Delicious Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Chocolate and peppermint? Now that’s a match made in holiday heaven! These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are not just your average sweet treat. They’re delightful little morsels that combine the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with a refreshing burst of peppermint, making them the perfect companion to your cozy winter evenings. Imagine taking a bite and being greeted by a soft, chewy interior that melts in your mouth while the powdered sugar coating adds a delightful touch of sweetness. Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or creating new ones, these cookies are sure to sprinkle some joy into your holiday festivities.
Every year, I make these cookies to share with friends and family, and without fail, I find myself surrounded by laughter and love. The aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake is nothing short of enchanting. Picture this: the warmth of the oven contrasting with the chill of winter outside, and a plate of these cookies ready to be devoured. You can easily whip up a batch for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or cozy movie nights—each bite whispering sweet promises of flavorful experiences to come.
Why You'll Love This Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Indulging in these Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavor that will astonish your friends.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results, allowing even novice chefs to shine.
- The stunning visual appeal with its snowy exterior and rich chocolate center creates an Instagram-worthy treat for holiday gatherings.
- Endlessly adaptable for various dietary needs, these cookies are perfect for meal prep, romantic evenings, or entertaining crowds effortlessly.
Ingredients for Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies:
1 cup all-purpose flour – Essential for structure, use a good quality flour for the best results.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds intense chocolate flavor; prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for depth.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps your cookies rise to create that soft, chewy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors beautifully.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies, making them delightful and treat-like.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – Keeps them moist and chewy; can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor.
2 large eggs – Binds all ingredients together, contributing to the cookies’ softness.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract – Infuses a refreshing minty essence; don’t use too much, or it might be overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling) – This creates the signature crinkled appearance and adds sweetness.
How to Make Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This is the magic dust that gives our cookies structure and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar with the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Add the peppermint and vanilla extracts, and watch the mixture transform into something glossy and oh-so-delicious.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, just like your favorite holiday sweater that fits a little too snugly after a big dinner.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is crucial—like deciding to wear your fluffiest socks on a chilly morning—because it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls and roll them into your hands. Then, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. This will give those gorgeous crinkle marks when they bake!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they appear crinkled on top yet are still soft inside. Don’t be alarmed if they look a bit underbaked—remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve them warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence.
These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies might just become your new favorite cookie tradition. Get cozy, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the festive spirit they bring into your kitchen! Happy baking!
This showstopping Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Cooking Process
To create the best Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, start by mixing your dry ingredients first. While the dough chills, you can prepare your baking sheets, which ensures everything is organized and ready to go when it’s time to bake.
Add Your Touch to Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Feel free to make these cookies uniquely yours by swapping out the peppermint extract for orange zest or almond extract if you want a different flavor twist. You could also mix in chunks of dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Storing & Reheating Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Store your Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore that soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- This professional-quality Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing these delightful cookies with friends and family has always sparked joy during the holiday season. I remember the first time I baked them; friends couldn’t get enough, and I felt like a baking superstar for a day!
FAQs About Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
What is Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a festive treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These cookies are known for their distinct crinkled appearance, achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. They are soft and chewy on the inside, making them a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings. Not only do they taste fabulous, but they also add a splash of holiday cheer to any dessert table. This delicious recipe will surely become a seasonal favorite in your household.
How do I store Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
To keep your Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider placing them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about two weeks. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to place them in a sealed freezer bag, and they can stay good for up to three months.
Can I customize my Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! You can easily customize your Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies to suit your taste. Feel free to swap peppermint extract with other flavors like almond or orange zest for a unique twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, allowing you to create a cookie that feels special and personal.
How do I make Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies perfectly?
To ensure your Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly, it’s essential to follow the chilling step. Chilling the dough for at least three hours allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Also, keep an eye on the baking time—oven temperatures can vary. You want to pull them out when they’re crinkled on top but still soft in the center for that delightful chewy texture.
Conclusion for Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
In conclusion, Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint that will surely impress your friends and family. With their charming appearance and rich flavors, they make the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later, these cookies are a treat that embodies the spirit of the season. Don’t miss out on making these delicious Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies a new tradition in your baking repertoire!
Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar with vegetable oil, eggs, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually stir dry mixture into wet until combined. Dough will be thick and sticky.
- Cover and chill dough for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll in hands, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until crinkled on top but soft inside.
- Let cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or store for later in an airtight container.
