Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever savored a cookie that combines the comforting richness of hot chocolate with the festive zing of peppermint? The Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is here to make that dream a reality. With each bite, you will experience the delightful crunch, the warm cocoa flavor, and a refreshing hint of peppermint that dances on your palate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, these cookies promise to become an instant favorite.
As I recall my childhood, I remember lacing up my boots and heading out into the snowy wonderland. After hours of building snowmen and sledding, nothing felt better than coming home to the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. These Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are reminiscent of those moments, bringing warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Key Ingredients For Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
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Cocoa Powder: Choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
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Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise while maintaining their crispy texture.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness with a touch of savory.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich base and contributes to the overall texture.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetens your cookies while aiding in achieving that crispy exterior.
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Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor with its caramel notes.
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Eggs: Eggs bind all ingredients together while providing moisture and richness.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors in these cookies with its aromatic essence.
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Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes provide a festive twist and a refreshing crunch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Second Step : Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside as you prepare your wet ingredients.
Third Step : Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes using an electric mixer.
Fourth Step : Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until well combined before gradually incorporating the dry ingredients.
Fifth Step : Fold in Candy Canes
Gently fold crushed candy canes into your cookie dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed for that perfect peppermint crunch.
Sixth Step : Bake Cookies
Drop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are crispy but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on wire racks before serving.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful cookies paired with hot chocolate or coffee for an ideal treat!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
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Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set around the edges but soft in the center when done.
With these insights in mind, you’re ready to create delicious Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies that will delight everyone who tries them!
Presentation Ideas
This Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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A warm glass of milk: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of milk to enhance their rich flavors. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is delightful.
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Hot chocolate: For a truly indulgent experience, serve these cookies alongside a mug of hot chocolate. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for extra flair.
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Holiday platters: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. They add a pop of color and flavor that your guests will love.
Tips for Baking
To ensure your Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these tips:
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature. Measure your ingredients accurately to achieve the desired texture. When mixing the dough, avoid over-mixing as it can lead to tough cookies. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Keep an eye on baking time. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when you pull them out. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Nutritional Information
These delightful cookies offer a balance of sweetness and festive flavors, providing an enjoyable treat without excessive guilt. Each cookie contains essential ingredients that provide energy and comfort during the colder months.
While indulging in delicious sweets, moderation is key. Pairing these cookies with healthier options like fruits or nuts can balance your cravings.
FAQs
How can I store leftover Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies?
To store your Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months.
Can I customize the toppings for these cookies?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe lies in its versatility. You can experiment with various toppings such as drizzled chocolate, mini marshmallows, or even different types of crushed candies besides peppermint.
What makes these cookies crispy?
The addition of cornstarch in this Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe contributes significantly to their crispiness. It creates a light texture while allowing the flavors of chocolate and peppermint to shine through without making the cookies too soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To adapt this Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe for gluten-free diets, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients used are also gluten-free to maintain integrity while enjoying these festive treats.
Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Crispy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies, where rich chocolate meets a cool burst of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a delightful crunch and a warm cocoa flavor, each cookie transports you to winter wonderlands filled with sweet memories. Enjoy them fresh from the oven paired with hot chocolate or coffee for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in crushed candy canes evenly into the dough.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are crispy but centers remain soft. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
