Indulge in the festive delight of Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies, featuring soft, chewy chocolate cookies and a creamy peppermint frosting, adorned with crushed candy canes. Main ingredients include butter, sugars, chocolate, flour, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and candy canes.
My Holiday Tradition: Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a whimsical bakery filled with the aroma of chocolate and mint. The recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies holds a special place in my heart. It started as a little experiment years ago when I decided to combine my love for chocolate cookies with the festive peppermint flavor. Since then, these cookies have become a holiday staple, symbolizing warmth, love, and the joy of sharing. They remind me of cozy evenings spent decorating the tree, laughter echoing through the house, and the magic of snowflakes gently falling outside. Every bite takes me back to those cherished moments.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich chocolate cookies perfectly complement the cool, refreshing peppermint frosting, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Festive and Fun: Their vibrant appearance, with the crushed candy cane edges, makes them a visually appealing addition to any holiday spread.
- Versatility: These cookies are fantastic for gifting, holiday parties, or a cozy night in, making them versatile for various occasions.
- Customizable: The recipe allows for adjustments in peppermint intensity and frosting consistency, ensuring every batch suits your taste.
Key Notes on Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Ensure it’s softened for a creamy frosting and fluffy cookie texture.
- Sugars: A mix of brown and white sugar gives the cookies a perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate offers a rich, deep flavor without being overly sweet.
- Flour & Cocoa: They form the base of the cookies, with cocoa powder adding that essential chocolatey essence.
- Peppermint Extract: Adjust according to your preference for a subtle or bold mint flavor.
- Candy Canes: Crush them finely for a festive look and a delightful crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Prepare to create a holiday masterpiece with these Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies. This recipe involves making chewy chocolate cookies and a creamy peppermint frosting, finishing with a decorative roll in crushed candy canes.
- Cookie Dough Preparation: Start by creaming butter and sugars, then incorporate melted chocolate, vanilla, and an egg. This process ensures a light and fluffy base.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisking flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt separately ensures an even distribution in the dough.
- Combining Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mix. This step is crucial for a smooth, well-integrated dough.
- Baking: Shape the dough into small balls and bake. They should be soft yet set, creating the perfect texture for sandwiching.
- Frosting Preparation: Beat butter and powdered sugar, then add peppermint extract and cream. The consistency should be smooth and spreadable.
- Assembly: Once the cookies cool, frost one, sandwich with another, and roll the edges in crushed candy canes for that festive touch.
Storing Your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Ensure your delicious creations stay fresh! Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for a couple of months. Just remember, the key is to keep them away from moisture and air to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Customizing Your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Butter Alternative: Use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar Options: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Frosting Flavors: Not a fan of peppermint? Try vanilla or almond extract instead.
- Decorations: Besides candy canes, sprinkle the edges with colored sugar or mini chocolate chips for a different look.
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate melted*
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Peppermint Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ – 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3-4 drops red food coloring optional
- 1-2 tablespoons cream or milk
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
Preparation of Chocolate Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the melted chocolate to the mixture. Subsequently, incorporate the vanilla extract and the egg.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing at a low speed. Do this in two parts.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into balls, each measuring about 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon. Do not flatten these balls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies appear set.
Preparation of Peppermint Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes soft.
- Gradually beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar at a low speed, then increase the speed to medium as the sugar begins to incorporate.
- Add the peppermint extract, starting with ½ teaspoon. If a stronger mint flavor is desired, an additional ½ teaspoon may be added.
- Mix in the cream one tablespoon at a time, adjusting with additional powdered sugar as needed to achieve the desired sweetness and consistency. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring.
Assembly:
- Ensure that the cookies are completely cooled.
- Place the crushed candy canes on a plate.
- Apply frosting to the bottom of one cookie and then place a second cookie on top to form a sandwich.
- Roll the outside edge of the cookie in the crushed candy canes, or optionally, sprinkle them around the edge.
- Store the completed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
