Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe with you because it’s become my go-to for holiday baking and anytime I want that cozy winter vibe. These cookies have the perfect balance of buttery sugar cookie goodness with a refreshing hint of peppermint, all wrapped up in a luscious chocolate coating that’s dipped and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Seriously, if you love festive flavors but want something a bit more special than the usual sugar cookie, this recipe is absolutely worth trying.

What I love most is how versatile these Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe are—they work brilliantly as a gift, a party treat, or just a little self-indulgence with your afternoon coffee. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let me walk you through all the steps and tips so your batch turns out perfect—trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new holiday staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for classic baking staples with a twist of peppermint magic to tie everything together. When you pick your ingredients, try to choose quality butter and chocolate—it really makes a difference in both flavor and texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Using spooned and leveled flour ensures the dough isn’t too dense—too much flour can make cookies dry.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the cookies a subtle lift and the perfect tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened is key here; it creams nicely with sugar for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and crisp edges when baked.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Peppermint Extract: Gives that signature holiday flavor, just a half teaspoon in the dough keeps it bright without overpowering.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The base for the chocolate dip—melts well and pairs perfectly with peppermint.
• Coconut Oil: Added to the chocolate for a smooth, glossy finish in the coating.
• Crushed Candycanes: This adds crunch and a pretty festive touch once you dip the cookies.

Variations

I love tweaking this Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins or toppings—this recipe responds well to a little personalization!

• Chocolate Lovers’ Variation: Try drizzling white chocolate over the peppermint-dipped coating for a festive look and extra sweetness—I’ve done this a few times, and it’s always a hit.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s one designed for baking cookies to keep that tender texture.
• Extra Minty Option: Add a tiny bit of finely chopped fresh mint leaves into the dough for unexpected freshness that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate.
• Spicy Twist: For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chocolate dip—it’s subtle but adds a warming kick my friends love during winter parties.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Cookie Dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl and set aside. In your mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes—don’t rush this step because creamed butter and sugar mean soft, tender cookies. Then, beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined—overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so go easy and stop as soon as there’s no flour visible.

Step 2: Chill and Shape Your Cookies

After your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. It’s tempting to skip this, but chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the peppermint flavor. When it’s time to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I usually gently press down each ball to slightly flatten it before baking.

Step 3: Bake Until Just Set

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Watch closely because cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly here. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this makes dipping easier and cleaner later on.

Step 4: Prepare the Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating

While your cookies cool, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring well between each interval. Stir in the peppermint extract once the chocolate is silky smooth. This step is key for that glossy, festive dip, so take your time melting—you want smooth, not burnt chocolate.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip back into the bowl, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candycanes. Place dipped cookies on parchment paper until the chocolate sets. It helps to pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed things up if you’re impatient like me!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with crushed candycanes since they add color, sparkle, and that satisfying crunch. Sometimes I toss on a few edible silver glitter sprinkles for extra holiday flair—kids love it! A light dusting of powdered sugar after the chocolate sets also gives these cookies a snowy look that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly alongside a hot cup of peppermint tea, rich hot chocolate, or even your favorite holiday coffee. Serving them on a festive platter with a bowl of whipped cream and fresh berries is a simple way to turn cookie time into a cozy winter snack break.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love stacking these cookies in a clear glass jar layered with crushed candycanes and tiny fairy lights underneath—that presentation always wows guests. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane tied with a peppermint-striped ribbon makes a charming gift, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the chocolate from sweating or melting, I store them in a cool, dry place—never the fridge unless it’s a very hot day, then condensation can dull that beautiful chocolate shine.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked cookie dough balls before, so when holiday guests arrive unexpectedly, I just bake fresh cookies on demand. You can also freeze fully baked and dipped cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To warm them up, I gently heat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the cookie a bit without melting the peppermint chocolate coating. Avoid microwaving since it can make the chocolate grainy or even burn.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint-Dipped Chocolate Coating Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together all the cozy and festive elements in every bite. Baking these is not just about making cookies—it’s about creating moments with loved ones, sharing warmth, and making memories. I can’t wait for you to try these and see how easily they become a loved tradition in your home too.

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