These delightful Chocolate Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies are the perfect festive treat to brighten up your holiday season. With a rich chocolate base and a creamy peppermint frosting, these cookies are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. The combination of chocolate and mint creates a classic pairing that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays, bringing together the nostalgic flavors of chocolate and peppermint in a fun and whimsical way. The cookies are easy to make, and the decorative element of the red gel food coloring adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones. Plus, they can be stored for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead option for your holiday baking.
Introduction
As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with the scent of baking and the joy of sharing delicious treats with family and friends. One of the most cherished traditions during this time is baking cookies. This recipe for Chocolate Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies combines the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating a delightful dessert that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (170 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (56 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (340 grams)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (170 grams)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand-held mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is pale and creamy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out rounded portions of the cookie dough and place them on the prepared sheet pan, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the surfaces are cracked and the edges appear dry. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting Note:
To make the frosting, beat together the sifted powdered sugar, unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, heavy whipping cream, and peppermint extract on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and creamy.
Suggestions for Presentation:
To create a festive look, use a clean paintbrush to apply red gel food coloring in vertical lines up the sides of a large piping bag fitted with either a plain or star tip. Once the bag is prepared, fill it with the peppermint frosting. Pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the bottom of one cooled chocolate cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the frosting before placing the second cookie on top. Serve these cookies on a decorative platter, or package them in a festive tin for gift-giving.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
- Sifting the powdered sugar helps to avoid lumps in the frosting, resulting in a smoother texture.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract in the frosting.
- Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their freshness.
Time Details:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information (per cookie, makes about 24 cookies):
Calories: 432kcal, Carbohydrates: 61g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 75mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 92mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 44g, Vitamin A: 643IU, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 2mg
Conclusion
These Chocolate Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with the refreshing taste of peppermint makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you are baking them for a festive gathering or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Try making them this year and share the love of baking with your family and friends!
Questions and Answers
1. Can I use a different type of extract instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute the peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or almond for a different taste.
2. How can I store these cookies?
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. You can also freeze the unfilled cookies for longer storage.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
4. What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Can I decorate these cookies with additional toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or festive sprinkles on top of the frosting for added decoration.
