Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies 🍪🍬– Festive & Delicious 🎄
These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for any holiday occasion. With chunks of rich chocolate and a hint of refreshing peppermint, these cookies capture the spirit of the season. Delightfully easy to make, they are sure to become a favorite in your holiday cookie repertoire.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $$
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also bring a festive flair to any holiday gathering. The combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint is both comforting and invigorating, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Perfect for cookie exchanges, homemade gifts, or simply enjoying by the fireplace, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions.
Context/Background
Peppermint and chocolate are classic holiday flavors that have been cherished for generations. This recipe combines the two in a delightful cookie form that highlights both sweetness and freshness. The tradition of baking peppermint-flavored treats dates back to the invention of peppermint candies, which were originally used as a breath freshener. Over time, these candies found their way into all sorts of holiday baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted butter instead of softened: Melted butter can lead to flat cookies.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill ensures the cookies hold their shape.
- Overbaking: These cookies should have a chewy texture; remove them from the oven when the edges are just browned.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Crushing peppermint candies finely helps distribute the flavor evenly across cookies.
- Consider pressing a few extra chocolate chunks on top of the cookies before baking for an appealing presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use white chocolate chunks for a sweeter twist.
- Substitute crushed candy canes for peppermint candies.
- Add a dash of espresso powder to heighten the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For an extra treat, sandwich a scoop of peppermint ice cream between two cookies.
Storage and Leftovers
Store your Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to two months.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
The Recipe
Serves: 24
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
- Mix in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- Ensure butter is thoroughly softened for easy mixing.
- Consider using silicone baking mats for even heat distribution.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #PeppermintChocolateCookies on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- What can I use instead of peppermint extract? Use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.