Name: Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, softened); 3/4 cup White Sugar (divided); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract; 1.5 cups Flour; 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream; 1/3 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet); 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla; 1/4 cup Peppermint Pieces (about 3 candy canes crushed, can also use round peppermints crushed)

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There’s something magical about the blend of chocolate and peppermint, especially during the festive season. The moment I decided to bake Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, I was transported back to cozy winter evenings spent with family, sipping hot cocoa and enjoying the sweet aroma of baked treats wafting through the house. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also brings everyone together in the kitchen. With each bite, the rich, chewy chocolate cookie melds beautifully with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as a special treat for yourself. I love how these cookies bring a bit of festive cheer, transforming an ordinary day into something special. If you’re looking for a delightful cookie that captures the essence of the holidays, this is it!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
37 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Blender, Whisk

What makes these cookies truly stand out is their unique texture and flavor profile. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness that remind us of the joy of the season!

Why This Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Shines

Irresistible Flavor Combination

First and foremost, the flavor of chewy double chocolate peppermint cookies is a match made in heaven. The rich and decadent chocolate is perfectly complemented by the refreshing zing of peppermint. It’s like a winter wonderland for your taste buds, making each bite a delightful experience.

Chewy Texture

What sets these cookies apart is their fabulous chewy texture. Every cookie is soft and slightly gooey in the center while still having a nice crisp edge. This contrast in textures makes them incredibly satisfying and hard to resist!

Perfect for Sharing

Baking a batch of these cookies means you’ll have a perfect treat to share with family and friends. Whether at a holiday party or a cozy get-together, they make everyone feel loved and special. Sharing the joy of baking is one of the best parts of the season!

Fun and Festive Decoration

Don’t forget about the fun of decorating! The crushed candy canes sprinkled on top not only add a pop of color but also a festive flair. Watching them come together is a joyous experience, one that brings out the kid in all of us.

Simple and Easy to Make

Despite how gourmet they taste, these cookies are surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that tastes like it’s from a high-end bakery. It’s a great way to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Versatile Treat

Lastly, chewy double chocolate peppermint cookies are versatile. They can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or stored for later when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Plus, they make lovely gifts when packaged in a pretty box or tin, bringing joy to anyone lucky enough to receive them!

What to Buy for Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

When it comes to the ingredients for Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, quality and freshness are key. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the cookies. The combination of rich butter, sweet brown sugar, and cocoa powder creates that luscious chocolaty base, while peppermint extract adds a refreshing twist that sets these cookies apart. Let’s dive into the individual components that make these cookies irresistible.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of your cookie dough, providing moisture and richness.
3/4 cup white sugar, divided: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely texture.
½ cup brown sugar: This adds depth of flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure.
½ teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract: Gives that signature minty taste that makes these cookies festive.
1½ cups flour: Forms the bulk of the cookie dough, providing structure.
½ cup cocoa powder: The key to achieving that rich chocolate flavor.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly during baking.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
½ cup heavy whipping cream: Used for the ganache that fills the cookies, adding decadence.
⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds chunks of chocolate in every bite.
1/4 cup peppermint pieces: Adds a crunchy minty topping, perfect for the holidays.

Step by Step Guide for Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Making chewy double chocolate peppermint cookies is not only enjoyable but also rewarding. Each step brings you closer to that warm, gooey treat, and I can guarantee you’ll want to savor every moment. Let’s walk through the process together and create something truly special!

Start by placing 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The key is to achieve a light, fluffy texture, which will help create that chewy consistency in your cookies.
Next, add in 2 large eggs, ½ teaspoon of vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix well until everything is combined. The mixture should look glossy and well-blended, exuding a delightful aroma that’s simply irresistible.
In a separate bowl, combine 1½ cups of flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully integrated. This step is crucial to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir together until a thick, sticky chocolate dough forms. It should feel slightly tacky to the touch, but don’t worry, that’s what makes them chewy! Once combined, cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is also a great time to prepare your ganache filling! In a heatproof bowl, combine ½ cup of heavy whipping cream with ⅓ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ teaspoon of vanilla.
Heat the whipping cream in the microwave for 1 minute, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for a moment before whisking until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside to cool down a bit while you finish preparing the cookies.
Now, unwrap your peppermint pieces or candy canes. Place them in a thick ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they resemble large sprinkles. This will create a wonderful crunchy topping for your cookies!
Once your dough is set, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of white sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 to 3 inches between each ball.
Before baking, take a teaspoon and gently press the round part into the center of each cookie dough ball. This will create a little well for the ganache to sit in after baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should look set but still soft in the center. When they come out of the oven, quickly press the teaspoon into the center again to make the well larger.
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is a crucial step; the centers will firm up as they cool, creating that gooey ganache filling!
Finally, once the cookies are cool, place a large piece of parchment paper under the wire rack and carefully pour the ganache into each well of the cookies. Don’t be shy! Fill them up generously.
Sprinkle the tops with the crushed candy canes for the perfect festive touch. Allow the ganache to fully set, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for developing flavors and achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft in the center and slightly firm around the edges.
Letting Cookies Cool: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the wire rack to ensure the ganache doesn’t spill.
Crushing Candy Canes: Use a thick ziplock bag and a rolling pin to crush the candy canes effectively.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are many ways to make these cookies your own. Whether you want to switch things up for a different flavor experience or tailor them to fit dietary needs, here are some ideas for you to consider!

Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for about a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop and freeze, and bake directly from frozen when you’re ready!
Pairing: These cookies are delicious with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Variations: Mix in some chopped nuts for added texture or try using different types of chocolate chips.
Festive Options: Use different kinds of crushed candies on top for a unique twist, like crushed chocolate or seasonal sprinkles.

Serving This Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

When it comes to serving Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, the presentation is just as delightful as the flavor! Here are some tips to elevate your cookie experience.

Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges. They add a festive touch to any dessert table.
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in beautiful tins or boxes as gifts for friends and family. They are a thoughtful gesture and sure to be appreciated.
Pair with Drinks: Serve these cookies alongside a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite coffee for a cozy treat.
After-Dinner Treat: They make a perfect dessert option after a hearty meal, satisfying sweet cravings.
Seasonal Delight: Enjoy them as a delightful winter treat that captures the essence of the holidays. Keep some on hand for those unexpected guests!

FAQ

Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it out for another flavor. Vanilla is a popular choice, but almond or even hazelnut extract can add a unique twist to your Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Just remember that different extracts have varying strengths, so use them sparingly until you reach your desired flavor.

To check if your Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are done, look for a slightly firm edge and a soft center. They may look underbaked when you take them out of the oven, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet. For the best results, set a timer and check them around the 10-minute mark.

Yes, you can definitely make the dough ahead of time! Just prepare the dough as directed, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual!

If your cookie dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! This can happen sometimes. You can sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands when rolling the cookie balls, or if it’s really sticky, return the dough to the fridge for a bit longer. Chilling it will make it easier to work with and help achieve the perfect texture.

Conclusion

The Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are truly a standout treat that captures the spirit of the season. With their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint twist, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself. I invite you to try making these delightful cookies, as I’m sure they’ll bring warmth and joy to your home. So gather your loved ones, put on your aprons, and let’s create some sweet memories together!