Why Make This Recipe

The holiday season brings joy and cheer, and what better way to spread happiness than with delicious homemade cookies? Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a festive treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint. These cookies are indulgent and fun, making them perfect for family gatherings, gift giving, or simply enjoying by the fire.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the level of chocolate and peppermint to suit your taste. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and peppermint chips creates a delightful explosion of flavors. Plus, the optional crushed candy canes add a perfect crunchy texture and a festive touch.

Now, let’s not forget that baking can be a joyful activity to do with family and friends. Kneading the dough, shaping the cookies, and waiting for them to bake fills the home with a wonderfully warm and sweet aroma. This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create beloved memories with loved ones.

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is easy and straightforward. With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats that everyone will love. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to gather:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measure correctly for best results.)
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Dutch process offers a smoother taste.)
1 tsp Baking Powder (Essential for cookie rise.)
1/2 tsp Baking Soda (Enhances chewiness.)
1/2 tsp Salt (Enhances chocolate flavor.)
1 cup Unsalted Butter (Soften for easier mixing.)
3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (Pack it down while measuring.)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust based on preference.)
2 large Egg Yolks (Use room temperature for better incorporation.)
1 tsp Peppermint Extract (Adjust quantity based on taste.)
1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract (Pure vanilla extract can be used.)
1 cup Peppermint Chips (Andes chips are a delightful choice.)
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Dark chocolate is a perfect substitute.)
1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes (Optional for festive flair.)

Directions

Baking Procedure

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. Mixing these dry ingredients together first helps them combine well and ensures even distribution of the baking agents.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and beat it together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes.
Add Egg Yolks and Extracts: Next, add the room-temperature egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste or extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint Chips: Using a spatula, fold in the peppermint chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, the crushed candy canes. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop dollops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave space between each scoop, as the cookies will spread while baking.
Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set, while the centers remain soft. This will create a chewy texture.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies firm up a bit.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Serving your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies can be a fun experience! Once they are cool, you can arrange them on a decorative plate or in a festive container. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, and they also make great gifts for friends and family.

To enhance the experience, consider serving the cookies with a glass of milk or a festive hot chocolate. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of each cookie for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven, or store them for later indulgence!

How to Store Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

If you have any cookies leftover, storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious. Place your cooled cookies in an airtight container. They can last for about a week at room temperature.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them for even longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Measure Accurately: Measuring ingredients correctly is crucial for baking. Use the scoop and level method for flour and cocoa powder to ensure you don’t end up with dry cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Customize the Peppermint Flavor: If you love peppermint, feel free to add an extra half teaspoon of peppermint extract. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick with the recommended amount.
Try Different Chips: Feel free to switch things up by using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. Each will give a different twist to the cookies.

Variation

You can customize this recipe based on your preferences! Here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:

Mint Frosting: Once the cookies are cooled, consider topping them with a mint-flavored frosting for an extra sweet touch.
Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can also be folded into the cookie dough for added flavor and crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use all cocoa powder instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with cocoa powder if you want a stronger chocolate flavor. Adjust the sugar slightly since cocoa powder is less sweet than chocolate chips.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, scoop and bake directly from the fridge or let it come to room temperature before scooping.

3. Can I leave out the peppermint extract?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can either omit it or replace it with a different flavor extract, like almond or orange, for a unique twist.

Baking Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is a delightful holiday activity that results in delicious sweet treats loved by many. Whip up a batch this season and enjoy the warm, sweet, and minty flavors that will surely make your celebrations a lot sweeter!