If you’re craving a festive twist on a classic chocolate treat, this Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fudgy cookies that crackle perfectly on the outside, dusted with snowy powdered sugar, while the refreshing peppermint essence wakes up your taste buds. These cookies are not only a feast for your senses but also a delightful project to share with loved ones, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and mint. Whether for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe brings that magical blend of flavors and textures you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake these delicious Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but powerful ingredients that each play an essential role. From the rich cocoa powder that gives the deep chocolate flavor to the peppermint extract that adds that cool, festive zing, every item is chosen to create a balance of taste, texture, and color.
- All purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and stability to the cookie dough.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a deep, enticing color.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect soft texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for that light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Brown sugar: Gives moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to the cookies.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- Peppermint extract: The star that introduces that cool, refreshing peppermint flavor.
- Dark chocolate (70% baking bar): Provides a luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold chocolate intensity.
- Cold unsalted butter: Adds moistness and helps achieve the perfect tender bite.
- Granulated sugar: Used for the first sugar coating, giving a slight crunch and extra sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (confectioners): The final coating that creates the signature crinkle look and soft exterior.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325º F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple step makes cleanup easier and helps you achieve beautiful, evenly browned bottoms.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients create the backbone of the cookie and will be incorporated later to develop that perfect texture.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract. Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes light and frothy, which will give your cookies a nice lift and delicate airiness.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the cold butter cut into tablespoons. Microwave in short increments of 30 seconds, then 15 seconds intervals, stirring well in between. Take care not to overheat, as gentle stirring helps the chocolate and butter melt smoothly and avoid burning.
Step 5: Combine Melted Chocolate with Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the bowl with the whipped eggs and sugar. Stir gently until everything is evenly blended, creating a rich, glossy batter that practically tastes like chocolate heaven.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Rest
Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The batter will initially resemble brownie batter—thick and luscious. Let it rest for about 15 minutes; this waiting time allows the dough to thicken even more, making it easy to handle and roll into balls.
Step 7: Prepare Sugar Coatings
While the batter rests, set out two plates: one with granulated sugar and the other with powdered sugar. These coatings give your cookies their classic crinkle look and delightful texture contrast.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon scoop, drop balls of batter onto the granulated sugar plate. Use a spoon or spatula to help roll each ball in the sugar, fully coating it. Then transfer and roll the sugar-coated ball in the powdered sugar until completely covered. Place the cookie on the parchment-lined sheets. Repeat this process until all the dough has been shaped into approximately 24 cookies, spacing each cookie evenly.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in two batches, about 12 minutes each. The cookies might look slightly underbaked at first, but that soft center is key to the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling and set.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair can go a long way when serving these cookies. Sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy or candy canes over the top just before baking or right after if you want an added pop of festive crunch. Edible silver glitter or a small drizzle of melted white chocolate also makes an elegant touch for holiday parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or a steaming cup of coffee, especially during chilly weather. For a holiday twist, serve alongside a peppermint-infused latte or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness and complement the peppermint flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or sharing, stack the cookies in festive tins or wrap them individually in wax paper with a ribbon tied around. Creating cookie sandwich treats with a peppermint buttercream filling can also elevate the experience and surprise your guests with a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for your sweet cravings or last-minute visitors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies by laying them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored this way, the cookies maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300º F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This will bring back that fudgy softness as if they were freshly baked, perfect when you need a quick pick-me-up.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind the cookies will be sweeter and less intense in chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate offers a richer, more balanced taste that works wonderfully with peppermint.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint extract is unavailable, you can use vanilla extract for a classic chocolate crinkle cookie, or try a few drops of spearmint extract for a slightly different minty flavor.
Why do the cookies need to rest before baking?
Letting the dough rest thickens the batter, making it easier to scoop and roll into uniform balls. It also helps develop the right texture, ensuring the cookies have that distinctive fudgy center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight, just let it come to room temperature before rolling and coating. This can actually enhance the flavors further.
How do I achieve the perfect crinkle effect?
Rolling the dough first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar before baking creates the classic cracked surface. Don’t skip this step for the iconic look and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite for anyone who loves that wonderful mix of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. The delightful crinkles, fudgy texture, and festive flavor are sure to impress friends and family alike. Give these cookies a try, and I promise they’ll bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and celebrations all year round!
