Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Picture this: the aroma of rich, velvety chocolate blending harmoniously with the refreshing scent of peppermint wafting through your kitchen—a true holiday delight. These chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies are the perfect combination of fudgy decadence and festive flair, with their crackly tops dusted in powdered sugar, resembling a snowy winter wonderland. The first bite is a revelation, as the soft centers melt in your mouth, leaving behind a hint of peppermint that feels like a cool breeze on a frosty day. Honestly, these cookies don’t just taste magical—they are magic!

The first time I made these cookies was during a snowy weekend spent indoors, trying to conjure up something festive for a holiday cookie exchange. I had some extra peppermint extract lying around and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” Little did I know, I was about to create a recipe that would quickly become a holiday favorite in my house. My kids couldn’t stop sneaking cookies off the tray, and even my hard-to-please relatives were asking for the recipe. It’s become our Christmas tradition to bake these together—it’s one of those recipes I wish I had discovered years ago!

Perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging in on a cozy winter night, these cookies will steal the show at any holiday gathering. They’re dangerously easy to make, but their flavor is so special, it feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me—once you try them, you’re going to want to make them over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These cookies come together in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items; everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge!
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s a cookie exchange, Christmas party, or cozy night by the fire, these cookies fit the bill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are always the first to disappear.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint is pure comfort, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug.

What makes these cookies stand out? It’s the balance of flavors and textures that takes them from ordinary to extraordinary. The cocoa is deep and rich, and the peppermint is perfectly subtle without being overpowering. Plus, the powdered sugar crinkle adds a touch of elegance and makes them totally Pinterest-worthy. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just want to treat yourself, these cookies deliver every time.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create an irresistible holiday treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolatey goodness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough that gives structure.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and form those signature crinkles.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Peppermint extract: Just a touch for a refreshing holiday twist.
• Powdered sugar: The magic ingredient for that beautiful snowy crinkle effect.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use almond flour for a gluten-free option or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a slightly nutty flavor. You can also switch up the extracts—try almond extract for a nutty twist or orange extract for a citrusy holiday vibe!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to bake these cookies, which is part of their charm. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To easily combine your dry ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: A stand mixer makes mixing a breeze, but a hand mixer works perfectly too.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowls.
• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for baking!
• Sieve: Optional, but useful for sifting the powdered sugar evenly.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t worry—you can mix everything by hand with a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing!

Preparation Method

Making these chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies is straightforward and a joy to prepare. Follow these steps:

1. Prep your workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup (125 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60 g) of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) of brown sugar, and 1/3 cup (80 ml) of vegetable oil until smooth and creamy. Beat in 2 large eggs (room temperature) one at a time, and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick, sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as everything is combined.
5. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for creating those signature crinkles.
6. Roll the cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring every part is covered.
7. Bake: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will puff up and crackle as they bake—don’t overbake, as they should remain soft in the center.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now all that’s left is to enjoy the magic of chocolate and peppermint in every bite!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Get the most out of your chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies with these tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: I’ve learned this the hard way—warm dough won’t hold its shape and will spread too much, losing the crinkle effect. Thirty minutes in the fridge is non-negotiable!
• Generously coat with powdered sugar: The more powdered sugar you use, the prettier your cookies will look. A light dusting won’t give you those dramatic cracks.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and fudgy inside, so take them out of the oven when they still look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Use quality cocoa powder: The flavor of these cookies comes mainly from the cocoa, so choose a good-quality one for the richest taste.
• Experiment with peppermint extract: A little goes a long way, so start with the recommended amount and adjust to your liking. Too much can be overpowering.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be baking crinkle cookies that look stunning and taste even better!

Variations & Adaptations

These cookies are wonderfully versatile, and here are a few ways you can tweak them:

• Dietary adaptations: Make them gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil and ensure your cocoa powder is dairy-free.
• Seasonal swaps: Replace the peppermint extract with orange, almond, or even hazelnut extract for unique seasonal flavors. You can also add crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday flair.
• Chocolate twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

One of my favorite variations is adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate after the cookies have cooled—it’s the perfect finishing touch for a festive look and extra sweetness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served at room temperature but can also be slightly warmed in the microwave for an extra gooey experience. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate holiday treat.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, the cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the dough in the fridge before rolling and baking.

When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) brings back the soft and melty center. Pro tip: the flavors of chocolate and peppermint intensify after a day or two, so they’re even better if you can resist eating them all at once!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for each cookie (based on a batch of 24):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Sugar: 12g

The cocoa powder in this recipe is packed with antioxidants, and the peppermint extract provides a refreshing flavor without adding sugar or calories. If you opt for healthier ingredient swaps, like coconut oil or almond flour, these cookies can fit into a variety of diets, including gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyles. Just be mindful of the sugar content and enjoy these treats in moderation!

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing these perfect chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies during the holidays. They’re sweet, festive, and irresistibly delicious—a treat that brings people together and fills the home with the warm, comforting aroma of chocolate and peppermint.

Whether you stick to the recipe as it is or try one of the variations I’ve shared, I promise these cookies will become a holiday staple in your home. Go ahead and give them a try, and don’t hesitate to share your creations or any fun twists you come up with in the comments below!

Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these crinkle cookies!

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the recipe slightly. Melt the chocolate down and reduce the sugar and oil accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Absolutely! Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I use peppermint candies instead of extract?

Yes, crush some peppermint candies and mix them into the dough. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

What if my cookies don’t crackle?

Make sure the dough is chilled thoroughly before rolling and baking. Also, don’t skimp on the powdered sugar—it helps create those beautiful crinkles.

Can I double the recipe?

Of course! Just make sure to mix the ingredients evenly and bake in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding on the baking sheets.

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