Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Holiday Magic in Every Bite!
Introduction
The holiday season is all about rich flavors, cozy moments, and treats that bring a sense of joy and nostalgia. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect blend of two holiday favorites: smooth, rich chocolate and the crisp, refreshing taste of peppermint. These cookies are not only fudgy and decadent, but they also pack in that signature holiday crunch thanks to crushed candy canes. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or gifting treats to friends and family, these cookies will bring a touch of magic to your festivities. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies:
- 1 ⅓ cups All-Purpose Flour – This is the base of the dough, providing structure to your cookies while still allowing them to be soft and chewy.
- ⅓ cup Unsweetened Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder – The rich cocoa powder is what gives these cookies their deep chocolate flavor. Using a high-quality blend, like King Arthur Double Dark cocoa, will really enhance the taste.
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda – This helps the cookies spread and rise slightly while baking, giving them a light, chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon Salt – The salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor in the cookies.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature – Butter provides richness and helps the cookies achieve that soft, chewy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- ⅔ cup Light Brown Sugar, Packed – Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to the cookies, which complements the chocolate perfectly.
- ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar – The granulated sugar helps give the cookies a slightly crisp exterior while still maintaining their softness inside.
- 1 Large Egg, Room Temperature – The egg helps bind the dough together and provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 Large Egg Yolk, Room Temperature – The extra yolk adds richness and helps make the cookies extra fudgy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the dough and complements the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract – The peppermint extract gives the cookies that signature minty flavor, making them perfect for the holidays.
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Chocolate chips are essential to these cookies, adding pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons Crushed Candy Cane (Optional) – This optional garnish gives the cookies a festive, crunchy finish and amplifies the peppermint flavor!