Description of this recipe: These gluten-free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a rich, chocolatey, and minty indulgence. The combination of intense cocoa flavor, refreshing peppermint, and a delightful crinkled appearance makes them an instant crowd-pleaser. These cookies are not only gluten-free but also boast a soft, chewy interior and a slightly crisp exterior, creating a textural symphony in every bite. The powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast, enhancing the overall appeal.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste or texture. These cookies are made with a carefully selected gluten-free flour blend that mimics the qualities of traditional wheat flour, ensuring a delightful baking experience and an equally satisfying result.
- Intense Chocolate Flavor: The generous amount of unsweetened cocoa powder delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor that is both satisfying and decadent. The cocoa powder is the star of the show, providing a robust foundation for the other flavors to shine.
- Refreshing Peppermint Twist: The addition of peppermint extract provides a refreshing and invigorating twist, complementing the chocolate beautifully. Peppermint and chocolate is a classic combination, and this recipe captures the essence of that pairing perfectly. The peppermint adds a coolness and brightness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
- Perfect Crinkle Effect: The signature crinkled appearance, achieved through a generous coating of powdered sugar, adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal to these cookies. The contrast between the dark chocolate cookie and the white powdered sugar creates a stunning effect that is sure to impress. The crinkles also add to the textural experience, providing a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy interior.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The recipe is straightforward and simple to follow, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. With a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these delectable cookies that are sure to be a hit.
- Festive and Fun: These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa on a cozy night in. Their festive flavors and charming appearance make them a welcome addition to any celebration. They are also a great option for gifting to friends and family, spreading holiday cheer with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cup gluten free flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 1 ⅓ cups cane sugar or white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- Optional – crushed candy cane pieces
Preparation:
- Step 1: In a medium size bowl, combine the gluten free flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well combined. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent texture. The baking powder helps the cookies rise and create their signature crinkled appearance.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl or stand mixer, mix together the olive oil and sugar until well combined. This creates a smooth and emulsified base for the wet ingredients. Olive oil adds moisture and a subtle richness to the cookies, while the sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
- Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, following with the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The peppermint extract adds a refreshing and invigorating twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir to combine. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated, leaving no streaks of flour.
- Step 5: Chill the dough for at least 3 hours (or overnight). This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for developing the signature crinkled appearance. Chilling allows the fats to solidify, which helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Instructions:
- Once the dough is chilled, preheat oven to 350F (175C). Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Place powdered sugar in a separate bowl. The powdered sugar is essential for creating the signature crinkled appearance. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the cookie dough and allow for easy coating.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough directly into the powdered sugar bowl. Shake the bowl around to coat the cookie dough liberally with the powdered sugar mixture. Avoiding touching the dough as best you can (this is to ensure it gives the full crinkle effect). Use spoons to help you shape your cookies. Coating the cookie dough generously with powdered sugar is key to achieving the desired crinkled effect.
- Place cookies on baking sheet and bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes and let them cool to room temperature on the pan. Do not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Transfer the cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from becoming soggy and allows them to maintain their texture.
COOKING Rating:
- Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve them as part of a holiday dessert platter or cookie exchange.
- Package them up in a festive tin and gift them to friends and family.
- Pair them with a warm beverage for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips:
- Use high-quality gluten-free flour for the best results. A blend specifically designed for baking will yield the most tender and flavorful cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 3 hours (or overnight). This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for developing the signature crinkled appearance.
- Coat the cookie dough generously with powdered sugar. This is key to achieving the desired crinkled effect.
- Do not overbake the cookies. The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10-13 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per cookie) Calories: 150 Protein: 2g Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion:
These Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that is sure to impress. Their combination of rich chocolate flavor, refreshing peppermint, and charming crinkled appearance makes them a perfect addition to any holiday celebration or a simple way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The fact that they are gluten-free means that everyone can enjoy them, making them a truly inclusive and crowd-pleasing dessert. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies that are guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to the faces of those who savor them. These cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an experience, a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. So, embrace the spirit of baking and create memories that will last a lifetime with these Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
- While you can technically substitute regular flour for gluten-free flour, the results will vary. Gluten-free flour blends are specifically designed to mimic the properties of wheat flour in baking, providing structure and binding. If you use regular flour, the cookies may be chewier and less tender. You may also need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the desired consistency.
- Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
- Yes, you can substitute olive oil with another neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil. The type of oil you use will affect the flavor and texture of the cookies, so choose one that you enjoy. Olive oil adds a subtle richness and a slightly fruity flavor, while other oils will provide a more neutral taste.
- Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
- Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the chocolate flavor of these cookies. You can use any type of chocolate chips you like, such as semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. Fold the chocolate chips into the dough after adding the dry ingredients.
- Why do I need to chill the dough?
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for developing the signature crinkled appearance. Chilling allows the fats to solidify, which helps the cookies maintain their shape. It also allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- How do I store these cookies?
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can add a slice of bread to the container to absorb any excess moisture. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
