Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Chocolate Mint Delights
Prepare to infuse your holiday season with an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint! These Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re delightful, deeply chocolaty, and wonderfully minty bites that are sure to become a cherished addition to your annual festive baking traditions. Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies embody the spirit of the holidays in every crinkled, powdered-sugar-dusted bite.
The holiday season always brings a flurry of excitement and activity to my kitchen, and this year has been no exception! I’ve been completely immersed in a “cookiepalooza,” experimenting with and perfecting several delectable cookie recipes designed to bring joy to your holiday table. It’s a truly exhilarating time, filled with the aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and, of course, a generous hint of peppermint. Among the many festive treats I’ve been whipping up, one recipe has truly stolen my heart: these magnificent Peppermint Crinkle Cookies. Surprisingly, despite their widespread popularity, this was my very first time tackling them, and I’m thrilled to share my journey and the perfected recipe with you.
My goal was to elevate the classic crinkle cookie, giving it an extra festive twist. What better way to achieve that than by infusing it with the bright, cool flavor of peppermint extract? The result was nothing short of perfection – a chocolate cookie with a delightful chewiness, a satisfying crinkle, and a burst of refreshing mint that perfectly complements the rich cocoa. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little parcels of holiday cheer, and I guarantee they’ll bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.
Why Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are a Holiday Must-Have
Crinkle cookies have long been a staple of holiday baking, adored for their distinctive cracked appearance, soft texture, and rich flavor. But when you introduce peppermint into the mix, these classic treats transform into something truly magical. The invigorating essence of peppermint perfectly cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying flavor profile that is synonymous with the festive season. Imagine biting into a chewy, fudgy cookie, followed by a cool, refreshing wave of mint – it’s an experience that captivates the senses and evokes cherished holiday memories.
Beyond their delightful taste, Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are also a visual feast. The stark contrast between the dark chocolate cookie and the snowy white powdered sugar, enhanced by the beautiful “crinkles” that form during baking, makes them incredibly appealing. They look as though they’ve been kissed by a winter wonderland, making them an ideal centerpiece for any holiday dessert platter, a charming gift for friends and family, or a delicious offering at a festive potluck. Their unique texture, combining a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior, ensures they are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
My Journey to the Perfect Crinkle: Tips for Baking Success
Truth be told, my first attempt at these Peppermint Crinkle Cookies didn’t go quite as planned. The initial batch spread out far too much, losing that signature crinkled look and resembling more of a thin chocolate wafer than a classic crinkle cookie. While still delicious, they certainly weren’t the festive, puffy treats I envisioned. This is a common baking challenge, and it sent me straight back to the drawing board for some crucial troubleshooting.
Through a bit of experimentation, I quickly identified the culprits: my cookies were a tad too large, and my oven temperature was inconsistent. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of an oven thermometer. It’s a simple, inexpensive tool that can make all the difference between baking success and frustrating failures. Ovens can be notoriously inaccurate, and knowing your oven’s true temperature is key to achieving consistent results, especially with delicate recipes like crinkle cookies. Investing in one is truly a game-changer for any home baker.
Another critical step I refined was chilling the dough. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential for preventing excessive spreading and ensuring your cookies hold their shape, giving you those beautiful, deep crinkles. The cold dough allows the fats to firm up, resulting in a cookie that spreads slower and retains its structure during baking. Finally, perfecting the size of the dough balls and ensuring a generous roll in powdered sugar guarantees that classic, snowy appearance. After a few tweaks and some careful attention to detail, I finally achieved the perfect batch – rich, minty, beautifully crinkled, and ready for sharing!
Embracing the Holiday Spirit: Cookie Events and Community Sharing
This holiday season, I found myself joyfully overbooked, participating in not one, but two fantastic cookie events on the same day: #ChristmasCookiesWeek and #FBLCookieExchange. These events are a true highlight for any food blogger, fostering a wonderful sense of community and providing an incredible opportunity to share and discover new recipes. The pressure of creating a show-stopping cookie for a large exchange can be daunting, especially when juggling a busy schedule and holiday preparations. Choosing a recipe that would be universally loved, ship well, and taste fantastic was a challenge I embraced.
After a week of vacation and a much-needed period of rest right in the middle of these events, my brain was certainly scrambling! Yet, the vision of festive crinkle cookies kept calling to me. I knew they were the perfect candidate, but they needed that extra touch of holiday flair. That’s where the peppermint extract truly shone, transforming a simple crinkle cookie into a memorable holiday treat. The satisfaction of sending off a box of these homemade delights to fellow bloggers, knowing they would be enjoyed and appreciated, is one of the best parts of this season.
My freshly baked Peppermint Crinkle Cookies journeyed to some wonderful kitchens:
- Sarah @ Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
- Allison @ The PinterTest Kitchen
- Sarah @ Sarah Cooks the Books
I sincerely hope they enjoyed these festive Peppermint Crinkle Cookies as much as my family and my husband’s colleagues did. The joy of baking is amplified by the joy of sharing!
A Sweet Harvest: Cookies from Fellow Food Bloggers
In exchange for my peppermint-infused creations, I was incredibly fortunate to receive a delightful assortment of cookies from other talented food bloggers. It was a true pleasure to taste their unique recipes, and each one was absolutely delicious! Thank you so much to everyone who participated – we truly loved them all!
- Elizabeth @ The Recipe Revival shared her incredible Vanilla Mint Cake Mix Cookies (my husband devoured the entire batch!).
- P~ @ The Saucy Southerner sent us her exquisite Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies.
- Nicole @ For The Love of Food Blog gifted us with her delicious Caramel Apple Cookies. I had the pleasure of making her Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese last winter for #FoodBloggerLove, and her cookies were just as fantastic!
It’s moments like these, filled with culinary exchange and shared passion, that make the holiday season so special for food enthusiasts. These cookies truly added a touch of gourmet delight to our home and fueled our own baking inspiration!
Without further ado, here is the full recipe for my festive and utterly irresistible Peppermint Crinkle Cookies!
Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 36 servings
Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are delicious, chocolaty, minty bites of cookies suitable for the big guy himself!
Ingredients for Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- 4 ounces unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions for Baking Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsweetened chocolate and shortening together. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once smooth and fully combined, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15-20 minutes. This cooling step is crucial for the texture of your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and the mixture is light and frothy.
- Once the melted chocolate and shortening mixture has cooled sufficiently (it should still be liquid but not hot to the touch), slowly whisk it into the large bowl containing the egg and sugar mixture. Continue whisking just until everything is combined and smooth.
- Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients. Mix slowly and carefully until the flour is thoroughly incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is vital for the dough to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures those beautiful, distinct crinkles. Before rolling and baking, allow the chilled dough to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes; this makes it easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper for easy release and consistent baking.
- Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and gently shape them into smooth balls. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s completely coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for approximately 9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and fudgy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up without breaking. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these festive, minty treats!
Courses Dessert
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 36 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 106 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 3 g | 5% | |
Saturated Fat 1 g | 5% | |
Cholesterol 15 mg | 5% | |
Sodium 285 mg | 12% | |
Total Carbohydrates 18 g | 6% | |
Dietary Fiber 1 g | 4% | |
Sugars 13 g | ||
Protein 1 g | 2% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Discover More Festive Cookie Recipes for Your Holiday Baking
The holiday season is a perfect excuse to indulge in a variety of delicious cookies! If you’re looking for even more inspiration for your festive baking, don’t miss out on these fantastic recipes shared by other talented food bloggers. From classic flavors to unique twists, there’s a cookie here to delight every palate and add a special touch to your holiday celebrations.
- Alfajores (dulce de leche sandwich cookies) by Caroline’s Cooking
- Candy Cane Tassies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Christmas Popcorn Bars by My Southern Sweet Tooth
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies by The Bitter Side of Sweet
- Crystallized Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love and Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Dutch Speculaas Cookies by Palatable Pastime
- Empire Cookies by Red Cottage Chronicles
- Gingerbread Gooey Butter Cookies by Making Miracles
- Gingerbread Men Cookies by The Freshman Cook
- Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Cookies by Books n Cooks
- Holiday Sugar Sprinkle Butter Cookies by Family Around the Table
- Italian Rainbow Cookies by Everyday Eileen
- Loaded Festive Chocolate Chip Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Makrut Macaroons by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Mocha filled Sandwich Cookies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pecan Caramel Turtle Bars by Tip Garden
- Pepparkakor (Swedish Ginger Cookies) by The Redhead Baker
- Peppermint Candy Canes by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Peppermint Crinkle Cookies by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Peppermint Macarons by House of Nash Eats
- Peppermint Mocha Shortbread Cookies by Cooking with Carlee
- Peppermint Shortbread by Feeding Big
- Peppermint Shortbreads by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Pistachio Wedding Cookies by Soulfully Made
- Raspberry Filled Coconut Snowflakes by Making The Most of Naptime
- Raspberry Thumbprint cookies by Simple And Savory
- Rum Logs by Corn, Beans Pigs and Kids
- Simple Sugar Cookies by Bear & Bug Eats
- Vanilla Bean Pizzelles by Love and Confections
- White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies by Kate’s Recipe Box
Stay tuned! I’ll be back on Wednesday with another fantastic cookie recipe that I am incredibly eager to share with you all. The holiday baking magic continues!
Still hungry for more deliciousness?
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for daily dose of culinary inspiration!
Don’t forget to pin this delightful Peppermint Crinkle Cookie recipe on Pinterest!
Subscribe now to receive easy and delicious recipes delivered weekly straight to your inbox!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission based on your purchase. Rest assured, there’s never any extra cost to you! Your support helps Strawberry Blondie Kitchen continue to bring you delicious recipes. Thank you for being a part of our culinary journey, and happy holidays! ♥