If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that perfectly balances rich cocoa and refreshing mint, this Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender buttery dough infused with peppermint extract and coated in luscious dark and white chocolate, these cookies bring that magical holiday sparkle to your taste buds. They’re simple enough for even beginners to enjoy making, yet elegant enough to show off at any celebration. Prepare for a festive baking adventure that fills your kitchen with spicy, sweet, and minty aromas, and delivers deliciously festive bites everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and few, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect holiday cookie experience. From the creamy butter that ensures tender crumb to the peppermint extract that adds that unmistakable holiday brightness, every item is essential for balancing flavor and texture.
- 1 cup butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps create a slight crispiness on the edges as it bakes.
- 2 cups flour: The foundation that holds your cookies together with the perfect structure.
- ½ tsp peppermint extract: Gives that refreshing, festive kick reminiscent of holiday candies and cocoa.
- Chocolate coating: Use high-quality dark chocolate to create a glossy, deeply flavored dip for half the cookies.
- White chocolate coating: Sweet and creamy contrast to the dark chocolate, adding visual appeal and flavor balance.
How to Make Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Dough
Start by creaming your butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for achieving tender cookies with a delicate crumb. Then, gently fold in the flour and peppermint extract, making sure to not overmix, which keeps your cookies soft. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes; chilling firms up the dough for clean cookie shapes and richer flavor development.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then scoop or roll your dough into uniform pieces and place them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. Bake for roughly 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden, keeping the center tender and soft. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is absolutely irresistible and will have you eager for the next step.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate Coatings
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time for the magical finishing touch. Dip half of each cookie into the dark chocolate coating, letting the excess drip away before placing them on parchment paper. Then, do the same with the white chocolate for the other half. This dual coating not only looks festive but adds layers of sweetness and texture that perfectly complement the fresh peppermint essence in the cookie dough.
How to Serve Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed candy canes or finely chopped peppermint candy pieces over the chocolate coatings right after dipping for a little sparkle and crunch. For a touch of elegance, add a light dusting of edible glitter or sea salt—both elevate the flavors and presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa, spiced tea, or a peppermint latte to amplify those holiday flavors. They also shine alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert plate that feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on festive platters lined with holiday-themed napkins or scatter some fresh evergreen sprigs around for that winter wonderland effect. Tie stacks of cookies with ribbon for charming edible gifts, or place them in clear jars adorned with twine and peppermint sticks to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separating layers with parchment paper helps prevent the chocolate coatings from sticking together or smudging.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these festive treats well in advance, freezing is a great option. Place the uncoated baked cookies in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once firm. Add the chocolate coating after thawing to maintain that perfect glossy finish.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, briefly microwave them for 5-7 seconds. This softens the chocolate just enough without melting it completely, giving a cozy, fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint?
Fresh mint usually doesn’t work well in cookie dough because it lacks the concentrated flavor and can add moisture, which might alter the texture. Peppermint extract is your best bet for delivering that clean, bold mint flavor in this recipe.
What kind of chocolate is best for the coatings?
High-quality dark chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa content offers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cookie, while creamy white chocolate brings out a gentle sweetness. Use couverture or baking chocolate for ease of melting and coating.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The peppermint and chocolate coatings remain the same, so you won’t lose any of the festive flavors.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, and up to one month in the freezer if uncoated. The chocolate coatings keep them extra special and help preserve moisture.
Is there an alternative to dipping the cookies?
If dipping seems a bit tricky, consider drizzling the melted chocolates over the cooled cookies instead. This method saves time and still adds that beautiful chocolate touch with a modern twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful bakes that instantly warms your heart and home. Whether sharing with family, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies make the holiday season a little sweeter and more magical. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience all the festive flavors coming together in every bite—happy baking!
Print
Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate and Peppermint Holiday Cookies are a festive treat combining classic buttery sugar cookies with refreshing peppermint flavor. After baking golden cookies, each is dipped half in rich dark chocolate and half in creamy white chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors and a visually appealing holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Chocolate Coating
- Dark chocolate, for dipping (about 1 cup, chopped or chips)
- White chocolate, for dipping (about 1 cup, chopped or chips)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and peppermint extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Shape and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls or desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before dipping in chocolate.
- Dip in chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in a microwave, stirring frequently. Repeat separately with white chocolate. Dip half of each cookie in dark chocolate, and the other half in white chocolate. Place them on parchment paper to set.
- Set the chocolate: Allow the chocolate coating to fully harden at room temperature or place in the refrigerator for faster setting before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use unsalted butter to control saltiness.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before dipping to prevent melting chocolate from sliding off.
- You can decorate dipped cookies with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles for extra festive flair.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer stronger peppermint flavor, add up to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, but add cautiously to avoid overpowering the dough.
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