These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a must-try if you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Soft chocolate cookies sandwiched with creamy frosting and coated in crushed candy canes bring together the perfect combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
These cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or cookie exchange, and they’re guaranteed to disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason. The rich chocolate cookie base is soft, chewy, and decadent, perfectly complementing the smooth and creamy frosting. Rolling the frosting edges in crushed candy canes adds a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor that’s irresistible. Not only are they delicious, but they also look stunning, making them a great gift or show-stopping treat for any holiday party.
Substitutions and Additions
These cookies are easy to adapt based on your preferences or ingredients you have on hand. Whether you want to try a new twist or add a special touch, here are some ideas to make these cookies your own:
- Cake Mix: Swap the devil’s food chocolate cake mix for a red velvet mix to create a festive twist.
- Peppermint Flavor: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting for an extra peppermint punch.
- Decorations: Use festive sprinkles or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for an elevated look.
- Candy Canes: Swap crushed candy canes for crushed chocolate mints or peppermint bark for a unique flavor combination.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to complete your holiday dessert spread:
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa for a cozy and indulgent treat.
- Eggnog: Pair them with a glass of chilled eggnog for a festive flavor combination.
- Ice Cream: Crumble these cookies over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a fun and flavorful dessert.
How to Store Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Proper storage will keep these cookies fresh and delicious for days. Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from softening.
If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can bake the cookies and make the frosting separately. Store the cookies at room temperature and the frosting in the refrigerator, assembling them when ready to serve. These cookies can also be frozen for up to one month—just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
A Sweet Treat to Share This Holiday Season
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies aren’t just a dessert, they’re a holiday memory waiting to happen. Whether you’re baking with loved ones, sharing them at a festive gathering, or sneaking one as a late-night treat, they bring joy and cheer to every bite.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie:
- 1 package devil’s food chocolate cake mix
- 1 stick 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
For the frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 stick 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 –5 candy canes crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food chocolate cake mix and softened butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is well blended.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and continue mixing until a dough forms.
- Scoop the dough into small, evenly sized balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
- Bake the cookies for 7–10 minutes, or until the tops are slightly cracked. Remove them from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating the mixture on medium speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Take one cooled cookie and spread a generous amount of frosting on the flat side. Place a second cookie on top to form a sandwich, pressing gently to secure.
- Roll the edges of the frosting in the crushed candy canes, ensuring an even coating.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.