“Is it even the holidays if there aren’t cookies?” I overheard a friend whisper as she savored the last bite of a warm treat. If you’re looking to embrace that festive spirit, these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-have! With rich dark chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint, they perfectly capture the magic of the season. Best of all, there’s no chill time needed, so you can whip them up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those unexpected cravings or last-minute gift ideas. Imagine sharing these delightful, chewy cookies with loved ones as they melt in your mouth, leaving everyone craving just one more. Ready to indulge in a holiday classic that’s quick and oh-so-satisfying? Let’s get started!
Why are these cookies a must-bake?
Irresistible Flavor: You’ll love the rich dark chocolate paired with a refreshing kick of peppermint, creating a perfect flavor balance that defines holiday treats.
Quick & Easy: With no chill time required, these cookies can be yours in under 30 minutes—ideal for spontaneous celebrations or family gatherings.
Chewy Delight: The chewy texture and melty chocolate chips make each bite a blissful experience, appealing to both chocolate lovers and festive dessert enthusiasts alike.
Versatile Treat: Want to adapt? Swap the peppermint extract for orange or almond to switch up the festive vibe! Or make them even more indulgent by drizzling with chocolate, as you might in my Double Chocolate Peppermint or Butter Chocolate Cookies.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for sharing—whether at holiday parties, as gifts, or simply as a delightful family treat, they’ll leave everyone asking for more!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; be sure to spoon and level to avoid excess flour.
- Cocoa powder (Dutch process) – Adds deep chocolate flavor and color; no direct substitutes recommended, but you can use unsweetened cocoa in a pinch.
- Baking powder – Leavening agent for rising; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Baking soda – Additional leavening agent for texture; do not substitute as both agents are essential.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; using sea salt gives a more complex taste.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps achieve a chewy texture; can swap with vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Light brown sugar – Provides moisture and a caramel-like flavor; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper taste.
- Granulated white sugar – Sweetens the dough; adjust according to your desired sweetness.
- Egg yolks – Adds moisture and richness; do not substitute with whole eggs as it alters texture.
- Peppermint extract – Imparts that classic peppermint flavor; ensure it’s pure extract for best taste, although it can be omitted if desired.
- Vanilla bean paste/extract – Adds warmth and complexity; either works, but pure vanilla extract is also a great alternative.
For the Mix-ins and Topping
- Peppermint chips – Bursting flavor; optional for an extra minty kick, or substitute with chocolate chips.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds extra chocolate richness; milk chocolate chips can work as a substitute.
- Crushed candy canes – Optional topping for texture and festive flair; can also be switched with toffee bits or chopped nuts for a variation.
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are not just delicious but an elevated treat that brings warmth to your holiday gatherings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take out two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This essential preparation step will ensure your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies bake evenly without sticking to the sheet.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar. Using an electric mixer, blend the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. This key step creates a rich base for your cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This is where the delightful flavors of your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies really begin to take shape.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix; you want the dough to remain light and airy for the best cookie texture.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate and Peppermint Chips
Fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently with a spatula until they are evenly distributed in your dough. This step ensures that every bite of your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is packed with festive flavor and rich chocolate goodness.
Step 6: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into approximately 18 balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing is important to allow the cookies to spread evenly while baking and achieve a beautiful chewy texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; if you prefer chewy centers, opt for 10 minutes, while 12 minutes will give you slightly crispier edges. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 2 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely for an additional 10 minutes. If desired, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they are still warm for an extra festive touch.
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
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Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid excess, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly chewy.
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Uniform Size Matters: For even baking, scoop uniform dough balls; a cookie scoop can help maintain consistent sizes for all your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
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Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing after adding chocolate chips; this keeps your cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough and chewy.
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Shape for Perfection: Right after baking, use a circular cookie cutter to gently shape the cookies for a uniform, beautiful look—an impressively simple trick!
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Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to substitute peppermint extract with orange or almond for a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat.
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Elevate your holiday experience with delectable pairings that enhance each chocolatey, minty bite.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: An indulgent drink that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies, providing an inviting warmth.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla makes for delightful contrast, balancing the rich chocolate and cooling the palate after each chewy bite.
- Peppermint Bark: To heighten the minty freshness, serve alongside this flavorful treat that celebrates the same festive spirit of the cookies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic blend of spices in chai perfectly complements the peppermint cookie flavors, creating a cozy experience on chilly evenings.
- Nutty Biscotti: For a delightful texture contrast, nutty biscotti adds crunch while delicately echoing the chocolatey and minty notes in each cookie.
- Chocolate Mint Mojito: A refreshing cocktail with muddled mint and chocolate-infused rum that lifts those festive flavors to new heights while keeping the vibe light.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Add a fresh burst with a selection of seasonal fruits like pomegranate or citrus to balance the sweetness and richness of the cookies.
- Gingerbread Men: Classic for the holidays, gingerbread pairs beautifully with the chocolate and mint, creating a nostalgic twist during the festive season.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy festive treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen dough to the baking sheet and add about 2 extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies that are just as delicious as if they were made on the spot!
Storage Tips for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, keep them in the fridge for longer shelf-life—up to 1 week—while still ensuring they’re in a sealed container.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating: For a fresh-baked taste, reheat frozen cookies directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy these delightful Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies warm!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies and make them your own, adding delicious twists that suit your taste!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or margarine to create a dairy-free delight that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, alongside the chocolate chips for a pleasing crunch and depth of flavor.
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White Chocolate Bliss: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
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Citrus Zing: Swap out peppermint extract for orange or almond extract for a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s equally festive.
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Decadent Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate on top of each cookie for a luxurious finishing touch that elevates their appearance and flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a subtle, warming spice that complements the chocolate and peppermint.
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Mini Versions: Use a mini cookie scoop to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting in festive tins.
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Chocolate Peppermint Sandwiches: Join two cookies with a layer of peppermint-infused buttercream or cream cheese frosting between them for an indulgent treat.
For more delightful cookie recipes to explore, check out my Peppermint Swirl Cookies or enjoy the festive charm of Snowball Cookies Melt. Each option brings its own unique flavors, making your holiday baking even more exciting!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
It’s best to use Dutch process cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Regular unsweetened cocoa can work in a pinch, but it may alter the cookie’s depth of flavor slightly.
How should I store the cookies after baking?
Store your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them chewy and fresh, perfect for snacking anytime!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies come out dry, it could be due to overmeasuring the flour. Always spoon and level flour for accuracy. If your dough seems dry before baking, you can add a little more melted butter or a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or a dairy-free margarine. This way, you can still enjoy delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies without dairy!
Is peppermint extract necessary for the cookies?
While peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature festive flavor, it can be omitted if you prefer a more straightforward chocolate treat. You can also replace it with extracts like orange or almond for a fun twist!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Perfect for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste, beating on medium speed until pale and fluffy, around 2 minutes.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough into approximately 18 balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for soft centers. Opt for 10 minutes for chewy centers or 12 for slightly crispy edges.
- Cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
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