Introduction to Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with joy, laughter, and the sweet aroma of baking. If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for that perfect festive treat. Enter the Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, a Christmas must-have that combines rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a quick solution for busy days filled with holiday chaos. Imagine surprising your loved ones with these delightful bites, bringing smiles and warmth to your gatherings. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a holiday dream come true! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy moms and professionals like us. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of soft, chewy cookies that burst with festive flavor. Plus, the delightful peppermint twist adds a refreshing touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, these cookies will become a cherished holiday tradition!
Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of any cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave during the holidays.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve that lovely crinkle effect.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making the cookies extra chewy.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and tender, ensuring they melt in your mouth.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Peppermint extract: This is the star of the show, giving your cookies that refreshing holiday twist.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise, creating that perfect soft center.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies, it gives them that snowy, festive look.
For those who want to experiment, you can increase the peppermint extract for a stronger flavor. If you’re out of vegetable oil, melted coconut oil works just as well. Don’t worry; all the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and use!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is important because it helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring that every cookie rises beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to get those chocolatey aromas wafting through your kitchen!
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture should be glossy and inviting, like a warm hug on a chilly day. The peppermint extract is what makes these cookies a true holiday treat!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine them just until you see no more flour. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential because it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape. Plus, it helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer taste. While you wait, you can sip on some hot cocoa—just a thought!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for this—it makes the process quick and easy! Make sure to roll them gently; you want them to be smooth and round. This step is where the magic begins, as you can already imagine how delicious they’ll be!
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Next, roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This not only gives them that beautiful snowy appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness. Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar; it’s what makes these cookies look festive and inviting!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft. This is the perfect time to take a deep breath and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time allows them to firm up a bit. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! Enjoy these delightful Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies with family and friends, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key for texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different.
- For extra flavor, try adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl if needed.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork works in a pinch!
- Cookie scoop: For uniform cookies; a tablespoon can substitute.
- Baking sheet: Use any flat baking tray; line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wire rack: Ideal for cooling; a plate can work too!
Variations of Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a half cup of mint chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey minty burst.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based oil.
- Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Swirl in some melted white chocolate before baking for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Spicy Peppermint: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy twist that complements the peppermint.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Include a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert.
- Gift them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful holiday present.
FAQs about Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (Christmas Must-Have)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just roll and bake when you’re ready to enjoy these festive treats!
How do I store Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months!
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist. Just remember, the flavor will change, but it can be just as delightful!
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the dough isn’t chilled long enough or if the oven temperature is too low. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and check your oven’s accuracy!
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance the chocolate flavor and make these cookies even more indulgent. Just fold in a half cup before chilling the dough!
Final Thoughts
As the holiday season unfolds, these Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies become more than just a treat; they’re a delightful experience. The joy of baking fills your kitchen with warmth, while the sweet aroma invites loved ones to gather around. Each bite offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating memories that linger long after the last cookie is gone. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and a sprinkle of holiday magic to your home!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Your Festive Treat!
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the sugar mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg