Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, bursting with rich dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Perfect for festive gatherings, these cookies combine chewy centers with melty chocolate chips, making them irresistible. Bake them for family gatherings or enjoy them during cozy nights in; their deliciousness knows no bounds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint creates a unique taste that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
• Chewy Texture: Each cookie has a soft, chewy center, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip up these cookies in no time, perfect for baking novices and experts alike.
• Versatile Occasion: Ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just because you deserve a treat!
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures that the butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy foundation for even baking; lined with parchment paper makes clean-up easy.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookies, ensuring consistent baking times.

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 Cookies

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

For Topping (Optional)

• 2 tbsp crushed candy canes

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Add softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Extracts

To the creamed mixture:
1. Add egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste or extract.
2. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add:
1. All-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix until just combined. Take care not to overmix.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Stir in:
1. Peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2. Mix gently until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop:
1. Portion out dough into balls and place them on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes:
– 10 minutes for chewier centers
– 12 minutes for crispier edges.

Step 8: Cool Down

After baking:
1. Let cookies cool on the sheets for two minutes.
2. Transfer them to a cooling rack for another ten minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Optionally sprinkle crushed candy canes over cooled cookies before serving! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

With these simple instructions, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in no time!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Double chocolate peppermint cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors make them versatile for various serving ideas.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream on top. This creates a delicious contrast between the warm cookie and the cold ice cream.

Holiday Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. Their vibrant colors and flavors will add to your holiday spread.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. This extra touch elevates their presentation and taste.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the cookie.

How to Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

For those looking to make their double chocolate peppermint cookies even better, here are some helpful tips.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out when they’re slightly underbaked helps achieve that chewy center.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your double chocolate peppermint cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy hot cocoa infused with peppermint, perfect for dipping or sipping alongside your cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows for dipping adds an interactive element to your dessert table.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can complement the cookie’s sweetness while offering varied textures.
5. Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea enhances the peppermint flavor while providing warmth during colder months.
6. Nutty Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can serve as a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to achieving the perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make the cookies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheets is crucial for achieving a chewy center. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is accurate for perfect baking results.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the dough’s texture. Make sure they are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes to warm through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies special?

These cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint, making them perfect for festive occasions.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should look set while centers may appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool!

Can I add nuts to my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or adjusting the type of chocolate used. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies will surely impress everyone who tries them. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!