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Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

These Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies combine rich cocoa flavors with the refreshing taste of peppermint in a soft, chewy cookie base. Topped with creamy peppermint frosting and garnished with crushed candy canes, they make a festive treat perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup salted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting

  • ½ cup salted butter (softened)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2½ to 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ⅓ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy, creamy, and well-combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly for a smooth texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time while mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix just until the batter is glossy and smooth without overmixing.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter gently to avoid overworking the dough, then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
  5. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Drop generous portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading during baking.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly, ensuring a soft and chewy texture. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make Peppermint Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth and silky.
  8. Add Sugar and Peppermint Extract: Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and minty. If the frosting is too soft for spreading, refrigerate it for 10 minutes to firm up.
  9. Frost and Garnish Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of the peppermint frosting on each cookie. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added festive crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth frosting.
  • Do not overbake the cookies; baking time is crucial for achieving a soft and chewy texture.
  • Crushed candy canes can be substituted with peppermint candies or omitted if desired.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and ensure cocoa powder and chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate cookies with frosting, peppermint frosting cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/easy-chocolate-peppermint-cookies-recipe/