Get ready to infuse your holiday season with an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and cool peppermint! These Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a festive experience, designed to bring joy and deliciousness to every celebration. Imagine soft, intensely fudgy double chocolate cookies, generously studded with chocolate chips, then crowned with a smooth, creamy peppermint frosting and a delightful crunch of crushed peppermint candy. They are the quintessential treat for spreading holiday cheer!
If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate and mint combination, these cookies will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. Their decadent flavor profile and vibrant appearance make them a standout on any dessert table, promising to be a highlight for family and friends. Forget store-bought sweets; these homemade delights truly capture the spirit of the season.
Looking for more peppermint-infused treats to complete your holiday spread? You’ll absolutely adore these Candy Cane Frosted Cookies for their festive charm, and this show-stopping Peppermint Candy Brownie Trifle, which adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Why These Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies Are a Must-Bake
Do you ever find yourself caught between a craving for something deeply rich and chocolaty, yet also yearning for a refreshing burst of cool mint? These cookies deliver on both fronts, offering a harmonious balance that is truly unique. Each bite of these soft and chewy chocolate cookies, paired with a luxurious peppermint candy frosting, is an indulgence for the senses.
What makes these holiday cookies so special? It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The base is a gloriously fudgy, intensely chocolatey cookie, packed with extra chocolate chips for an even richer experience. On top, a homemade vanilla buttercream is transformed with a hint of peppermint extract, creating a light, airy, and wonderfully creamy frosting. The crowning glory? A generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie and smooth frosting. It’s a symphony of textures that makes these cookies absolutely dreamy.
Beyond their incredible taste, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. Their dark chocolate base, vibrant white frosting, and cheerful red and white peppermint pieces make them incredibly festive and appealing. They exude that comforting, homemade charm, reminiscent of cherished family recipes. While you could pipe the frosting for an elegant look, a simple swirl with a small icing spatula gives them a rustic, “grandma-made” appeal that’s utterly endearing. Who’s ready to devour these masterpieces?
These festive frosted chocolate peppermint cookies aren’t just for human enjoyment; they’re also the ideal treat to leave out for Santa’s annual milk and cookie tradition. But let’s be honest, you might not want to share them all! Their exceptional flavor makes them a fantastic choice for holiday cookie exchanges, impressive additions to cookie trays, or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself after a long day of holiday preparations. Get ready to embrace the joy of baking!
For more holiday baking inspiration, be sure to explore our collection of 65 Best Christmas Cookies Recipes. You’re sure to find even more delightful ideas to make your festive season extra sweet.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fudgy Chocolate Cookies
Crafting the perfect fudgy chocolate cookie base requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that rich flavor and delightful soft texture. Here’s what you’ll need for these incredible cookies:
- All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of our cookies, providing the right chewiness.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft texture.
- Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for extra soft, tender, and chewy cookies. It helps keep them thick and prevents over-spreading.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the deep chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For that rich, deep chocolate color and intense chocolate flavor. We highly recommend Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder for an exceptional result.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for proper creaming with sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ sweetness and helps with browning and crisp edges.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note to the chocolate cookies.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder, add moisture, and contribute to the cookie’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Chocolate chips of choice: Whether you prefer semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate, these add extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness.
Ingredients for the Irresistible Peppermint Frosting
The creamy, refreshing peppermint frosting is what elevates these chocolate cookies from great to extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful topping:
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: The foundation of our buttercream, ensuring a smooth and spreadable frosting.
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Creates the silky smooth texture of the frosting. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency and sweetness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt cuts through the sweetness and balances the flavors in the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a classic, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
- Peppermint extract: The star of the show! Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, as peppermint extract can be quite potent.
- Heavy cream or milk: Used to thin the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency. Heavy cream will result in a richer, creamier frosting.
- Crushed peppermint or crushed candy cane: For that signature festive crunch and an extra burst of minty flavor on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies
Soft Batch Chocolate Cookies
- Prepare your oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set this mixture aside. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, making the cookies tender.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until well combined and fragrant. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the baking soda, cornstarch, and salt (if not already combined with flour), along with 1 cup of the whisked flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing only until it’s just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in your chocolate chips of choice. You can reserve a few for pressing onto the tops of the scooped dough for an extra pretty finish.
- Scoop and bake: Using a small (about 1.25 Tablespoons) cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If you prefer thinner cookies, gently press down on the tops of the dough balls very slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes. For an extra gooey center, bake closer to 8 minutes. If you’re making larger cookies, extend the baking time by a few minutes.
