Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

If you adore the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, then this Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth has been craving. These cookies strike a beautiful balance between fudgy, deep chocolate flavor and a cool, minty hint that dances on your palate. Soft in the center with just a slight crisp at the edges, each bite melts delightfully, enhanced by the crunchy peppermint chips and optionally some crushed candy cane topping for extra festive flare. This cookie is the ideal treat to brighten up cold days or to share with friends and family during the holidays or anytime you want a little chocolaty peppermint joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each item is crucial to delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and festive appearance. Every ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s the creamy butter for softness or the peppermint extract adding that signature cool twist.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups/156 g): Use spooned and leveled flour to ensure your cookies stay tender, not dry or dense.
• Dutch process cocoa powder (6 tbsps/30 g): Adds deep chocolaty richness and a velvety texture to the dough.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives the cookies just enough lift for a chewy bite.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works alongside the powder to help your cookies rise and brown beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup/168 g): Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth softness and rich flavor.
• Light brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup/165 g): Provides moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs so well with chocolate.
• Granulated white sugar (1/4 cup/50 g): Helps achieve a perfectly crisp edge without overpowering sweetness.
• Egg yolks (2, room temperature): Bring richness and help bind the dough for chewy, tender cookies.
• Peppermint extract (1 tsp): The star of the show, giving the cookies that unmistakable festive zing.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, complex undertones that complement both chocolate and peppermint.
• Peppermint chips (1/2 cup/100 g): Little bursts of minty sweetness that melt and crunch within every cookie.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/4 cup/50 g): Classic chocolate bites that balance the peppermint perfectly.
• Crushed candy canes for topping (2 tbsp, optional): Adds a lovely crunch and a festive touch of sweetness.

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your baking sheets and preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking while helping your cookies bake evenly and maintain their delicate texture.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed with an electric mixer for about two minutes, until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the dough, which helps create those delightful soft centers paired with slight crisp edges.

Step 3: Add egg yolks and extracts

Next, add the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste (or extract) to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed for another two minutes until the dough is pale and airy. These ingredients are vital to enhancing both the flavor and texture, with the egg yolks lending richness while the peppermint really starts to take shape.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix; the cookies will be tender but still hold their shape beautifully. Remember, measuring your flour properly is crucial to avoid a dry or crumbly result.

Step 5: Mix in the peppermint and chocolate chips

Fold in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips gently, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough without overworking it. These chips are what give the cookies those delightful pockets of melty chocolate and bursts of mint.

Step 6: Shape and arrange cookie dough balls

Using a scoop or your hands, form the dough into 18 evenly sized balls. Place them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking, ensuring they don’t merge into one giant cookie.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes depending on your preferred texture: 10 minutes for soft, chewy centers and 12 minutes for slightly crispier edges. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be utterly irresistible at this point.

Step 8: Cool and add toppings

Once baked, leave the cookies on the sheet for two minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack for about 10 minutes to cool completely. If you like, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top to add a festive crunch and extra burst of peppermint flavor before serving.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your cookie presentation by garnishing with additional crushed candy canes, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These small touches not only look stunning but also add layers of texture and flavor that elevate your serving experience.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, peppermint-infused tea, or freshly brewed coffee. The rich drinks complement the peppermint and chocolate beautifully, creating a cozy, indulgent snack or dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or stack them on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by candy canes and sprigs of fresh evergreen. Gift these treats in pretty cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons to spread the holiday cheer with friends and loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for enjoying without losing that just-baked quality.

Freezing

To keep your holiday bounty lasting longer, freeze the cookie dough balls individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies have chilled or lost a bit of their warmth, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and warmth, making each bite as lovely as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint chips in the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe already calls for peppermint extract to infuse the dough with mint flavor. Peppermint chips add an extra texture and burst of coolness, but if you don’t have them, increasing the peppermint extract slightly will still deliver that delightful peppermint note.

What is the best way to measure flour for these cookies?

It’s best to spoon the flour lightly into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly with the cup. This prevents packing too much flour into the cup, which can lead to dry, dense cookies rather than soft, chewy ones.

Can I substitute unsalted butter with salted butter?

You can, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.

How do I make the cookies chewier or crispier?

Baking time makes all the difference: bake for 10 minutes for chewier centers or closer to 12 minutes for crispier edges. Keep an eye on them the first time to find your perfect texture.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting during holidays?

Definitely! Their festive peppermint flavor and beautiful chocolate appearance make them a perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Wrapping them with festive ribbons or in holiday tins adds a lovely personal touch.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like making and sharing this Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe to bring warmth and joy into your home. Whether you’re baking for yourself or treating loved ones, these cookies combine the classic comfort of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist that feels like a festive hug in every bite. So, gather your ingredients and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!

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