Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Festive Treat in 1 Bowl
Soft-centered cookies blend deep cocoa and refreshing mint for an unforgettable treat.
Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
If you crave rich chocolate flavors with a cool peppermint twist, these Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are your ultimate festive companion. Inspired by traditional holiday baking yet simplified for easy, everyday indulgence, this recipe delivers bold flavor, perfect texture, and minimal mess—making it a standout addition for cookie platters, parties, or quiet winter nights by the fireplace.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big chocolate flavor: Deep cocoa and plenty of chocolate chips for a decadent bite in every cookie.
- Peppermint perfection: Just the right hint of natural peppermint for a refreshing, festive note.
- Quick and easy: 30 minutes from start to finish, with all mixing done in one bowl.
- Minimal cleanup: No need for multiple bowls or fancy equipment—simplicity is part of the joy.
- Holiday-ready: An ideal treat for cookie exchanges, Santa’s plate, or home-baked gifts.
- Classic yet creative: An approachable, crowd-pleasing cookie that captures the magic of the season.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The combination of chocolate and mint is a classic during winter, evoking nostalgia, warmth, and memories of holiday festivities. The recipe developed from a craving for peppermint treats that would satisfy both traditionalists and those seeking something just a bit special. Drawing from a family history of expert bakers—grandmothers proficient in brittle, aunts known for their pies, and a mother who mastered peanut butter blossoms—this cookie is designed to evoke those cherished moments of baking together during the festive season.
Originally, the idea was to create a simpler version of a complicated treat without sacrificing texture or flavor. The result is a chewy, soft-centered, crispy-edged cookie layered with chocolate and finished with just enough peppermint to feel like the holidays.
Essential Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps lock in moisture for chewiness.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Peppermint extract: Delivers bright, clean mint flavor. Natural extract is preferred for the most authentic result.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, ensuring a chewy yet soft structure.
- Cocoa powder: For that deep, fudgy chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Double the chocolate, double the joy—chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets.
- Leavening (baking soda, salt): Ensures proper rise and offsets the sweetness.
Optional Ingredients and Variations
- Candy cane pieces or peppermint candies for extra crunch and color.
- White chocolate chips as a sweeter contrast.
- Gluten-free flour blends for dietary adaptations.
- Replace butter with vegan substitutes and use flax egg for a vegan version.
Quick Recipe Overview
This recipe was designed with time-saving and ease in mind, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Here’s what you can expect from prep to plate:
- Prep time: 30 minutes or less
- The entire recipe is assembled in one bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or a sturdy spatula) to cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Peppermint: Blend in a large egg and peppermint extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Stir in the Dry Ingredients: Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips (and, if desired, crushed peppermint candies or white chocolate chips).
- Shape and Bake: Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough, rolling gently and placing them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake: Bake until edges begin to crisp but centers remain soft—typically 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Do not overbake for best chewiness.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool for a few minutes on the tray, then move to a rack. Enjoy warm, or let cool completely for a firmer bite.
What others are reading
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cookies
- Butter temperature: Start with softened, not melted, butter for best creaming and optimal texture.
- Peppermint extract: Use natural extract—peppermint oil can be overpowering, so measure carefully.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough; mix until just combined.
- Batch baking: Bake one tray at a time for the most even results, and rotate the tray halfway through bake time.
- Chill for thicker cookies: If a thicker, bakery-style cookie is desired, briefly chill dough (15-20 minutes) before scooping and baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic with milk: Enjoy warm or chilled, dipped in cold milk—similar to Thin Mints.
- With hot cocoa: The ultimate winter pairing—chewy, chocolatey cookie meets creamy cocoa.
- Crumbled in desserts: Sprinkle over vanilla or mint milkshakes, ice cream, or use as a base for festive dessert bars.
- Gift giving: Stack in a clear bag or festive tin for a home-baked holiday treat.
Nutritional Information
These cookies offer a comforting treat perfect for special occasions. For those with dietary concerns, note that the recipe relies on wheat flour, dairy butter, and egg but can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets with proper substitutions. Here’s a rough nutritional estimate per cookie (varies with portion size and exact ingredients):
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-140 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
*Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on your specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.*
Holiday Baking Traditions and Family Memories
Holiday baking isn’t just about the treats—it’s about the memories made in the kitchen. From learning the art of peanut brittle with Grandma Sally to sharing late-night oven-side chats with a parent, the process brings generations together. While these Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are modern in simplicity, they honor the traditions of home kitchens everywhere, where favorite recipes, laughter, and sweet aromas mingle to create a true sense of belonging. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging a personal craving, let these cookies remind you of the joy in every shared bite.
Recipe Card: Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Yield: 15–20 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon natural peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and peppermint extract. Beat until emulsified and smooth.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently to combine—do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips and optional crushed candy cane pieces.
- Scoop 1.5-tablespoon balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just set but centers remain soft. Cookies will firm as they cool.
- Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Storage and Freezing
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw at room temperature.
- Dough balls can be prepped ahead and frozen—simply add 1–2 minutes to bake time.
Ways to Customize Your Cookies
- For extra decadence: Drizzle with melted chocolate or dip half the cookie in chocolate after baking.
- Festive flair: Roll dough balls in holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes before baking.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- For a vegan version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg replacement. Choose vegan chocolate chips.
- Marbled look: Swirl a bit of white chocolate or extra cocoa dough for visual appeal.
Pairing Ideas
- Serve on a dessert board with truffles and marshmallows for gatherings.
- Crush and fold into homemade ice cream for a specialty flavor.
- Gift alongside a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
A: Peppermint extract has a crisper, more refreshing taste than general mint extract, which may taste more herbal. For the authentic holiday flavor, peppermint extract is best, but mint extract may be used in a pinch.
Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other additions are wheat-free.
Q: Can I double the chocolate?
A: Absolutely. Increase chocolate chips or use a blend of semi-sweet and dark chocolate for a richer bite.
Q: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for several weeks. Bake straight from chilled for slightly thicker cookies.
Q: Should I chill the dough?
A: Chilling is optional—bake immediately for thinner, crispier cookies or chill for thicker, chewier results.
Join the Holiday Baking Tradition
These chewy double chocolate peppermint cookies offer the flavor of tradition packaged in a modern, fuss-free format. Bring family and friends together, fill your kitchen with cheer, and enjoy the delicious results. For more inspiration, consider exploring related recipes such as peppermint mocha frappes and other chocolate-mint delights—the minimalist approach makes every treat achievable, delicious, and festive. Happy baking!
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWGSIirVZRs
- https://minimalistbaker.com/chewy-double-chocolate-peppermint-cookies/
- https://minimalistbaker.com/search/chewy+double+chocolate+peppermint+cookies/feed/rss2/
- https://minimalistbaker.com/tag/peppermint/page/2/
- https://minimalistbaker.com/the-ultimate-cookie-recipes-round-up/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
