Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint, especially during the festive season. These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that will fill your home with the warm aroma of baking and the sweet, refreshing scent of peppermint. With their gooey chocolate chips and the crunch of crushed peppermint candies, each bite offers a wonderful burst of flavor that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to delight!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until fully blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want tender cookies.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkling some additional crushed peppermint on top. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. These cookies also make a delightful gift, especially when packaged in a decorative tin!
Cooking Techniques
When baking, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Using room temperature butter will help in achieving the desired fluffiness when creaming it with the sugars. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for extra texture!
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply drop the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just tasty treats but also a wonderful way to create cherished memories during the holiday season. With their rich flavors and eye-catching appearance, they’re bound to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays!