What Are Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies? A Festive Treat
Chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies are rich chocolate cookies filled with a creamy peppermint frosting and topped with crushed peppermint candies. Their appeal lies in the harmonious blend of soft, chocolatey cookies paired with a minty, creamy filling, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and practical. Whether enjoyed during holiday baking, gift-giving, or as a sweet treat year-round, this recipe satisfies cravings with its luxurious taste. Its versatility ensures it caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free or vegan options, ensuring everyone can indulge. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies prove that great desserts don’t require hours of active prep.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
This chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies recipe stands out for its unique appeal: soft, chocolatey cookies paired with a minty, creamy filling and festive peppermint garnish. It’s ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a simple snack to enjoy at home, providing a delightful experience for any event. The adaptability of this dish ensures it fits seamlessly into nut-free, vegan, or low-sugar diets, making it inclusive for diverse needs. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping dessert or preparing it for a cozy gathering, this recipe offers a delightful experience. With its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors, chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies prove that homemade comfort food can still rival gourmet creations.
Key Ingredients for Making Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
To create the ultimate chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies, gather these essentials: For the cookies, use all-purpose flour (1 ½ cups), Dutch process cocoa powder (⅓ cup), kosher salt (1 teaspoon), baking powder (¾ teaspoon), refined coconut oil (⅓ cup, room temperature), granulated sugar (⅔ cup), unsalted butter (5 ½ tablespoons, softened), egg yolk (1 large), heavy cream (2 tablespoons), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), and peppermint extract (¼ teaspoon). For the frosting, include unsalted butter (12 tablespoons, softened), vanilla extract (1 ¾ teaspoons), kosher salt (¼ teaspoon), peppermint extract (¼ teaspoon), powdered sugar (2 ¾ cups), heavy cream (3 tablespoons), and finely crushed peppermint candies (3 tablespoons). Dietary substitutions like gluten-free flour, plant-based butter, or sugar substitutes cater to specific needs without compromising taste. Each component ensures cookies that are rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Making chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies is simple with this clear guide. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat coconut oil, sugar, and butter until fluffy. Add egg yolk, cream, vanilla, and peppermint extract; mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until dough forms. Transfer dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll to 1/8-inch thickness. Freeze for 5–10 minutes. Cut out cookies using a 2 ¼-inch cutter and a 1-inch cutter for centers. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cool completely on wire racks. Re-roll scraps and repeat until all dough is used. Beat butter, vanilla, salt, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream, beating until fluffy. Fold in crushed peppermint candies. Pipe frosting onto flat sides of whole cookies. Top with cut-out cookies, pressing gently. Garnish with additional crushed peppermint. This straightforward process ensures flawless results every time.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor in Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Achieving the best results with chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies involves using refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor; avoid unrefined varieties, creating visually appealing portions. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading during baking, enhancing its texture. Adjust frosting consistency by adding cream, 1 teaspoon at a time. These expert tips guarantee cookies that are consistently flavorful, visually stunning, and ready to impress with every bite. With minimal effort, you can elevate your baking game and create a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet-worthy, perfect for any occasion.
How to Customize Your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies for Unique Twists
Customizing your chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies opens up endless possibilities for flavor exploration. For a low-sugar option, replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, catering to health-conscious preferences. Create a vegan version by swapping butter with plant-based alternatives, using flax eggs, and replacing cream with coconut milk, ensuring inclusivity for diverse diets. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest for extra depth, bringing warmth and intrigue to the dish. Incorporate white chocolate chips, dark chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for added variety, adding a unique flair to the classic recipe. These creative ideas cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the cookies’ signature simplicity, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Drinks or Desserts
Chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies pair beautifully with complementary drinks and desserts, creating a complete and satisfying treat. Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy dining experience. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for indulgence, elevating its rich flavors. Complement its savory notes with beverages like sparkling water, red wine, or cold brew coffee, adding refreshment to your spread. These thoughtful pairings ensure chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies remain a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any dining occasion.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cookies
To keep your chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Serve at room temperature; avoid microwaving to preserve texture. These storage techniques guarantee cookies that remain flavorful, convenient, and ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
See Also:
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Q: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?
A: Yes, but Dutch process provides a deeper chocolate flavor.
Q: What can I substitute for refined coconut oil?
A: Vegetable shortening or softened butter works well for similar results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free flour.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chill the dough thoroughly and ensure your baking sheets are cool before transferring cookies.
Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.
Why Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Are a Must-Try for Any Occasion
Chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies stand out for their festive appearance, bold flavors, and ease of preparation, making them ideal for family dinners, casual snacks, or festive gatherings. Whether served as part of a comforting meal or as a standout dish during celebrations, they bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion. Experiment with variations and presentations to make them your own, ensuring a delightful experience every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that homemade dishes can still rival gourmet creations. Try it today it might just become your new go-to way to elevate any gathering or celebration.
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Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies (48 individual cookies)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, festive chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies featuring soft cocoa cookies, cool minty frosting, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or indulgent treats year-round. Easily made gluten-free or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
– 1½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup (30g) Dutch process cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ¾ teaspoon baking powder
– ⅓ cup (70g) refined coconut oil, room temperature
– ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
– 5½ tablespoons (78g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg yolk
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Frosting:
– 12 tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2¾ cups (330g) powdered sugar, sifted
– 3 tablespoons heavy cream
– 3 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat refined coconut oil, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add egg yolk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half. Place each portion between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll to ⅛-inch thickness.
- Freeze rolled dough for 5–10 minutes until firm but not brittle.
- Using a 2¼-inch round cutter, cut out full cookies. Then use a 1-inch cutter to cut centers from half of them (these will be the tops).
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Transfer cookies to sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.
- Cool completely on wire racks. Re-roll scraps and repeat until dough is used.
- For frosting: Beat butter, vanilla, salt, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and 3 tbsp heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy. Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto the flat side of whole cookies. Top with cut-out cookies, pressing gently to adhere.
- Garnish with additional crushed peppermint. Let set before serving.
Notes
– Use refined coconut oil unrefined will add coconut flavor.
– Chill dough well to prevent over-spreading and maintain sharp cut-out shapes.
– Gluten-free: Substitute with certified gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
– Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water), coconut cream, and vegan peppermint candies.
– Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze assembled cookies for up to 3 months.
– Dutch process cocoa gives deeper color and flavor but natural cocoa works if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (+ chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
