Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Rich, fudgy chocolate cookies, infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, and coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of cookies that are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
* **Festive and Delicious:** The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday flavor pairing that everyone loves.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These cookies are ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, or serving at holiday parties.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The crinkled surface and powdered sugar coating make these cookies visually stunning.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled, allowing you to bake the cookies when you’re ready.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our cookies, providing structure and texture. 2 1/4 cups
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** For that rich, deep chocolate flavor. 3/4 cup
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly chewy texture. 1 1/2 cups
* **Vegetable Oil:** Adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies. 1/2 cup
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ structure. 2 large
* **Baking Powder:** Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy. 2 teaspoons
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. 1/2 teaspoon
* **Peppermint Extract:** Provides that signature peppermint flavor. 1 teaspoon
* **Powdered Sugar:** For coating the cookies and creating the signature crinkle effect. Approximately 1 cup
* **Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Optional):** Adds extra chocolatey goodness. 1 cup
* **Crushed Peppermint Candies (Optional):** For extra festive decoration and flavor. 1/2 cup
## Equipment
* Mixing Bowls
* Electric Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Baking Sheets
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
* Cookie Scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform cookies)
* Wire Rack for cooling
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies every time.
**Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, which will help the cookies rise properly.
**Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly pale in color. Beat in the peppermint extract until evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
**Step 4: Chill the Dough**
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is a crucial step, as it allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also helps to develop the flavors.
**Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
**Step 6: Prepare Powdered Sugar**
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Make sure the bowl is wide enough to easily roll the cookie dough balls in the sugar.
**Step 7: Scoop and Roll the Dough**
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then generously coat it in the powdered sugar. Make sure the dough ball is completely covered with a thick layer of powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkles will be.
**Step 8: Bake the Cookies**
Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. The cookies should still be slightly soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
**Step 9: Cool the Cookies**
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
**Step 10: Garnish (Optional)**
If desired, sprinkle the cooled cookies with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
## Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
* **Don’t Skip the Chilling:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for developing the flavors. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
* **Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar:** The key to achieving those beautiful crinkles is to generously coat the dough balls in powdered sugar. Don’t be shy!
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality cocoa powder and peppermint extract will make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies.
* **Store Properly:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
* **Nuts:** Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or orange, for a unique flavor twist.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that is specifically designed for baking.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil and use a dairy-free chocolate alternative if adding chocolate chips.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or coffee.
* Package them in a festive tin or box for a thoughtful holiday gift.
* Bring them to your next holiday party or cookie exchange.
* Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner.
* Use them to decorate a holiday dessert platter.
## Storage Instructions
* Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cookies are spreading too much:** Make sure you chilled the dough for a sufficient amount of time. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough if it’s too soft.
* **Cookies are too dry:** Make sure you didn’t overbake them. Bake until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
* **Cookies are not crinkling:** Make sure you generously coated the dough balls in powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkles will be.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie)
* Calories: 150
* Fat: 8g
* Saturated Fat: 4g
* Cholesterol: 20mg
* Sodium: 50mg
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Sugar: 12g
* Protein: 2g
## Get Ready to Bake Some Holiday Magic!
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their rich chocolate flavor, refreshing peppermint twist, and beautiful crinkled appearance, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible cookies! Enjoy!
Related Recipes
* **Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies:** A timeless favorite that’s always a hit.
* **Gingerbread Cookies:** Festive and flavorful, perfect for decorating.
* **Peanut Butter Blossoms:** Soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss.
* **Sugar Cookies:** Versatile and delicious, ideal for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
* **Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:** Chewy and wholesome, a comforting classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different type of extract instead of peppermint?**
A: Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or orange for a different flavor profile.
**Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
**Q: Can I freeze the cookies?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
**Q: My cookies didn’t crinkle. What did I do wrong?**
A: Make sure you generously coat the dough balls in powdered sugar. The thicker the coating, the more dramatic the crinkles will be. Also, ensure that your baking powder is fresh.
**Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?**
A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
**Q: How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing while baking?**
A: A thick coating of powdered sugar is key. Also, avoid overbaking the cookies, as this can cause the sugar to melt.
**Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?**
A: This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
**Q: Can I add nuts to the dough?**
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor. Fold them in gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
**Q: What’s the best way to store these cookies?**
A: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Properly stored, they should last for about 3 days.