Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Introduction

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a decadent holiday treat that combines the rich, fudgy flavor of double chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season, offering a delicious combination of smooth, melted chocolate and the cool bite of crushed peppermint. The soft, chewy texture paired with the festive flavors makes these cookies a holiday favorite for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or simply indulging during a cozy winter evening.

Perfect for:

Holiday cookie exchanges
Christmas parties
Gifting
Dessert tables
Peppermint lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies will become your go-to holiday treat:

Irresistible Flavor: The perfect blend of chocolate and peppermint creates a refreshing yet indulgent flavor.
Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of bite.
Festive Appeal: The bright peppermint and deep chocolate make these cookies a holiday standout.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, even on the busiest days.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking.
Great for Gifting: Package them in festive bags or boxes for a sweet homemade gift.
Perfect for Any Holiday Event: Whether it’s Christmas or a New Year’s Eve celebration, these cookies fit right in.
Customizable: Adjust the level of peppermint or add other mix-ins, like white chocolate chips, for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit with family, friends, and coworkers alike.
Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Double the chocolate means double the indulgence!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

For the Topping:

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Ingredient Highlights

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich depth of chocolate flavor to the cookie dough.
Peppermint Candies: Bring a fresh, crunchy element that complements the rich chocolate.
Melted Chocolate: Helps create a chewy, fudgy texture and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, then stir in the melted semisweet chocolate.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Add Peppermint and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips.

Chill and Bake the Cookies:

Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Add the Topping:

Melt the Topping Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips with vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Top with Crushed Peppermint: Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint over the chocolate drizzle while it’s still wet.

Serve or Store:

Serve: Let the chocolate drizzle set before serving.
Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:

As a Holiday Platter: Serve alongside other holiday cookies for a festive dessert table.
With Hot Cocoa: Perfect for dunking into a warm mug of hot chocolate.
As Edible Gifts: Package in gift boxes or bags for a sweet homemade present.
On Cookie Plates: Set out on a decorative plate for Christmas Eve or holiday parties.
With Milk: The classic pairing of cookies and milk never goes out of style.
As Stocking Stuffers: Slip them into stockings for a sweet surprise on Christmas morning.
With a Cup of Tea: These cookies are a perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of peppermint or black tea.
For Cookie Exchanges: Share with friends and neighbors at holiday cookie swaps.
For Dessert Buffets: Display on dessert tables at parties or family gatherings.
On Ice Cream: Crumble the cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

Chill Dough for Best Results: Refrigerating the dough ensures the cookies maintain their chewy texture and prevent spreading too much during baking.
Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: For a stronger peppermint flavor, use freshly crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies, as they continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
Customize the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips in place of semisweet chocolate for a different twist.
Add More Peppermint: Increase the amount of crushed peppermint in the dough for an even stronger peppermint flavor.

Recipe Variations

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap the semisweet chocolate for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, lighter flavor.
Double Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Use dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a coffee-flavored twist.
Gluten-Free Peppermint Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Peppermint Bark Topping: Top with pieces of peppermint bark instead of crushed peppermint for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, egg replacer, and vegan chocolate for a vegan-friendly treat.
Caramelized Peppermint: Instead of regular crushed peppermint, caramelize sugar and mix it with crushed peppermint for an extra layer of flavor.
Peppermint Chip Cookies: Add peppermint extract to the dough and peppermint chips for a more intense peppermint flavor.
Chocolate Mint Cookies: Use mint-flavored chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a minty twist.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies evenly.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Wire Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate.
Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioning dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in ingredients.
Rolling Pin (Optional): For crushing the peppermint candies.

FAQ Section

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the peppermint topping?
Yes, the cookies are delicious without the peppermint topping, but it adds a festive touch.
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add more peppermint to the dough?
Yes, you can increase the amount of crushed peppermint in the dough if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have candy canes?
You can use any crushed peppermint candy or peppermint crunch pieces as an alternative.
Can I use peppermint extract?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a more concentrated mint flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint. These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness, with the soft, chewy texture that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as a holiday treat or a year-round indulgence, these cookies are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings and leave you with a refreshing finish.

The recipe is quick to prepare, making it a great choice for baking sessions with family or friends, or even a cozy night in. With their festive combination of flavors, these cookies also make a wonderful gift or a delightful addition to any dessert table. You can also experiment by adding crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra burst of flavor.

I can’t wait to see how your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these cookies uniquely your own!