Name: Delicious Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp peppermint extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Introduction and Quick Summary

Are you ready to warm up your holiday season with a delightful treat? Look no further than peppermint hot chocolate cookies! These scrumptious cookies combine the rich taste of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or as a festive gift for friends and family, this recipe will surely be a hit at your next gathering. The blend of sweet chocolate and minty freshness creates an irresistible flavor combination that embodies the spirit of the holidays.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is easy to follow and yields mouthwatering results. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these delectable treats ready in no time. Imagine biting into a soft cookie that melts in your mouth while the delightful taste of peppermint dances on your tongue. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!

In this article, we’ll provide you with all the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of peppermint hot chocolate cookies. We’ll also share some serving suggestions and storage tips to help you enjoy these treats even longer. Gather your baking supplies, and let’s get started on this delicious adventure!

Main Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour serves as the foundation for our peppermint hot chocolate cookies. This versatile ingredient gives structure to the cookie while ensuring it maintains a soft texture. For this recipe, you’ll need two cups of all-purpose flour. Be sure to measure it accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for precise measurements.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolaty flavor to our cookies without making them overly sweet. Use half a cup of high-quality cocoa powder for best results. It’s essential to choose unsweetened cocoa powder rather than sweetened varieties, as we will add sugar separately for sweetness.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar provides sweetness to our dough while helping our cookies achieve that coveted chewy texture. For this recipe, you will require one cup of granulated sugar. This ingredient not only enhances flavor but also contributes to browning during baking.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor due to its molasses content. For our cookie recipe, use three-quarters of a cup of packed brown sugar. This ingredient helps create chewy centers while providing that delicious caramel-like taste.

Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter is crucial for achieving the right texture in our cookies. You’ll need one cup (two sticks) of softened unsalted butter for this recipe. Make sure it’s at room temperature so that it blends smoothly with the sugars for an even consistency.

Large Eggs

Eggs act as binding agents in our cookie dough while adding moisture and richness. For this recipe, use two large eggs at room temperature for optimal mixing. They work together with other ingredients to create that perfect cookie texture.

Peppermint Extract

Peppermint extract is what gives these cookies their signature flavor! Use one teaspoon of pure peppermint extract for an invigorating burst of minty goodness that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide indulgence in every bite! Use one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips folded into the dough just before baking for a delightful melted chocolate experience.

Crushed Candy Canes

For an extra touch of holiday cheer, crushed candy canes are sprinkled on top before serving! Crush about half a cup and mix them into the batter or use them as decoration after baking for added crunch and festive flair.

How to Prepare Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even baking throughout your cookie batch. While waiting for the oven to reach temperature, gather all your ingredients on a clean workspace so everything is within reach when you start mixing.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy after baking your delicious treats! If you don’t have parchment paper or mats available, simply grease the sheets lightly with cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial because it helps distribute leavening agents evenly throughout the flour mixture—ensuring consistent results once baked!

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it! Scrape down the sides occasionally with a spatula so everything gets mixed thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Eggs & Extract

Once creamy consistency is achieved from creaming butter/sugars together add in both large eggs one at a time; beat well after each addition until fully incorporated into mixture along with pure peppermint extract which adds that signature minty flavor!

Step 6: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Gradually add in dry ingredients mixture from step three into wet ingredients mixture from step four—mixing slowly until just combined (be careful not overmix!). At this point fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into dough gently using spatula until evenly distributed throughout batter!

Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough

Using either cookie scoop (or tablespoon), portion out equal amounts onto prepared baking sheets leaving enough space between each ball—about 2 inches apart—to allow spreading during baking process!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place trays into preheated oven (350°F/175°C) & bake for around 10-12 minutes or until edges appear set but centers remain soft—don’t worry if they seem underbaked because they will continue cooking slightly once removed from heat!

Step 9: Cool & Garnish

After baking time has elapsed remove trays from oven & allow cooling on racks set aside (this lets steam escape helping maintain chewy center). While still warm sprinkle crushed candy canes atop freshly baked cookies as desired adding festive touch before serving!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

These delightful peppermint hot chocolate cookies are perfect served warm right out of the oven alongside glasses filled with cold milk or steaming cups filled with hot cocoa! For an extra special touch during gatherings consider placing them on decorative platters garnished with additional crushed candy canes around edges creating beautiful presentation sure impress guests at any holiday celebration!

Storing Your Cookies

To store leftover peppermint hot chocolate cookies simply place them in an airtight container once cooled completely—this helps keep moisture locked inside preventing them from drying out too quickly! They can last up to one week stored properly at room temperature; however if storing longer than that consider freezing them instead by placing individual portions inside freezer bags which keeps their freshness intact while extending shelf life significantly allowing enjoyment later when cravings strike!

With these simple steps followed closely along side clear serving/storage guidelines you’re bound make batch irresistible treats everyone loves celebrating season together embracing joy warmth found through sharing delicious baked goods filled love care!

Mistakes to avoid

When making peppermint hot chocolate cookies, several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

One major mistake is using stale ingredients. Freshness is key for any baking recipe, especially for the cocoa powder and peppermint extract. Stale cocoa can result in a lackluster flavor, while old peppermint extract might not provide the vibrant taste you’re aiming for. Always check expiration dates and consider buying smaller quantities if you don’t bake often.

