Embrace the holiday spirit with a treat that truly encapsulates the magic of the season: our rich, soft, and exquisitely chewy Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies. These aren’t just any Christmas cookies; they’re a celebration of festive flavors and luxurious textures, designed to bring joy to every bite. Imagine a deep, fudgy chocolate base, infused with a subtle hint of mocha, crowned with vibrant peppermint crunch. It’s a combination that sings of holiday cheer and makes every moment feel like a special occasion.
The secret to their irresistible depth lies in the delicate balance of flavors. While chocolate takes center stage, a touch of coffee extract elevates the cocoa notes, transforming them into a sophisticated mocha symphony. This infusion isn’t overpowering; rather, it’s a sophisticated undertone that enhances the chocolate’s natural richness, creating a more complex and satisfying experience. If you’ve enjoyed our Fudgy Macadamia Mocha Brownies, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the similar depth of flavor found in these cookies. The coffee doesn’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but rather deepens the chocolate, making it even more intense and decadent.
Lately, there’s been a growing appreciation for the transformative power of coffee extract in baking. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add warmth and complexity without contributing excessive moisture, making it perfect for enhancing chocolate-based desserts. We’ve explored its delightful impact in other recipes, such as our Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies and the hearty Pumpkin Chai Spiced Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Cranberries. This holiday season, we continue to harness its magic, pairing it with the invigorating zest of peppermint for an unforgettable flavor profile that truly embodies festive indulgence. We are constantly experimenting with new ways to incorporate these beloved flavors into our baking, ensuring every recipe brings a unique and delightful experience to your kitchen.
Christmas & Peppermint: A Match Made in Heaven
As the holiday season draws near, peppermint takes its rightful place as an iconic flavor, gracing everything from candy canes to lattes. In the world of Christmas baking, peppermint is truly epic! Its refreshing, cool essence perfectly complements the richness of chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that is both invigorating and comforting. Beyond its incredible flavor, there’s something undeniably captivating about the visual appeal of peppermint. The cheerful red and white specks sprinkled over a dark chocolate cookie are like little bursts of Christmas joy, instantly transforming a simple treat into a festive masterpiece. The vibrant pop of color on these Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies makes them a standout on any holiday dessert platter.
Now, let’s talk about that coffee extract. While it’s crucial for the rich mocha flavor in this recipe, we understand that not everyone might have it on hand, or perhaps coffee isn’t your preferred flavor. No worries at all! Baking is all about creativity and personal preference. You can easily substitute the coffee extract with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract for a classic flavor, or for an intensified peppermint experience, a very small amount of peppermint extract can be used. However, be cautious with peppermint extract, as its potency means a little goes a long way. The aim is to create a harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring each component shines without overpowering the others.
Mastering Peppermint: Essential Tips for Holiday Baking
Peppermint, while wonderfully festive, is a strong flavor that demands careful handling. To ensure your holiday goodies are perfect, remember these golden rules when baking with peppermint:
Always package peppermint treats separately. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly important. If you’re preparing an assortment of holiday cookies and treats, any item placed near peppermint will invariably absorb its strong aroma and taste. Imagine the disappointment of your favorite gingerbread cookies subtly tasting of peppermint! To preserve the individual flavors of your diverse holiday spread, store peppermint-infused cookies or candies in their own airtight containers or sealed bags. This simple step guarantees that every bite of every treat is exactly as intended.
Use peppermint extract sparingly. Peppermint extract is potent. A mere drop too much can quickly turn a delightful flavor into an overwhelming sensation, leaving your cookies with a toothpaste-like taste. It’s always better to start with a conservative amount and add more only if necessary, tasting as you go. For this recipe, a quarter teaspoon is carefully chosen to provide just the right hint of refreshing coolness without dominating the rich chocolate and mocha notes. Trust us, no one wants a cookie that’s *too* pepperminty!
These precautions are essential to protect the integrity of other cherished holiday recipes. For instance, we certainly wouldn’t want our beloved ‘Awesome’ Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, the timeless Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies, or the seasonal favorite Awesome Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies to carry any unintended peppermint traces. Each cookie deserves to shine with its unique, intended flavor profile, and smart storage ensures this happens.
Explore a World of Chocolate Peppermint Delights
If your heart beats for the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint during the festive season, you’re in for a treat! For an expansive collection of holiday-ready sweets, look no further than the “19 Peppermint Flavored Desserts” compilation over at RecipeLion. It’s truly a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone passionate about these iconic holiday flavors. Whether you’re seeking cakes, candies, or more cookie variations, RecipeLion has you covered with delightful ideas to sweeten your celebrations.
But before you dive into other recipes, we sincerely urge you to try these incredibly delicious and satisfying Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies. They are truly something special! Their rich, fudgy texture combined with the vibrant crunch of peppermint makes them an instant classic. They pair exquisitely with a tall glass of cold milk, providing a refreshing contrast to the decadent chocolate. For an even more indulgent experience, enjoy them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate, allowing the flavors to meld into a warm, comforting embrace. And, of course, for those who appreciate the subtle coffee notes in the cookies, a freshly brewed cup of coffee is the perfect complement, enhancing the mocha undertones and creating a harmonious flavor journey. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an essential part of your holiday tradition, sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends.
More Festive Holiday Treats to Savor
The holiday season is a wonderful time to experiment with new flavors and embrace classic favorites. If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of festive desserts, we have an array of delightful recipes that will surely impress. From more chocolate and mocha marvels to additional peppermint creations, these treats are perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying with your loved ones. Each recipe is crafted to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table, ensuring there’s a sweet treat for every palate.
- Intense Dark Chocolate Mocha Latte Cookies: For the ultimate coffee and chocolate lover.
- Ultimate Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Brownies: A dream for those who crave fudgy textures and cool peppermint.
- Peppermint Marshmallow Fudge: A simple, no-bake treat that’s rich and delightful.
- Peppermint Crunch Buttercream Marshmallow Brownies: Layered decadence with a peppermint twist.
- 3 White Chocolate No-Bake Festive Candy Recipes: Quick and easy options for white chocolate enthusiasts.
- 13 Holiday Peppermint Desserts: A comprehensive collection for all your peppermint cravings.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Cookies: A classic combination reimagined in cookie form.
And if you’re looking for visually stunning desserts that double as festive decorations, be sure to check out our selection of 10 Super Sweet Christmas Tree Desserts To Pine Over! These creative treats add an extra touch of holiday charm to any gathering. The joy of holiday baking truly lies in sharing these delicious creations with others, and we hope these recipes inspire you to create many happy memories in your kitchen this season.
Triple Chocolate Mocha Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Kim Lange
Pin Recipe
25 minutes
10 minutes
Dessert
24
Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp coffee extract (Nielsen Massey recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (Nielsen-Massey recommended)
- 2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour or Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (a mix of regular and dark/black cocoa powder is excellent)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolate indulgence)
For Chocolate Drizzle and Sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon canola oil
- Peppermint crunch sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the cold butter with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in both granulated sugar and tightly packed brown sugar until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the coffee extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. If using, fold in the optional mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop the cookie dough using a ¼ cup measure (or a large cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and firming up, but the centers still look soft and slightly underdone. This ensures a wonderfully fudgy and chewy texture.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking pan for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to set further and prevents them from breaking when moved. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the topping, melt the chocolate chips with the canola oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Immediately sprinkle with peppermint crunch or crushed peppermint candy before the chocolate sets. Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
chocolate, christmas cookies, coffee, cookies, mocha, peppermint, holiday baking, fudgy cookies
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