Bring a minty twist to your cookie repertoire with these chocolate peppermint cookies, featuring chunks of homemade peppermint bark that offer a delightful contrast of textures and an extra burst of mint flavor.
For the Peppermint Bark:
- Pure White Chocolate: 4 oz (113g), melted for a creamy base
- Pure Peppermint Extract: ¼ teaspoon, for a minty kick
- Candy Canes: 2, crushed, for that festive crunch
For the Cookie Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (160g), for structure
- Cocoa Powder: ⅓ cup (28g), for deep chocolate flavor
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon, for lift
- Espresso Powder: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the chocolate taste
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), softened, for richness
- Dark Brown Sugar: ½ cup (110g), packed, for moisture and flavor
- Granulated Sugar: ⅓ cup (65g), for sweetness
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature, to bind ingredients
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), for flavor depth
- Pure Peppermint Extract: ¼ teaspoon (optional), for an extra minty flavor
- Dark Chocolate Chunks: ½ cup (85g), for melty chocolate pockets
Instructions:
- Peppermint Bark: Melt white chocolate over a double boiler, stir in peppermint extract and candy cane pieces, spread on parchment, and chill until firm.
- Cookie Dough: Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugars until light, then add egg and extracts. Incorporate dry ingredients, then fold in peppermint bark and chocolate chunks. Refrigerate the dough for an hour.
- Baking Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Form Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls, place on the sheets, and gently flatten. Press extra peppermint bark pieces on top if desired.
- Bake: For 9-11 minutes until puffed with cracked tops, yet soft in the middle. Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk for a comforting treat. Share the minty joy with friends and family during the holiday season or as a refreshing treat any time of the year!
