The moment the holiday season kicks in, I find myself yearning for a treat that captures the essence of winter festivities. Enter my Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy cookie bursting with rich, decadent chocolate and a refreshing peppermint twist. The aroma fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy nights spent around the fireplace with loved ones.
Bored of reaching for fast food or store-bought sweets, I turned to this delightful recipe that’s equal parts easy and impressive. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are deceptively simple yet sure to wow your guests at any gathering. The combination of semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate melds together beautifully, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of seasonal cheer. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies promise to become a cherished favorite. Let’s dive into making this irresistible treat that brings comfort and joy to your home!
Why are Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies irresistible?
Indulgent flavors: The heavenly blend of three types of chocolate creates a rich, decadent experience in every bite.
Festive twist: The refreshing touch of peppermint elevates these cookies, making them perfect for the holiday season.
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful treat.
Impressive appearance: Topped with crushed peppermint candies, these cookies not only taste great but look stunning on any dessert table.
Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch for friends and family, and watch as they disappear in moments!
Comforting aroma: The scent of chocolate and peppermint wafting through your kitchen will instantly set a cozy mood.
Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – cold and cut into cubes, ensuring a rich, creamy texture in your cookies.
• Light brown sugar – packed for a deep flavor and moisture.
• Granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and contributes to the texture.
• Large egg – adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Large egg yolk – enriches the dough, making your cookies delightfully chewy.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile, giving depth to the chocolate.
• Peppermint extract – just a hint gives that unmistakable seasonal zing to the cookies.
For the Dry Ingredients
• All-purpose flour – forms the base for your cookie structure and texture.
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder – lends a rich color and mellow chocolate flavor to the cookie batter.
• Kosher salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, creating a light and airy cookie texture.
• Baking soda – adds a touch of chewiness, making for a perfect cookie base.
For the Chocolate Mix
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks – for deep, rich chocolate flavors in every bite!
• Milk chocolate chips – adds a creamy sweetness that complements the semi-sweet chocolate.
• White chocolate chips – provides a beautiful contrast and a touch of sweetness.
For the Topping
• Peppermint candies or candy canes – crushed, these festive treats add that extra holiday cheer and crunch on top of your cookies.
How to Make Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking!
- Cream Together: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth, with no visible chunks of butter.
- Add Eggs & Extracts: Incorporate the large egg and egg yolk, mixing well until combined. Then, add in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, scraping down the sides to ensure everything is well blended.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Combine Wisely: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix!
- Fold in Chocolates: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. The dough should come together nicely with all the chocolate evenly distributed.
- Shape Cookies: Shape the dough into 8 large balls. Place 4 balls on each prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the tops have slight cracks, but the centers may still look a little underbaked.
- Add Topping: Immediately sprinkle the tops of the baked cookies with crushed peppermint candies, pressing them lightly into the warm cookies. Return them to the oven for about 1 minute to let the peppermint set.
- Cool Down: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to seal them in an airtight container to prevent dryness.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This method ensures that every bite stays fresh and delicious!
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This will revive that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience of these Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!
Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with your cookies—these delightful suggestions will elevate your baking game!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring a similar texture without compromising flavor. Many blends work wonderfully, offering you a safe and delicious option.
- Minty Green: Swap in peppermint extract with a splash of eucalyptus essential oil for a unique twist. Just a drop or two is all you need to infuse your cookies with a refreshing aroma that harkens back to an evergreen forest.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. The contrasting textures create an exciting bite alongside the chocolate.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients for a surprising heat that complements the chocolate and peppermint. This bold flavor lift can give your cookies a truly adventurous vibe!
- Choco-Mint Swirl: Blend different types of chocolate—try dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor or even white chocolate chips for a contrasting sweetness. Each combination brings a fresh twist to your delicious cookies.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water each), and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Your vegan guests will appreciate the thoughtful preparation!
- Caramel Drizzle: For a sweet surprise, drizzle melted caramel over the cookies before adding the crushed peppermint. This sticky addition breaks up the chocolate with a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
- Candy Toasted: Toast your crushed peppermint candies before sprinkling them on top for a toasted flavor that enhances their crunch and aroma. This simple twist adds a unique depth to each bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor that holiday magic with minimal effort on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Simply shape the dough into balls, and store them in an airtight container; this helps maintain their freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and place the chilled dough balls on lined baking sheets, then bake as directed, adding the crushed peppermint candies just before the cookies finish for that delightful touch. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of having these festive treats on hand, just as delicious as when made the same day!
Expert Tips for Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Chill Your Dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and results in a thicker cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
- Spacing Matters: Make sure to leave ample space between the cookie balls on the baking sheet. They will spread while baking, and overcrowding may lead to unevenly shaped cookies.
- Watch the Bake Time: Cookies may seem underbaked in the center when you take them out, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of crushed candies on top! Peppermint isn’t the only festive option—crushed toffee or holiday sprinkles can add a unique twist.
What to Serve with Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Imagine a cozy gathering where the aroma of freshly baked cookies mingles with delightful sides and drinks that elevate the experience.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: The warmth and creaminess of hot chocolate perfectly complements the chocolatey cookies, creating a comforting duo for chilly nights.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your cookie creates a dreamy contrast, melting into the cookie’s warmth for delightful bites.
- Peppermint Bark: Add an extra layer of festive flavor with crunchy peppermint bark. Its sweetness echoes the cookies while providing a satisfying texture.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bold, roasted flavors of coffee enhance the deeply rich chocolate, forming a delightful balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
- Dark Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookie edges into dark chocolate fondue for a dipped treat that’s indulgent and shareable at any holiday gathering.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad serves as a bright contrast to the richness of the cookies, cleansing the palate with each bite.
- Festive Cocktails: Serve up peppermint-infused cocktails that harmonize with the cookie flavors, adding a fun sparkle to your dessert table.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A classic pairing, the sweetness and juiciness of strawberries dipped in chocolate are a fabulous contrast to the chewy cookies.
- Milk: Classic and simple, a glass of cold milk never fails to pair beautifully with cookies, enhancing their rich flavor while adding a nostalgic touch.
Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! It’s best to use unsalted butter for your Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall salt level in your recipe, enhancing the natural sweetness of the cookies without overpowering them.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, placing them in the fridge will keep them delicious for up to a week—just make sure to seal them well to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! I often freeze cookie dough for later use. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake from frozen; just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warmer dough. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps to solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies. Also, ensure your baking sheet is not greased, as this can contribute to excess spreading.
Can these cookies be made allergy-friendly?
Certainly! If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. For dairy-free options, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Always double-check ingredients for any potential allergens, especially if serving to guests with sensitivities.
How can I know when the cookies are done baking?
To tell when your cookies are ready, look for set edges with a slightly soft center. They might appear underbaked but will firm up as they cool. If you see slight cracks on the top, that’s a great indicator that they’re done! Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen as your delectable treats bake!
Irresistible Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to Indulge In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the cold butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate the large egg and egg yolk, followed by vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into 8 large balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with crushed peppermint candies immediately after baking, pressing lightly.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
