Description of this Recipe:
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Rich, fudgy chocolate cookies infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor, topped with a decadent peppermint-infused chocolate ganache and a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies – they’re a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the spirit of the season. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing to holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a labor of love that yields impressive results. You’ll love them because:
- The Perfect Balance of Flavors: The deep, dark cocoa flavor is beautifully balanced by the bright, refreshing peppermint. The sweetness is just right, preventing the richness from being overwhelming.
- The Texture is Divine: Soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges, these cookies offer a satisfying textural experience. The crushed peppermint candies add a delightful crunch.
- They’re Festive and Beautiful: The vibrant red and white of the crushed peppermint candies against the dark chocolate backdrop makes these cookies visually appealing, perfect for holiday gifting or displaying on a dessert platter.
- They’re Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these cookies are quite simple to make, even for beginner bakers. The ganache is a breeze to whip up in the microwave.
- The Peppermint Ganache is Next Level: It takes these cookies from simple to extraordinary. It adds an extra layer of richness and peppermint flavor that elevates the entire experience.
Ingredients:
- Ingredients (Cookies):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup crushed peppermint candies
- Ingredients (Ganache):
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking and preventing the cookies from spreading too thin. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps to promote even browning on the bottom of the cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these ingredients together using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy, indicating that the sugar has dissolved and air has been incorporated. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Peppermint Extract
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter. Then, add the peppermint extract. The peppermint extract adds a distinct and refreshing peppermint flavor that complements the rich chocolate. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
Step 5: Add Crushed Peppermint Candies
Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies. These candies add a festive touch, a burst of peppermint flavor, and a delightful crunch. Reserve a few extra crushed peppermints for topping the cookies after they’re baked.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a medium (2 Tbsp. #40 size) cookie scoop to drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookies.
Step 7: Make the Ganache
While the cookies are baking, prepare the ganache. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract. This adds an extra layer of peppermint flavor to the ganache, complementing the cookies perfectly.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookies
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a small dish or the back of a spoon to create a shallow indent in the center of each cookie. This will provide a well for the ganache to sit in. Add a spoonful of ganache to each indent and immediately sprinkle with the reserved crushed peppermint candies.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set up slightly and prevents them from breaking.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa.
- Package them in festive tins or bags for holiday gifting.
- Serve them as part of a dessert platter at your next holiday party.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as this will make them dry.
- If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use a few drops of peppermint oil, but be very careful not to use too much, as it is very potent.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil to the cookie dough.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk in the ganache, but the ganache will be less rich.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips in the ganache, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
32 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion:
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with Peppermint Ganache are a festive and delicious treat that are perfect for the holiday season. The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and a decadent ganache makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday cheer!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter. However, you’ll need to add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to compensate for the lack of salt in the butter.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. However, the texture and flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can customize these cookies by adding other ingredients to the cookie dough, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chunks, or dried cranberries.
Q5: What if I don’t have a microwave? Can I still make the ganache?
A: Absolutely! You can easily make the ganache on the stovetop. Simply combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Then, remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract.
