Magical Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies Recipe

Decadent chocolate peppermint surprise cookies bring a delightful twist to traditional holiday baking.

These rich, chocolatey treats hide a magical minty center that melts in your mouth.

Soft, fudgy exteriors give way to a creamy peppermint filling that sparks pure joy.

The combination of deep chocolate and cool mint creates an irresistible flavor profile sure to impress.

Each cookie delivers a delectable shock of sweetness that dances across your taste buds.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Get ready to become the star baker with these crowd-pleasing chocolate peppermint surprise cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Prepare Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies

• Cookie Dough Creation

Gather all ingredients and mix wet components in a large bowl, blending sugar, oil, and cocoa until smooth. Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time, stirring gently and incorporating vanilla and peppermint flavors.

• Ingredient Fusion

Softly fold flour mixture into wet ingredients, keeping some flour streaks visible. Sprinkle crushed candy canes throughout the dough, creating delightful peppermint bursts.

• Cooling Phase

Wrap the bowl in plastic and place in refrigerator for several hours. This resting period allows flavors to meld and dough to firm up, enhancing cookie texture.

• Baking Preparation

Heat oven to a warm 350°F. Line baking sheets with non-stick surface. Scoop chilled dough into round balls, generously coating each with powdery sugar.

• Sweet Transformation

Place cookies on prepared sheets, giving them space to spread. Bake until edges look slightly crisp but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool and set, developing their signature crackled exterior and rich chocolate-peppermint flavor profile.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Peppermint Surprise Cookies

• Swap traditional candy canes with other crushed peppermint candies or chocolate-mint candies for a personalized twist on texture and flavor.
• Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and freeze them up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking for instant delicious cookies.
• Transform these cookies into sandwich-style treats by adding a creamy peppermint buttercream or melted chocolate ganache between two baked cookies for extra indulgence.
• Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This technique ensures a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges that melt in your mouth.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for a festive, bakery-style presentation that impresses guests and adds visual appeal.

Serving Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies with Style

• Serve Alongside Festive Beverages: Pair these chocolatey peppermint cookies with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or creamy eggnog for a delightful holiday treat that warms both heart and soul.
• Create Dessert Platter Magic: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and chocolate truffles to make a stunning sweet display that will impress guests.
• Gift with Personal Charm: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, adding a handwritten note for a homemade gift that spreads joy and holiday cheer to friends and family.
• Elevate Dessert Presentation: Dust the cookies with extra confectioners' sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate on top to add an elegant finishing touch that makes these treats look as amazing as they taste.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Storage Tips That Work

• Store Safely: Keep finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen dough stays fresh for 3 months – simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Maintain Freshness: Ensure cookies remain crisp by storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could compromise their delightful crumbly structure.
• Portion and Protect: Split batches into smaller containers to minimize exposure each time you open the storage container, helping to preserve the cookies' original flavor and soft, minty crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 158 kcal

Servings: 22

Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies Ingredient

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, select unbleached flour for best baking results.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy texture, check freshness for optimal rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden edges.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates moist texture and soft crumb, choose neutral-flavored oil.
• Cocoa Powder: Introduces rich chocolate depth, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed variety.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded flavor complexity.
• Peppermint Extract: Brings refreshing, cool minty dimension.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure, use room temperature eggs.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Infuses festive peppermint crunch and visual appeal.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates beautiful crackled exterior and delicate sweetness.

Tools for Baking Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients separately.
• Cookie scoop (3 tablespoon size): Helps create uniform, perfectly sized cookie dough balls.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Plastic wrap: Used to cover and chill the cookie dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.

Indulgent Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate peppermint surprise cookies offer a delightful winter treat with rich cocoa and cool mint flavors. Unexpected chocolate centers melt inside each cookie, creating delicious moments you’ll savor through festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 eggs
• 160 g (⅔ cup) vegetable oil
• 300 g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
• 120 g (1 cup) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 270 g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 80 g (1 cup) cocoa powder
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 candy canes, crushed (about 75 g)

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Instructions

1. Preparation of Dry Components: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Wet Mixture Creation: Cream sugar, vegetable oil, and cocoa powder in a large bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
3. Egg and Extract Integration: Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Blend vanilla and peppermint extracts throughout the batter for an aromatic infusion.
4. Dough Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, maintaining a light touch to preserve the dough’s tender structure. Gently mix in crushed candy canes, distributing the festive crimson pieces evenly.
5. Chilling Phase: Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 2-12 hours, allowing flavors to develop and dough to firm up.
6. Preparation for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Shaping and Coating: Scoop chilled dough and roll generously in confectioners’ sugar, creating a delicate, frost-like exterior. Position dough balls on prepared sheets, leaving ample space between cookies.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 11 minutes, noting that cookies will appear slightly soft but will solidify during cooling.

Notes

• Chill the Dough Properly: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Handle Candy Cane Inclusion: Crush candy canes finely and distribute evenly to ensure consistent peppermint flavor throughout each cookie.
• Master Sugar Coating Technique: Roll dough balls generously in confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful crackled, snow-like exterior that adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers appear slightly soft, as they’ll continue firming up while cooling to prevent overdrying.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 158
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 109 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg