Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies 🍪🍬– Festive & Delicious 🎄

These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for any holiday occasion. With chunks of rich chocolate and a hint of refreshing peppermint, these cookies capture the spirit of the season. Delightfully easy to make, they are sure to become a favorite in your holiday cookie repertoire.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Easy
<
li>Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Cost: $$

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also bring a festive flair to any holiday gathering. The combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint is both comforting and invigorating, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Perfect for cookie exchanges, homemade gifts, or simply enjoying by the fireplace, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your holiday traditions.

Context/Background

Peppermint and chocolate are classic holiday flavors that have been cherished for generations. This recipe combines the two in a delightful cookie form that highlights both sweetness and freshness. The tradition of baking peppermint-flavored treats dates back to the invention of peppermint candies, which were originally used as a breath freshener. Over time, these candies found their way into all sorts of holiday baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using melted butter instead of softened: Melted butter can lead to flat cookies.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill ensures the cookies hold their shape.
• Overbaking: These cookies should have a chewy texture; remove them from the oven when the edges are just browned.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
• Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
• Crushing peppermint candies finely helps distribute the flavor evenly across cookies.
• Consider pressing a few extra chocolate chunks on top of the cookies before baking for an appealing presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use white chocolate chunks for a sweeter twist.
• Substitute crushed candy canes for peppermint candies.
• Add a dash of espresso powder to heighten the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. For an extra treat, sandwich a scoop of peppermint ice cream between two cookies.

Storage and Leftovers

Store your Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to two months.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.

<h2>Nutritional Information

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
<
li>Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
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Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian

The Recipe

Serves: 24

Prep Time: 15 mins

<
p>Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
<
li>Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
<
li>Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
<
li>1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
<
li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
<
li>1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
<
li>1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
<
li>Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
4. Mix in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
<
li>Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
6. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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Recipe Notes

• Ensure butter is thoroughly softened for easy mixing.
• Consider using silicone baking mats for even heat distribution.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #PeppermintChocolateCookies on social media.

<
h2>Questions and Answers
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• What can I use instead of peppermint extract? Use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.