Frosted Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect festive treat to celebrate the holiday season. These delicious cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint, making them a favorite for cookie exchanges and festive gatherings. With a soft and chewy texture, topped with a creamy frosting, these cookies are sure to delight your family and friends. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of these delightful cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
- Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of each cookie. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting for added flavor and festive flair.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder. Just ensure to melt it and adjust the sugar content slightly as dark chocolate can be less sweet.
How do I store Frosted Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them without frosting and frost them when ready to serve.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies and frost them later.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract or almond extract, but the flavor will differ. For a peppermint flavor, you could also use crushed peppermint candies mixed into the dough.