Another frequent error is not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight discrepancies in measurements can throw off your cookie dough’s consistency. Use kitchen scales for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet components to ensure precision. If you’re unsure, look up conversion charts or use measuring spoons instead of guessing.

Additionally, overmixing the dough is a common pitfall. When you mix the ingredients too much, your cookies can turn out tough rather than soft and chewy. Mix until just combined; this way, the cookies will retain their desirable texture.

Lastly, failing to chill the dough can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Chilling allows the fats to firm up, giving you thicker cookies with a better shape. Allow your dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Tips and tricks

Creating perfect peppermint hot chocolate cookies involves some useful tips that can enhance your baking experience.

First, consider incorporating high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips into your recipe. The flavor of these ingredients directly impacts your final product. Look for Dutch-processed cocoa for a rich taste or opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt beautifully in each bite.

Another tip involves using room temperature butter instead of cold butter. This helps achieve a smoother batter and ensures better incorporation of sugar into the butter. Softened butter also aids in creating a lighter texture in your cookies.

Don’t forget about adding sea salt to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate and peppermint flavors. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking takes the flavor profile up a notch, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Make sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking without burnt bottoms or edges. These surfaces help create a barrier between the cookies and direct heat from the pan.

Lastly, keep an eye on baking times and temperatures. Every oven is different; what works perfectly in one might not be ideal in another. Start checking your cookies a few minutes before they are expected to be done to prevent over-baking.

Suggestions for peppermint hot chocolate cookies

For delicious peppermint hot chocolate cookies, certain suggestions can elevate your baking game.

Start by adding crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces into your dough for added texture and flavor bursts throughout each cookie. Not only do they provide visual appeal, but they also amplify that festive peppermint kick you want with every bite.

Consider experimenting with different types of chocolate chips as well. Try mixing dark chocolate with white chocolate chips to create an appealing contrast both visually and taste-wise. This combination enhances the overall flavor profile while providing delightful textures within each cookie.

Another suggestion is to drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies as an additional decorative touch. Use either milk or dark chocolate based on personal preference; this extra layer adds richness while making them look irresistible.

You might also want to try stuffing them with marshmallows before sealing up individual portions of dough—this creates delightful melty surprises inside each cookie once baked! It adds fun elements that surprise everyone who bites into them!

Lastly, consider pairing these cookies with warm milk or hot cocoa when serving them at gatherings or holiday parties; it makes for an inviting treat combining both flavors seamlessly!

FAQs

What are peppermint hot chocolate cookies?

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies are delicious treats that combine rich cocoa flavors with refreshing peppermint essence. They offer a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies by incorporating elements commonly found in hot cocoa drinks such as marshmallows or crushed candy canes mixed right into the dough! The result is soft yet chewy delights full of wintery charm perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home enjoying seasonal treats!

How do I store leftover peppermint hot chocolate cookies?

To store leftover peppermint hot chocolate cookies effectively, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking together over time! Ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up; otherwise condensation could lead them becoming soggy! For longer storage options like freezing—wrap individual portions tightly using plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil—this keeps freshness intact up until three months later when you’re ready for another indulgence!

Can I make peppermint hot chocolate cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe into gluten-free versions by swapping regular flour out with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends specifically designed for baked goods! Be sure also check labels ensuring no hidden gluten ingredients exist within other components used here (like chocolates). With proper substitutions made—rest assured those festive flavors still shine through without compromising taste!

How long does it take to prepare these cookies?

Preparation time averages around fifteen minutes depending on how quickly you measure out ingredients plus any additional steps like chilling dough if required afterward before rolling balls onto baking sheets! The actual bake time typically falls between eight-ten minutes per batch allowing ample opportunity during preparation period where you could multitask prepping other aspects surrounding cooking session(s)!

Can I add nuts to my peppermint hot chocolate cookie recipe?

Absolutely! Adding nuts such as finely chopped walnuts or pecans introduces extra crunchiness alongside wonderful nutty flavors complementing existing sweetness found within cookie itself beautifully! Just remember not everyone loves nuts so consider whom you’re serving these treats when deciding whether inclusion would enhance overall experience versus detracting from joy enjoyed by others indulging alongside yourself!

What drinks pair well with peppermint hot chocolate cookies?

Peppermint tea elevates this festive treat perfectly thanks its complementary minty undertones harmonizing alongside richness provided by cocoa flavors present within each bite! Additionally serving warm milk (or variations like almond/oat milks) provides soothing accompaniment alongside those deliciously soft-chewy delights bringing warmth while indulging together during colder months ahead!

Conclusion

In conclusion, making perfect peppermint hot chocolate cookies requires attention to detail and avoiding common mistakes such as using stale ingredients and incorrect measurements. By implementing helpful tips like using quality cocoa powder and keeping butter at room temperature, you enhance flavor significantly while ensuring optimal texture throughout every bite.

Consider experimenting with fun additions like crushed candy canes or drizzled melted chocolates which transform ordinary treats into showstoppers worthy of any holiday gathering! Remember that storing leftovers properly will prolong their freshness so you can enjoy them longer after initial baking session concludes!

Whether sharing these delightful creations with family during festivities or simply indulging solo on chilly evenings—they’re bound to bring smiles all around thanks incredible blend sweet cocoa paired perfectly refreshing hint minty goodness present within every delectable morsel baked fresh straight from oven! Enjoy making memories alongside scrumptious experiences crafted right at home today!