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Peppermint Mocha Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 126 reviews

Peppermint Mocha Cookies combine rich cocoa and espresso flavors with a refreshing peppermint twist, topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes for a festive, indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons (51g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder or 1 Tablespoon instant coffee granules
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (180g) mini or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips

Topping

  • 8 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 3 large candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough base: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating on high speed until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed for even mixing.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low mixer speed until just combined, then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The resulting dough will be thick and sticky.
  3. Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for managing the stickiness and improving cookie texture.
  4. Rest the dough before shaping: Remove dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes depending on chilling time to soften slightly for easier scooping and rolling.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  6. Shape the cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, portion 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls taller than wide to create thick cookies. Space them 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Due to stickiness, wipe your hands frequently to manage dough handling.
  7. Bake the cookies: Bake for 11-12 minutes until edges appear set but centers still look slightly soft. If cookies are not spreading by 9 minutes, remove the sheets and gently bang them 2-3 times on the counter to encourage spreading, then return to bake.
  8. Cool the cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack where they will deflate slightly as they cool completely.
  9. Melt white chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between intervals until smooth and fully melted.
  10. Decorate the cookies: Dip each cooled cookie halfway into the melted white chocolate, then place on parchment or silicone mat-lined baking sheets. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate before it sets.
  11. Set the chocolate topping: Refrigerate the decorated cookies for about 1 hour until the white chocolate is firm to the touch.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is mandatory to manage stickiness and improve texture.
  • Allow dough to rest at room temperature before shaping to facilitate handling and shaping of sticky dough.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats for baking to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • Banging the baking sheet can help cookies spread if they remain too thick during baking.
  • Crushed candy canes add festive flavor and crunch to the white chocolate topping.

Keywords: Peppermint Mocha Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, Coffee Cookies, White Chocolate Peppermint, Festive Cookies

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/peppermint-mocha-cookies-recipe/