Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Combining rich dark chocolate with refreshing peppermint, these cookies feature chewy centers and melty chocolate chips that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint offers a unique taste that’s both festive and delicious.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch quickly.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts or party treats, spreading joy with every bite!
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the mix-ins for a personalized touch.
• Chewy & Delicious: Enjoy the perfect texture—chewy in the middle with a slight crispness on the edges.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these amazing cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a successful bake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, giving you a light and fluffy base.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess; having multiple sizes can help keep everything organized.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake more cookies at once.

Ingredients

These double chocolate peppermint cookies are full dark chocolate and peppermint flavor, with chewy centers and melty chocolate chips in each bite.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 6 tbsps (30 g) cocoa powder, Dutch process
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

For the Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (Andes)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Topping

• 2 tbsp crushed candy canes, optional

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
* Use an electric mixer to cream them together for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Extracts

To the creamed mixture, add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste.
* Mix on medium speed for two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
* Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture until combined. Be cautious not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Chips

Add in peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* Gently mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls.
* Arrange them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 10-12 minutes; choose 10 minutes for chewier centers or 12 minutes for crispier edges.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

After baking, let cookies cool on the sheets for two minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
* Allow them to cool for an additional ten minutes. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before serving!

Step 9: Store Leftovers

If you have any cookies left over (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Double chocolate peppermint cookies are not just a treat on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Chocolate

• Rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the minty flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy and indulgent dessert.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use your favorite vanilla or mint ice cream to create delicious ice cream sandwiches that add a creamy texture and flavor contrast.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or espresso, which balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.

Milk Dipping

• A classic choice! Dip your cookies in cold milk for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Party Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for a beautiful dessert table at gatherings.

How to Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Perfecting double chocolate peppermint cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out great every time.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies chewy.
• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent spreading.
• Watch baking time closely: Bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked for chewy cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These double chocolate peppermint cookies can be complemented by delightful side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes enhances the peppermint flavor.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream adds a creamy balance to the rich chocolate and minty notes of the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert spread.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese with crackers for a savory option that pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted dark chocolate as a dip alongside fresh fruits or marshmallows for an interactive dessert experience.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: Offer crunchy nutty trail mix as a side snack; its saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small errors can affect your cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using too much flour: Measuring incorrectly can result in dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Not creaming the butter enough: Failing to create a fluffy mixture can lead to dense cookies. Make sure to cream the butter and sugars until light and airy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long after adding flour can toughen the cookies. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet for too long can make them more difficult to transfer. Allow them just enough time before moving them to a cooling rack.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can result in uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft center.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:

How do I make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor balance.

Can I substitute peppermint extract?

Yes! If you prefer not to use peppermint extract, try using vanilla extract or another flavoring that you enjoy.

How do I know when my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set but centers that still appear slightly soft. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

What variations can I try with these cookies?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips!

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer an indulgent treat bursting with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Perfectly chewy with melty chocolate chips, they’re ideal for holiday gatherings or as an everyday dessert. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings!