Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies to Delight You!

Introduction to Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself craving something sweet and festive. That’s where these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies come in! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that can brighten up any busy day. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or holiday preparations, this recipe is a quick solution that will impress your loved ones. Imagine the delight on their faces as they savor the rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Trust me, these cookies are a delightful treat that will make your holiday baking a breeze!

Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies to Delight You!

Print Recipe

Delicious cookies dipped in rich chocolate and topped with festive peppermint for a delightful treat.

• Author: Chef Samantha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely.
10. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
11. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate and then sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
12. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
• For a more intense peppermint flavor, add peppermint extract to the dough.
• These cookies make great gifts during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

These Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just over half an hour from start to finish. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they make perfect gifts or treats for holiday gatherings, ensuring you spread joy without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a tender cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their crisp edges.
• Brown sugar: Packed with moisture, it gives the cookies a chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and provide structure, making your cookies fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor! It enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing the necessary structure.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are the stars of the show! They melt beautifully and add a rich chocolate flavor.
• Crushed peppermint candies: These add a festive crunch and a refreshing minty kick to your cookies.

For those looking to switch things up, consider adding a splash of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra burst of flavor. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven helps them rise and develop that perfect golden edge. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. This process is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture. The air you incorporate while creaming will help your cookies rise beautifully!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the large eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. These ingredients are essential for flavor and structure. The eggs bind everything together, while the vanilla adds that warm, comforting aroma we all love.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, preventing any clumps. It’s a small but important detail for perfect cookies!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that’s ready for the next step!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Folding helps maintain the fluffiness of your dough. You want those chocolatey morsels evenly distributed without deflating your cookie batter.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Think of it as giving them room to breathe!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when the edges are golden, but the centers might look a bit soft. That’s perfect; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before dipping them in chocolate. If you dip them too soon, the chocolate will melt and slide right off!

Step 10: Melt the Chocolate

While the cookies cool, melt the remaining chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts or use a double boiler. Just be careful not to overheat; you want smooth, melted chocolate for dipping.

Step 11: Dip and Decorate

Now comes the fun part! Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Then, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that festive touch. It’s like giving your cookies a holiday makeover!

Step 12: Allow to Set

Finally, let the chocolate set before serving. You can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for a few minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect chocolate coating that will make your cookies shine!

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
• Don’t skip the cooling step; it prevents chocolate from sliding off.
• For a festive twist, try adding a dash of peppermint extract to the dough.
• Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different!
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: A hand mixer works great, but a whisk can do the job too!
• Baking sheet: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Wire rack: Essential for cooling cookies evenly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate safely.

Variations of Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
• Mint Chocolate: Use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for an extra minty kick!
• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs to create a vegan-friendly version of these festive cookies.

Serving Suggestions for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Serve alongside peppermint tea for a refreshing holiday twist.
• Present them on a festive platter, garnished with extra crushed peppermint for a beautiful display.
• Wrap them in cellophane bags for delightful homemade gifts.

FAQs about Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container. Dip them in chocolate closer to serving time for that fresh, delightful taste.

What can I use instead of peppermint candies?

If you can’t find peppermint candies, crushed candy canes work beautifully! They add the same festive crunch and minty flavor, making your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies just as delightful.

How should I store the cookies?

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate for dipping. Each type will give your Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies a unique flavor twist!

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape into cookies. Happy baking!

Final Thoughts

Making these Festive Peppermint Chocolate Dipped Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories with loved ones. The joy of watching them enjoy these delightful treats is priceless. Each bite is a reminder of the warmth and cheer of the holiday season. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up even on the busiest days. So, gather your family, share the joy of baking, and let these cookies bring a sprinkle of magic to your holiday celebrations. Trust me, they’ll become a cherished tradition in no time!