Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that fills your home with the aromas of chocolate and peppermint. These cookies offer a harmonious blend of rich, creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them the perfect indulgence during the festive season. With their soft centers and frosted tops, they are visually appealing and absolutely delicious. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia that can transport you back to cherished family gatherings. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating these delightful cookies that are sure to please everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies is a winner for several reasons. First, it features straightforward preparation, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. Second, the baking time of just 10-12 minutes means you won’t have to wait long to enjoy your fresh cookies. The minimal ingredients ensure that you can whip them up using pantry staples. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—everyone loves the combination of chocolate and peppermint! Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe is bound to delight.

Ingredients

To create these heavenly Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the dough.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their chewy texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Enhances the cookies’ flavor with its molasses undertones.
• 2 large eggs: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Melts beautifully in the oven, creating gooey pockets of chocolate.
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds a refreshing crunch and festive flair.

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy base for your frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the frosting its fluffy texture.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds an extra layer of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the frosting with a delightful peppermint taste.
• Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish): A festive touch for decorating your cookies.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and allow for easy cleanup.

2. Cream Together the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that warm, comforting flavor.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.

6. Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the dough for maximum flavor in every bite.

7. Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden while keeping the centers soft.

8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

10. Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie. Finish off with additional crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

To enhance your baking experience, consider these tips:

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help it hold its shape better while baking.
• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chunks to elevate the flavor of your cookies.
• Experiment with Peppermint: If you prefer a more intense peppermint flavor, add a touch more peppermint extract to the frosting.
• Add a Pinch of Espresso Powder: For a richer chocolate taste, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dough.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. For festive gatherings, pair them with a selection of other holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies or a fruit platter. They’re also great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night in with loved ones.

Nutritional Information

Each Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 2g

While these cookies are a delightful treat, it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh:

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
• Variations: Substitute the chocolate chunks for white chocolate, or try mixing in some dried cranberries for a fruity twist. You can also experiment with different types of nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or savoring all by yourself. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

   • Yes, you can use salted butter, but if you do, omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

2. How do I make my cookies thicker?

   • To make thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking it. Additionally, you can increase the flour slightly.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage.

4. What can I substitute for peppermint candies?

   • If you can’t find peppermint candies, crushed candy canes or even chocolate mint candies can serve as a fantastic substitute.

5. How should I store the frosted cookies?

   • Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.

Frosted Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Deliciously soft cookies with a festive blend of chocolate and peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds creaminess and richness
• 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed Enhances flavor with molasses
• 2 large eggs Provides moisture and binds
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Infuses flavor
• 3 cups all-purpose flour Foundation of the dough
• 1 teaspoon baking soda Leavening agent
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks Creates gooey pockets of chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies Adds crunch and festivity

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates creamy base for frosting
• 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and gives texture
• 2 tablespoons milk Helps achieve consistency
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds extra flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Infuses delightful taste
• Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish) Festive decoration

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.

Baking

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
3. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
2. Once cooled, spread frosting on each cookie and top with additional crushed peppermint candies.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft. Use quality chocolate for the best flavor. Adjust peppermint extract for a stronger flavor.