Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa!
Ingredients List
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (90g) crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes)
For the Topping (optional):
- Additional crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Timing
Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies is quick and easy! Here’s a breakdown of the timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
Step 2: Chill the Dough (Optional)
- Chill: For better texture and flavor, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional)
- Melt White Chocolate: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle: Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top while the white chocolate is still warm.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per cookie (based on a recipe yielding about 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Peppermint: For the best flavor, use fresh peppermint extract and high-quality chocolate chips.
- Do Not Overbake: Cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so take them out when they are just set.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your preference for mint flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves texture.
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint twist, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will provide a richer flavor that pairs well with the peppermint.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for a fun, holiday touch.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time:
14 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
26 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (90g) crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes)
- For the Topping (optional):
- Additional crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough (Optional)
- Chill: For better texture and flavor, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 4: Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional)
- Melt White Chocolate: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle: Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
