Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe - Made with All-Natural Ingredients

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a sweet and minty treat.

History

The combination of chocolate and peppermint has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries. Peppermint has long been used in desserts and confections for its refreshing taste, while chocolate adds a rich and indulgent element to any recipe. The exact origins of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are unclear, but they have become a beloved treat for many.

Ingredients

1 cup of margarine (2 sticks)
1.33 cups of sugar
1 tsp of peppermint flavoring
0.5 cup of egg whites at room temperature
3 cups of all-purpose flour
0.5 cup of cocoa
2 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cream margarine and sugar together at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add flavorings and egg whites, and mix at medium speed for 1 minute, scraping down bowl before and after adding flavorings and egg whites.
Stir flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt together to blend well; add to creamy mixture.
Mix at medium speed to blend well.
Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours to overnight.
Return dough to room temperature.
Roll out on a lightly floured board to 0.25 inches thick.
Cut with a 2.5" round cutter or an equivalent cutter.
Place on cookie sheets that have been sprayed with pan spray or lined with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are almost firm.
Remove cookies to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.

Variations

Add crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.
Use dark chocolate chips in place of the cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Notes

Cookies will be soft if kept in an airtight container. If you want them crisp, freeze them or keep them in a container that isn't airtight.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cookie.

- Refrigerating the dough for at least 3 hours allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to roll out.

- Be sure to roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure even baking.

- For a more intense peppermint flavor, you can add a touch more peppermint extract to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a delicious and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.

- Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to roll out.

- Rolling out the dough to an even thickness ensures even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Peppermint extract can be substituted with peppermint oil for a more intense flavor.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of the cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Simply roll out the dough and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Chocolate Peppermint Cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. You can also package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with a cup of peppermint tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies contain wheat and eggs. They may also contain traces of nuts and dairy.

Summary

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. It was a chilly December evening, the kind that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a warm cup of tea and a plate of freshly baked cookies. I had been flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother, looking for inspiration for my holiday baking.

As I turned the yellowed pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it, revealing a handwritten recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The paper was stained and crumpled, evidence of years of use and love. I could tell this was a cherished recipe, one that had been passed down through generations.

Intrigued, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven. The recipe called for rich dark chocolate, fragrant peppermint extract, and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes. As I mixed the dough and shaped it into perfect little rounds, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of cocoa and mint.

As the cookies baked, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious treats for our family to enjoy. She was a master baker, with a talent for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering delights.

I remembered the way she would hum softly to herself as she worked, her hands moving deftly as she kneaded dough and rolled out pie crusts. She taught me everything I know about baking, passing down her recipes and techniques with patience and love.

I was lucky to have learned from her, to have inherited her passion for cooking and baking. And now, as I pulled the tray of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies from the oven and watched them cool on the counter, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my past.

When the cookies were finally ready, I couldn't resist sampling one while it was still warm. The chocolate was rich and decadent, the peppermint adding a refreshing kick to each bite. As I savored the flavors, I knew that this recipe would become a new holiday tradition for me and my family.

I packaged up a few cookies to share with my neighbors, knowing that they would appreciate the homemade treat. As I walked down the street, the snowflakes falling gently around me, I felt a sense of contentment and joy. Baking had always been my way of bringing people together, of spreading love and warmth during the coldest months of the year.

As I handed out the cookies and shared the recipe with my friends, I felt a connection to all the bakers who had come before me, who had passed down their knowledge and passion for food. I knew that this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies would become a part of my own culinary legacy, a way to honor the traditions and memories of those who had taught me so much.

And as I made my way back home, my heart full and my belly warm from the cookies I had shared, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking, for the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. I knew that this recipe would be one that I would make again and again, a reminder of the love and happiness that can be found in a simple plate of homemade cookies.