The holiday season is all about warmth, love, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked Peppermint Crinkle Cookies wafting through your home. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a delightful peppermint flavor that dances on your taste buds while the powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch—pure bliss! You can practically hear the jingle bells as you prepare to indulge in this seasonal treat.
As you gather your loved ones around for cookie decorating or simply enjoy them straight from the oven, these Peppermint Crinkle Cookies will surely become a cherished holiday tradition. Whether it’s a cozy night in by the fireplace or a festive gathering with friends, these cookies promise to deliver joy and deliciousness in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- This incredible Peppermint Crinkle Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peppermint Crinkle Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cookie dough, providing the necessary structure and chewiness.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolatey flavor we all crave in crinkle cookies.
- Baking Powder: Essential for puffing up those cookies to create that signature crinkly top.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives our cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens our dough and helps achieve that sought-after crinkle effect.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to elevate our cookies.
- Eggs: Bring everything together and help bind our ingredients into a delicious cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Peppermint Extract: The star of our show! It infuses each cookie with that refreshing minty essence.
- Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies before baking, giving them their snowy appearance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Peppermint Crinkle Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step ensures our cookies won’t stick and allows for easy cleanup—because who wants to scrub pans after a sweet baking session?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is crucial; it ensures an even distribution of leavening agents so each cookie rises perfectly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes. You want it airy because nobody likes dense cookies unless it’s a brick!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract—this is where your kitchen will start smelling like a holiday wonderland.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies here!
Step 6: Roll & Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for about ten minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft—trust me; they’ll continue cooking out of the oven!
Transfer them to wire racks to cool slightly before devouring these delightful Peppermint Crinkle Cookies! Feel free to share (or not) because they’re just too good to resist!
And there you have it—a whimsical journey through mixing up these enchanting Peppermint Crinkle Cookies that are perfect for sharing with family or indulging solo while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies! Happy baking!
You Must Know About Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- This showstopping Peppermint Crinkle Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Next, mix in the eggs and peppermint extract. Combine the dry ingredients separately, then fold them into the wet mixture. Finally, roll the dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake until crinkled perfection is achieved.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla if you’re not a mint fan. You could also introduce chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra texture and flavor. Want a festive twist? Add a splash of food coloring to the dough for a holiday vibe!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peppermint Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their chewy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- This professional-quality Peppermint Crinkle Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Making these cookies always reminds me of my friend’s holiday party where they vanished as soon as they hit the table—everyone was raving about them! It’s moments like that which make baking so rewarding.
FAQs
What are Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are delightful treats that combine rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint. These cookies feature a chewy texture and a beautiful powdered sugar coating, creating a lovely contrast. Often served during the holiday season, they are perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet gift. The combination of chocolate and peppermint brings a nostalgic taste that many enjoy, making them a popular choice among cookie lovers.
How do I store Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
To keep your Peppermint Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their soft and chewy texture for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy these delicious cookies even after the holiday season.
Can I substitute ingredients in Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can certainly substitute some ingredients in Peppermint Crinkle Cookies to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. For example, if you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Additionally, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Be mindful that ingredient substitutions may alter the texture and flavor slightly, but experimenting can yield delicious results.
What makes Peppermint Crinkle Cookies special?
Peppermint Crinkle Cookies stand out due to their unique combination of flavors and textures. The rich chocolate base pairs perfectly with the refreshing minty undertones, making each bite indulgent yet invigorating. Furthermore, the crinkled appearance and dusting of powdered sugar give these cookies an appealing visual touch that enhances their festive charm. This special combination makes them a memorable treat for any occasion, especially during the holidays.
Conclusion
In summary, Peppermint Crinkle Cookies offer a delightful mix of chocolate and peppermint flavors that make them perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting. With simple storage methods and options for ingredient substitutions, anyone can make these cookies at home. Their unique taste and charming appearance ensure they will be enjoyed by many during festive occasions. So gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these irresistible treats today!
Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, where rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint for a truly enchanting treat. These soft and chewy cookies are coated in powdered sugar, creating a stunning visual appeal perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch that fills your home with joyous aromas and makes holiday memories sweeter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are set and centers remain soft. Cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
