Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
There’s something magical about the scent of baked goods wafting through the house, especially when it comes to making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Every year as winter approaches, I find myself craving the comforting, festive flavors that come with the season. I remember one particular snowy evening, my family gathered around the kitchen, laughter ringing in the air, as we prepared these delightful cookies together. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a perfect harmony that warms the heart and pleases the palate. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family treat, these cookies always bring smiles and joy. I love how the process of making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies transforms the kitchen into a cozy haven, filled with love and deliciousness. Let me share with you the joy of creating these scrumptious cookies that are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.
Recipe Snapshot
21 mins
12 mins
9 mins
Easy
85 kcal
1 g
Vegan
4 g
Grater, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
What’s Great About This Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
1. Festive Flavor Combination
The blend of rich chocolate and cool peppermint in Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is a match made in heaven. It’s a flavor combo that instantly transports me to holiday celebrations, making every bite a delightful experience.
2. Simple and Fun to Make
Making these cookies is a joy in itself. Mixing, scooping, and baking creates a fun atmosphere, especially if you have little helpers. It’s a great way to bond while creating something delicious.
3. Perfect for Sharing
These cookies are perfect for gift-giving! Imagine packaging them up in a festive box and sharing them with friends, family, or neighbors. They’re great for holiday parties or just because!
4. Customizable Decoration
You can get creative with how you decorate your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Whether you choose to drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle them with crushed candy canes, the options are endless!
5. A Winter Classic
Every winter season brings a craving for these delightful cookies. They capture the essence of the holidays in their rich flavor, making them a timeless classic that you’ll look forward to making year after year.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Shopping List
The ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies come together beautifully, creating a texture and taste that is hard to resist. The key players like butter, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract harmonize perfectly, resulting in cookies that are both chewy and flavorful. Let’s gather these ingredients and start baking!
- 1/4 cup butter softened – This is the base of our cookies, providing richness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup canola oil – Helps achieve the perfect texture and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a deep sweetness and chewiness to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Balances the richness of the brown sugar for a perfect sweetness.
- 2 egg whites – These help bind the ingredients without adding extra fat from the yolks.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star ingredient that creates the chocolate flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise to the perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Aiding in leavening for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavors of the cookies.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour – Adds a hint of nuttiness and nutrition.
- 3/4 cup grated zucchini (excess water squeezed out) – Adds moisture and a subtle texture.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar – For making a sweet icing to drizzle on top.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (depending on how runny you want the icing) – Used to achieve the desired consistency for the icing.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – Adds that refreshing peppermint flavor we all love.
Making This Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
It’s time to dive into making these delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have a batch of cookies that will fill your home with a festive aroma.
- Start by whipping butter, canola oil, brown sugar, and sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. This should take about two minutes. You want to see it become light in color and texture.
- Next, mix in the egg whites, vanilla, and grated zucchini. Make sure to combine them well until fully incorporated. The zucchini adds moisture, so you’ll have a nice batter consistency.
- Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Carefully add in the unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix, or your cookies might end up tough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop the dough. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a greased cookie sheet, leaving some space between each scoop.
- Now, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about seven to nine minutes. You want to see the edges set but the center slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While your cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the icing over each cookie and finish with a sprinkle of red sprinkles for a festive touch. This adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color!
- Enjoy your warm Chocolate Peppermint Cookies straight from the oven, or package them up to share with friends and family. They’re sure to be a hit!
Things Worth Knowing
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened before starting. This helps achieve a lighter, fluffier batter.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them at the lower end of the baking time.
- Chill the Dough for Best Results: If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for about 30 minutes. This can enhance the flavors and improve the cookie’s texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try crushed peppermint candies or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
Enhance your cookie-making experience with these helpful tips and tweaks to ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Texture Tweaks: For chewier cookies, replace half of the all-purpose flour with oat flour. This adds a nice chewy texture!
- Healthier Option: To make these cookies a bit healthier, try substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This reduces the fat content but keeps the moisture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap the peppermint extract with other extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist!
Best Served With
When it comes to serving Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, think festive! Here are some great ideas:
- Hot Cocoa: These cookies are perfect alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa, creating a cozy winter treat.
- Ice Cream: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Holiday Parties: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, whether shared on a cookie platter or packaged as thoughtful gifts.
- Seasonal Gatherings: Perfect for any winter occasion, from Christmas to New Year’s celebrations, they add a festive touch to your dessert table.
- Tea Time: Enjoy them during afternoon tea or coffee breaks for a delightful pairing.
- Winter Picnics: Bring them along to winter picnics or outdoor gatherings, where their flavors can shine amidst the winter scenery.
FAQ
Conclusion
The uniqueness of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies comes from their delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a true treat for the senses. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings during the winter season. Whether for a holiday party or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whip butter, canola oil, brown sugar, and sugar together until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in egg whites, vanilla, and grated zucchini. Carefully mix in all dry ingredients until incorporated. Scoop onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 7 to 9 minutes at 350°F. Delicious warm or cooled. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth in consistency. Decorate with red sprinkles.
Notes
- Tip 1: If you don’t care so much about these being healthy, then you can substitute 1 whole egg for the egg whites.
- Tip 2: You can use all white (all-purpose) flour instead of whole wheat flour.
