If you love the taste of chocolate and mint, you’re in for a treat! These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are easy to make and perfect for the holidays. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bake soft, crinkly cookies that will impress family and friends. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of peppermint and cocoa. Let’s dive in and create these festive delights!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a delightful holiday flavor that is perfect for the season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are quick to prepare, making them great for holiday baking.
- Beautiful Presentation: The crinkled tops and powdered sugar coating give these cookies a lovely appearance, making them perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.
- Customizable: You can easily add crushed peppermint candies or other festive toppings to make each batch unique and even more special.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 large eggs
Additional Ingredients
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
– Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)
To make these cookies, we need a mix of dry and wet ingredients.
For the dry ingredients, start with all-purpose flour. This gives the cookies their structure. Next, add unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor. Baking powder helps the cookies rise, while salt brings out the sweetness.
In the wet ingredients, we begin with granulated sugar. This adds sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar gives a nice, chewy texture. Vegetable oil keeps the cookies soft and moist. The vanilla and peppermint extracts add a lovely flavor. Finally, the eggs bind everything together.
We also need powdered sugar to roll the cookie dough. This gives the cookies a beautiful crinkle effect. Optionally, you can add crushed peppermint candies on top for extra fun and flavor.
Gather these ingredients and get ready for a delightful baking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the cookies bake evenly.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well and set aside.
Forming the Cookies
1. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle.
Baking the Cookies
1. After chilling, scoop out dough and roll into balls with your hands.
2. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
3. Place the balls on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each.
4. If you want, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of each ball.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set and the tops should crack.
6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up nicely.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crinkle
Chilling the dough is key. It helps the cookies hold their shape and create a nice crinkle. When the dough is cold, it spreads less while baking. Aim to chill it for at least 30 minutes.
For rolling in powdered sugar, use your hands to form the dough into balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is fully coated. This gives the cookies a beautiful white finish and helps create those signature cracks.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor with extra extracts. Try adding a splash of almond or orange extract for a twist. These flavors pair well with chocolate and peppermint.
Different types of sugars can change the taste. Using dark brown sugar will add a deeper, richer flavor. You can mix brown sugar with granulated sugar for a balanced sweetness.
Cookie Texture Tips
To keep your cookies soft, do not overbake them. Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. This will give you a chewy texture.
If you accidentally overbake, the cookies may turn hard. Keep an eye on them, and remember that they will firm up as they cool. A good rule is to bake for 10-12 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use Quality Cocoa: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. This will enhance the chocolate taste in your cookies.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Decorative Touch: Adding crushed peppermint candies not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cookies a festive look. Sprinkle them on right before baking for a beautiful finish!
Variations
Alternative Flavors
You can change up the flavors for fun.
– Chocolate Mint Swirl Cookies: To make these, swirl in some mint chocolate chips. This adds a lovely minty taste. You can also use mint chocolate in the dough itself. The result is a rich and creamy cookie.
– Peppermint Mocha Cookies: If you love coffee, add a bit of instant coffee granules to the mix. This gives your cookies a mocha flavor. You can also use a dash of espresso powder for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments
You can adapt this recipe to fit different diets.
– Gluten-free alternative: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to help with texture.
– Vegan substitutions: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil. This way, you can enjoy these cookies without eggs or dairy.
Toppings and Garnishes
Toppings give your cookies a special touch.
– Different crushed candy options: Try using crushed Oreos or chocolate-covered peppermint candies. These can provide a nice crunch and add fun flavors.
– Adding chocolate chips or nuts: Mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. This adds texture and richness. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a unique taste.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To store your cookies at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and fresh. I suggest using a container with a tight seal, like a glass jar or a plastic bin. You can also add a slice of bread to absorb extra moisture and help keep the cookies soft.
Long-term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, so they harden. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date. To thaw, simply remove the cookies from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Shelf Life
Chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies last about one week at room temperature. If stored in the freezer, they can last up to three months. Signs of spoilage include a hard texture, off smell, or visible mold. Always check your cookies before enjoying them to ensure they are still fresh!
FAQs
What is the ideal baking temperature for these cookies?
The ideal baking temperature for Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies is 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly. At this heat, the edges set while the center stays soft. If the oven is too hot, the cookies may burn. If it’s too cool, they may spread too much. Always preheat your oven before baking.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs in this recipe. Common options include:
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg
– 1/4 cup mashed banana for each egg
– 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes
These replacements can help make the cookies just as tasty and keep them moist.
How do I make these cookies less sweet?
To make these cookies less sweet, try these tips:
– Reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup
– Use dark chocolate cocoa powder, which has a richer flavor
– Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
These changes can help you enjoy a more balanced flavor in your cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try these solutions:
– Chill the dough for an extra 15-30 minutes before rolling
– Dust your hands with a little flour when shaping the cookies
– Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the right consistency
These steps will help you manage sticky dough and form perfect cookies.
This blog post covers key steps to make delicious crinkle cookies. We discussed the right ingredients, preparation, baking, and storing methods. You learned tips for texture and flavor enhancements. You can explore variations and dietary adjustments to fit your needs.
In closing, follow these steps, and you’ll create cookies that impress. Enjoy the baking process and share your treats with others! Happy bakin
