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Creamy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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These festive cookies feature a creamy chocolate base, a hint of peppermint, and a crunchy candy topping—perfect for Christmas baking, gifting, or cozy winter nights. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they deliver holiday nostalgia in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, plus extra for sprinkling
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take butter, cream cheese, and eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting to soften.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  5. Gradually add the flour-cocoa mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed in 2-3 additions. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
  6. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies (and white chocolate chips, if using) with a spatula.
  7. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tbsp each) and space 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
  11. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a creamy texture. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Don’t overbake—cookies should be soft in the center. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and vegan substitutes for butter and cream cheese. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, creamy cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive dessert, peppermint dessert

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-chocolate-peppermint-cookies-easy-christmas-baking-recipe/