- Check for doneness: The cookies should begin to firm up around the edges but still appear soft and slightly underdone in the middle. This is key for achieving that desired soft, fudgy texture! Remove them from the oven promptly.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost only once they are entirely cool.
Peppermint Frosting
- Whip the butter: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until it’s wonderfully creamy and smooth.
- Create the frosting: Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Beat for an additional 2 minutes on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar for desired thickness and cream for desired consistency.
- Frost and garnish: Once the chocolate cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each one with the peppermint frosting. Immediately after frosting, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces. Allow the frosting to set for a bit before stacking or storing.
- Store: Cover and store the frosted cookies at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality peppermint chocolate cookies at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Chilling the Dough (Optional, but Recommended): This recipe typically doesn’t require chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or your dough feels too soft, a quick chill can make a big difference. For thicker, chewier cookies that spread less, refrigerate the scooped cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-30 minutes before baking. Trying to scoop cold, stiff dough can be challenging, so scoop first, then chill. This flash-chilling technique helps the butter firm up, preventing excessive spreading in the oven.
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly with the sugars, creating an emulsion that traps air. This trapped air is crucial for light, fluffy cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate baking, always spoon and level your flour. Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour and dry, dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, less tender cookies.
- Quality Cocoa Powder: The type of cocoa powder significantly impacts the flavor and color of your chocolate cookies. Dutch-processed cocoa powder creates a darker, less bitter, and richer chocolate flavor, which pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Adjust Peppermint Extract to Taste: Peppermint extract can be quite strong. Start with ¼ teaspoon in your frosting and taste, adding more in small increments (⅛ teaspoon) until you reach your desired level of mintiness.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is a crucial step! If your cookies are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off. Patience here ensures a beautiful, set frosting.
- Creative Toppings: While crushed peppermint is traditional, feel free to experiment! You could drizzle with melted white chocolate, add chocolate curls, or even some festive sprinkles for extra flair.
- Storage: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
In the expansive world of baking, some flavor combinations stand out as truly timeless, and chocolate and peppermint is undoubtedly one such dynamic duo. It’s a pairing that evokes warmth, coziness, and festive cheer, making it utterly irresistible. These Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies are the perfect embodiment of this beloved combination, offering a delightful way to indulge in a classic flavor profile. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, seeking a special treat for family, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet solitude, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
These Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly fun and straightforward to make. The joy of baking them is almost as satisfying as the joy of eating them! So, why wait? Bring on the chocolate cookies with peppermint frosting recipe and let’s get baking!
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Discover More Peppermint Delights!
If you find yourself captivated by the refreshing allure of peppermint, you’re in for a treat! We have an extensive collection of recipes that celebrate this wonderful flavor. Explore these other fantastic peppermint desserts:
- Easy Peppermint Marshmallow Fudge
- Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
- 13 Holiday Peppermint Desserts (A Cookbook Collection)
- Holiday White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Pie
- Yummy Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Brownies
- Peppermint Crunch Marshmallow Brownies
- Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies
- Christmas Peppermint M&M Fudge Cookies
- Peppermint Tres Leches Cake
Soft Batch Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
These soft, fudgy double chocolate cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and frosted with a delicious creamy peppermint frosting with peppermint crunch on top! A perfect holiday indulgence.
Author: Kim Lange
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 28 Medium sized Cookies
Keywords: chocolate, chocolate cookies, Christmas cookies, cookies, fudgy cookies, mint chip, soft batch cookies, peppermint cookies
Soft Batch Chocolate Cookies Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder or special dark cocoa powder (recommended: Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 cups chocolate chips of choice
Peppermint Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2-2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼-½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Crushed peppermint to sprinkle on top (optional: some can be mixed into the frosting)
Soft Batch Chocolate Cookies Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the baking soda and 1 cup of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Using a small (1.25 Tablespoons) cookie scoop, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down slightly if you prefer thinner cookies. Bake for 8-10 minutes (8 minutes for gooier cookies). For larger cookies, extend baking time by a few minutes.
- Cookies should be firming up around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will look slightly underdone – this is key for a soft and fudgy texture! Remove from the oven.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Peppermint Frosting Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter for 2 minutes until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Beat for an additional 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost each cookie and garnish generously with crushed peppermint. Allow the frosting to set before storing.
- Cover and store cookies at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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For more cherished recipes, don’t miss our Top Baking ChocolaTess Recipes of 2017 for a delightful flashback of fan favorites!