the food coloring for a natural look.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a proven favorite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Peppermint Swirl:

• ½ cup (60g) crushed peppermint candies
• Optional: 2-3 drops red food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Adding the Peppermint Swirl

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
2. Mix the crushed peppermint candies and optional red food coloring into one portion until evenly combined.

Rolling and Chilling

1. Roll out each portion of dough between sheets of parchment paper into equal-sized rectangles, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Chill the rolled dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the top parchment sheets, stack the two rectangles, and gently roll into a log starting from the shorter side.
4. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Slicing and Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch rounds and arrange on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for the ultimate holiday pairing.
• Include them in a festive cookie platter with other seasonal favorites like sugar cookies or gingerbread men.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the cookie dough log before slicing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
• Mint Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips to the peppermint swirl for extra richness.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candies?

Yes! Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough in place of the crushed candies for a smoother texture.

Do I need to use food coloring?

No, the food coloring is optional. The cookies will still taste amazing without it, but they may not have the distinct red swirl.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. The dough log can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance or frozen for longer storage.

Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies bring festive cheer and delicious flavors to your holiday baking lineup. With their striking swirls and delightful taste, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Give them a try and share your experience—you’ll want to make these cookies a yearly tradition!

Print