Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to indulge in the magic of the holiday season with these delightful Peppermint Cookies! As an SEO expert and food blogger, I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. These cookies are a true festive delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The combination of buttery soft sugar cookies, dreamy cream cheese frosting, and a refreshing burst of peppermint is simply irresistible.

I first discovered these Peppermint Cookies when looking for a show-stopping treat for a cookie exchange, and boy, did they steal the show! The cream cheese frosting piped in candy cane stripes and adorned with crushed candy canes adds a touch of sparkle and crunch that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for holiday baking, these cookies strike the perfect balance of minty freshness without being overwhelming. Join me in creating a bit of holiday magic in your kitchen with these Peppermint Cookies – your new favorite Christmas tradition!

Quick Benefits

• Simple and Impressive: No need to chill the dough, straight from mixing to baking. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy balance to the sweet cookies.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free easily with suitable alternatives. Various decorating options like different piping tips or edible glitter.
• Long-lasting Freshness: Cookies stay perfect at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for almost a week. Components can be made ahead for easy assembly.
• Festive and Delicious: Perfect balance of flavors – buttery cookie base, cream cheese tang, and refreshing peppermint. Great for gifting, serving at parties, or enjoying with hot cocoa or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

• Easy to make without waiting for dough to chill, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy balance to the sweet cookies.
• Stunning red and white swirled design with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
• The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates the perfect holiday flavor.
• Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Cookies stay fresh for days, making them great for advance preparation.
• Family-friendly recipe that can create special holiday memories with loved ones.
• Versatile for decorating with various piping tips, edible glitter, or different colored frostings.
• A delightful treat to enjoy with hot cocoa, coffee, or as part of a holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients for Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Cold cream cheese (4 oz).
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons).
• Sugar (1 1/4 cups).
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons).
• Powdered sugar (3 cups).
• Crushed candy canes for topping.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon).
• Unsalted butter for frosting (1 cup).
• Large egg (1).
• Peppermint extract for frosting (1 teaspoon).
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons).
• Red gel food coloring.
• Peppermint extract (1 1/2 teaspoons).
• All-purpose flour (3 2/3 cups).
• Egg yolk (1).
• Unsalted butter, room temp (1 cup).

Pro Tips for Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pro Tip #1: To achieve the perfect consistency for your cream cheese frosting, make sure the butter is cold when preparing it. The frosting will be easier to pipe onto the cookies and hold its shape beautifully.

Pro Tip #2: When mixing the cookie dough, remember not to overbake the cookies. They should remain soft in the middle for that perfect buttery texture. Additionally, for a professional touch, keep your frosting cold as you decorate the cookies to ensure clean and precise piping.

Pro Tip #3: For a festive twist, experiment with different decorating techniques such as using various piping tips or adding edible glitter for extra sparkle. You can also customize the frosting by mixing red and green food coloring for a delightful Christmas wreath effect. Be creative and have fun making these Peppermint Cookies a standout treat at any holiday gathering.

How to Make Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs, extracts, and mix in dry ingredients.

Step 3: Step 03

Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch and cut it using a 3-inch round cutter.

Step 4: Step 04

Cook for 8-10 minutes until puffed but not browned.

Step 5: Step 05

Cream butter with sugar, then mix in extract, salt, and cream cheese.

Step 6: Step 06

Separate the frosting into two portions, coloring 2/3 of it red and leaving the remaining portion white.

Step 7: Step 07

Pipe red lines in a star pattern, fill with white frosting, and top with candy pieces.

Storage Tips

After baking and decorating the Peppermint Cookies, they can be stored to maintain their freshness. Once fully assembled, the cookies can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days, allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. If you need to store them for a longer period, they can be refrigerated for almost a week. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.

For those planning ahead, the components of the cookies can be made in advance. You can bake the cookies without frosting and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared beforehand and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, allow the cookies and frosting to come to room temperature before assembling. This way, you can enjoy freshly assembled Peppermint Cookies whenever you desire, making them a convenient and delicious treat for holiday gatherings or gifts.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version of these Peppermint Cookies, you can easily substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives for the unsalted butter and cream cheese in the recipe. Look for options that are suitable for baking to ensure the cookies turn out just as delicious. Additionally, using a dairy-free red gel food coloring will help achieve the candy cane stripes without compromising the festive look of the cookies.

If you need to make gluten-free Peppermint Cookies, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. This substitution will ensure the cookies maintain their soft and buttery texture while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Remember to check that all your ingredients, including the crushed candy canes, are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Peppermint Cookies on a festive platter garnished with whole candy canes for an extra touch of holiday spirit. Pair them with a steaming cup of peppermint hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat that will warm both hearts and bellies on a chilly winter evening. The combination of minty sweetness and buttery softness in these cookies will delight guests of all ages and make any gathering feel extra special.

For a creative twist, create a beautiful cookie charcuterie board featuring these Peppermint Cookies as the star attraction. Arrange them alongside a variety of other holiday treats such as gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and chocolate truffles. Add accents like fresh mint sprigs, red and white striped straws for sipping, and miniature candy canes for a visually stunning display that will impress your guests and create a festive atmosphere. Enjoy the joy and magic of the holiday season with every bite of these delicious Peppermint Cookies!

FAQs for Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?

You can use salted butter in the cookies, but it’s recommended to stick with unsalted butter for the frosting to control the saltiness of the overall flavor.

How should I store the Peppermint Cookies?

Once decorated, the cookies can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for almost a week. If storing ahead, keep the unfrosted cookies and frosting components separate until ready to assemble.

Can I make these Peppermint Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Peppermint Cookies by using a good cup-for-cup flour blend that is suitable for your dietary needs. Ensure all ingredients, including candy canes, are gluten-free.

How can I achieve different frosting designs for the Peppermint Cookies?

For unique frosting patterns, try using different piping tips. You can also add edible glitter for extra sparkle or use peppermint bark instead of candy canes for a different topping. Experiment with a mix of red and green frosting for a Christmas wreath look.

Conclusion

As you embark on your holiday baking adventures, I encourage you to add these delightful Peppermint Cookies to your repertoire. The joy they bring to gatherings, the ease of preparation, and the delicious flavors make them a must for any festive occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends with their beautiful presentation and delightful taste.

Remember, baking is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the aroma of peppermint fill your home as you whip up a batch of these delightful Peppermint Cookies. From cookie exchanges to cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of magic to your holiday season. Happy baking, and may your days be merry and bright with the sweet indulgence of Peppermint Cookies!