Subway Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie Recipe: A Festive Treat!

Craving the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, all wrapped up in a giant, shareable cookie? Look no further! This recipe brings the magic of Subway’s limited-time Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie right to your kitchen. Imagine the delight of biting into a warm, chewy, intensely chocolatey cookie, punctuated by the cool burst of peppermint – perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth.

This recipe isn’t just about recreating a cookie; it’s about creating an experience. It’s about the satisfying crack as you break off a piece, the anticipation as the aroma fills your kitchen, and the sheer joy of sharing (or not!) this colossal confection with loved ones. We’ll break down each step, from gathering the ingredients to achieving that perfect balance of soft center and slightly crisp edges. Get ready to transform your baking game and impress everyone with your homemade Subway-inspired masterpiece!

## Why This Recipe Works

Several key elements contribute to the success of this recipe, ensuring a cookie that rivals (and possibly surpasses!) the original Subway version:

* **Double Chocolate Power:** Using both cocoa powder and chocolate chips intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a deep, decadent base.
* **Peppermint Perfection:** The peppermint extract and crushed candy canes provide the signature cool, refreshing flavor, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
* **Brown Sugar’s Secret:** Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, resulting in a soft and pliable cookie texture.
* **Careful Leavening:** A combination of baking soda and baking powder ensures a perfectly risen cookie with a tender crumb.
* **Chilling the Dough:** Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookie from spreading too thin during baking.
* **Footlong Form:** The sheer size of the cookie requires careful attention to baking time and temperature to ensure it’s cooked evenly.

## Ingredients: Your Chocolate Peppermint Arsenal

Before you embark on your baking adventure, gather these essential ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

* **Dry Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookie.
* ¾ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Contributes to the rich chocolate flavor and color. Use a good quality cocoa powder for best results.
* 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookie to rise and create a tender crumb.
* 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Works in conjunction with baking soda for optimal leavening.
* ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds richness, flavor, and tenderness. Make sure it’s properly softened, but not melted.
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp edge.
* 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
* 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
* 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
* 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: Provides the signature peppermint flavor. Adjust to your preference.
* **Chocolate & Peppermint Goodness:**
* 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Adds chunks of melty chocolate throughout the cookie.
* 1 cup Crushed Candy Canes: Provides a festive touch and intense peppermint flavor. You can crush them using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.

## Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

* Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the dry ingredients.
* Another Large Mixing Bowl: For creaming together the butter and sugars.
* Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): To cream the butter and sugars and incorporate the wet ingredients. A stand mixer is recommended for ease, but a handheld mixer will work just fine.
* Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
* Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the chocolate chips and candy canes.
* Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is essential to accommodate the footlong cookie. Choose one with a lip to prevent any potential spills.
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent the cookie from sticking to the baking sheet and for easy cleanup.
* Rolling Pin (Optional): To shape the cookie dough.
* Pizza Cutter or Large Knife: For cutting the cookie into slices after baking.
* Wire Rack: For cooling the cookie after baking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Footlong Masterpiece

Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to create your very own Subway-inspired Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie.

**Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent texture. Set aside.

**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars**

In another large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process can take 3-5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookie’s light and airy texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

**Step 3: Add the Eggs and Extracts**

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next one. The extracts add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

**Step 4: Gradually Incorporate the 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 develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie. Mix until the flour is almost fully incorporated; a few streaks of flour are fine at this stage.

**Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes**

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a rubber spatula to fold, rather than mixing with the electric mixer, to prevent overmixing and keep the chocolate chips and candy canes intact.

**Step 6: Chill the Dough (Crucial!)**

Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookie from spreading too thin during baking. This step is essential for achieving the desired texture.

**Step 7: Preheat Your Oven**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookie from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

**Step 8: Shape the Cookie**

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On the prepared baking sheet, shape the dough into a footlong oval or rectangle, about ½ inch thick. You can use a rolling pin to help flatten and shape the dough, or simply use your hands. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly shaped; a slightly rustic look adds to the charm.

**Step 9: Bake the Cookie**

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookie. It’s better to slightly underbake the cookie than to overbake it, as it will continue to set as it cools.

**Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!**

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookie cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the cookie to firm up and prevent it from breaking. Once cooled, cut the cookie into slices using a pizza cutter or large knife. Enjoy!

## Tips for Baking the Perfect Footlong Cookie

* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter creams more easily with the sugars, creating a light and airy texture. Make sure the butter is not melted.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookie from spreading too thin and allowing the flavors to meld together.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly cookie. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the cookie and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add other toppings to your cookie, such as white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cookie.

## Variations and Add-Ins: Customize Your Cookie!

The beauty of baking is the ability to personalize recipes to your liking. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity and create your own signature Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie:

* **White Chocolate Peppermint:** Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
* **Dark Chocolate Decadence:** Use dark chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dough for an intensely chocolatey experience.
* **Nutty Delight:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Sprinkle Magic:** Decorate the cookie with festive sprinkles before baking for a colorful and celebratory treat.
* **Peppermint Bark Inspiration:** Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookie, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a peppermint bark-inspired treat.
* **Espresso Chocolate Chunk:** Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips. This will create a richer, more intense flavor with a hint of coffee.
* **Salted Caramel Chocolate Peppermint:** Drizzle the finished cookie with salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty twist. This pairs perfectly with the chocolate and peppermint.

## Serving Suggestions: Sharing the Joy

This footlong cookie is perfect for sharing, but it’s also perfectly acceptable to keep it all to yourself! Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Warm and Gooey:** Serve the cookie warm, straight from the oven, for a truly indulgent experience.
* **With a Scoop of Ice Cream:** Top a slice of the cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peppermint ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With a Glass of Milk:** Enjoy the cookie with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
* **Cut into Bites:** Cut the cookie into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
* **Gift Giving:** Wrap slices of the cookie in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a festive and homemade gift.

## Storage Instructions: Keeping the Cookie Fresh

To keep your Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookie for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, assuming 12 slices)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 9-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-55g
* Sugar: 30-35g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Please note that these are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion: Bake, Share, and Enjoy!

This Subway Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie recipe is a delightful way to bring a festive and delicious treat to your home. With its rich chocolate flavor, refreshing peppermint notes, and impressive size, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cookie that will impress everyone. Happy baking!