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
• 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.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g

Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian

The Recipe

Serves: 24

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

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

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 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.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
5. Mix in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
6. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
8. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

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.

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.