Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies – A Festive Delight for Your Taste Buds

When it comes to holiday treats, few things beat the combination of chocolate and peppermint. These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, with rich chocolate flavor, a hint of peppermint, and a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for the holiday season or anytime you want a little sweet treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite!

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself to something special, these cookies are the perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and minty freshness. Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your kitchen smell like Christmas and your taste buds sing! 🎅🍫🎄

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Why You’ll Love These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 🎉

✔️ Rich & Decadent: A perfect combination of double chocolate and peppermint.

✔️ Soft & Chewy: The perfect texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

✔️ Holiday Vibes: The peppermint gives these cookies that festive touch, making them ideal for Christmas or New Year’s.

✔️ Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are a breeze to whip up.

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Key Ingredients for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 🛒

To make these irresistible cookies, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to bring these delicious treats to life:

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🧁
• ½ teaspoon baking soda 🥄
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 🟫
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 🍨
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 🍃
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes 🍬

For the Peppermint Drizzle (Optional, but Recommended!):

• ½ cup powdered sugar 🍭
• 1 tablespoon milk 🥛
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract 🍃
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips (for melting) 🍫

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 🍪

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Ingredients 🔥

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.

2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar 🍯

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

2️⃣ Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3️⃣ Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract to give your dough that refreshing holiday flavor.

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Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients 🥄

1️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it could affect the texture of your cookies.

2️⃣ Once the dough is formed, fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. This will give your cookies a delicious crunch and a burst of minty flavor.

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Step 4: Scoop & Bake the Cookies 🍪

1️⃣ Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.

2️⃣ Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are firm, but the centers are soft.

3️⃣ Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 5: Prepare the Peppermint Drizzle (Optional) 🎨

1️⃣ While your cookies are cooling, prepare the peppermint drizzle by melting the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

2️⃣ Stir in the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.

3️⃣ Drizzle the peppermint glaze over your cooled cookies with a spoon or a piping bag.

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Serving Suggestions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 🍽️

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are some ideas for serving:

🍪 Holiday Cookie Platters: Add these double chocolate peppermint cookies to your holiday cookie platters alongside other treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread.

🍦 With Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cookies for a delicious sandwich treat.

☕ Pair with Hot Chocolate or Coffee: These cookies go perfectly with a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk!

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Storage & Reheating for Maximum Freshness 🧊

Storing Leftover Cookies:

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap cookies in plastic wrap or place them in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To enjoy a warm cookie, simply pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

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FAQs About Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies ❓

1️⃣ Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough and bake when ready.

2️⃣ Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet?

Definitely! Dark chocolate will give your cookies a richer, slightly less sweet flavor, which can complement the peppermint beautifully.

3️⃣ How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4️⃣ How Do I Prevent the Peppermint Drizzle from Hardening Too Much?

Make sure you add enough milk to the drizzle mixture to maintain a smooth consistency. If it becomes too thick, just add a splash more milk until it reaches the desired texture.

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Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 💡

1️⃣ Don’t Overbake: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, be sure to remove them from the oven while they’re still a little soft in the center. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

2️⃣ Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best results, use room temperature butter to create that creamy, smooth dough that holds its shape well while baking.

3️⃣ Chill the Dough: If you’re in a rush, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and ensures thicker cookies.

4️⃣ Add More Peppermint: If you’re a big fan of peppermint, consider adding a few extra crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

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Conclusion: A Sweet Holiday Treat for All 🎄

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-try this holiday season or anytime you crave a festive, minty chocolate treat. With a rich chocolate base, crunchy peppermint bits, and a sweet glaze, each bite is packed with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting a batch, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone who tries them.

Happy baking, and enjoy your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! 🍪🎅