Forget store-bought cookies! This holiday season, impress your friends and family with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies. These delightful treats combine the rich, decadent flavor of dark chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint, creating a perfect balance of sweet and minty goodness. They're the ultimate addition to your holiday baking repertoire, guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe offers a simple guide for homemade cooking, perfect for both quick dinner ideas and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Adding Peppermint and Shaping the Cookies
Stir in the crushed peppermint candies. This is where the festive flavor really comes alive! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Step 4: Coating and Baking
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each cookie ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring they're evenly coated. This creates the signature crinkled effect. Place the coated cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Peppermint: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed peppermint candies to your liking. More for a stronger peppermint punch!
Variations:
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark cocoa powder for an intensely chocolatey flavor.
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate chips and use white chocolate melting wafers for coating.
- Other Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a delicious and easy addition to your holiday baking, making them ideal healthy meals for a festive gathering or a simple treat for yourself. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen while you bake! These easy recipes are perfect for any skill level, creating delicious dishes that everyone will love. They are truly among the best recipes you’ll find for a holiday celebration.