Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a festive favorite that combine the deep, indulgent flavor of rich cocoa with the crisp, refreshing essence of peppermint in every bite. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a perfect balance of chocolaty warmth and minty coolness, making them a standout treat for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a deliciously unique dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Fusion: The blend of hearty chocolate and bright peppermint creates a mouthwatering treat that delights all senses.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients lead to an impressive result, perfect even for beginner bakers.
- Festive Favorite: These cookies bring holiday vibes into your kitchen year-round with their seasonal charm.
- Versatile Dessert: Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies make excellent gifts, party treats, or a cozy snack with your favorite drink.
- Textural Delight: Soft cookie layers sandwich a crisp, creamy peppermint filling for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe may sound fancy, it relies on straightforward ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each component adds to the cookie’s luscious taste, inviting aroma, and delightful texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings the rich chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for soft, yet sturdy cookies.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping achieve a slight crisp on the edges.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and lend moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Peppermint Extract: Gives the filling that unmistakable cool minty zip.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling for a luscious texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the filling, making it creamy and luscious.
Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
This recipe lends itself beautifully to creative tweaks, so feel free to customize Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies to your taste, dietary needs, or available ingredients. It’s easy to adjust these cookies to make them your own delicious masterpiece.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a subtle warmth that wakes up the palate.
- White Chocolate Twist: Use white chocolate in the filling for a creamy, less intense cocoa flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Minty: Add crushed peppermint candies to the filling or sprinkle on top for festive crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by combining the butter and sugar, creaming them together until light and fluffy. Then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate flour and cocoa powder to form a smooth dough ready for chilling.
Step 2: Chill and Roll Out the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. Once firm, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, ensuring even cookies.
Step 3: Cut and Bake
Use a round cookie cutter to stamp out circles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 4: Prepare the Peppermint Filling
Mix powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy to create a luscious filling that complements the chocolate cookies beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the peppermint filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a delicious sandwich. Gently press to spread filling evenly.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and keeps cookies perfectly thick.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until edges set to maintain soft, tender centers.
- Use Quality Cocoa: High-quality cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can make cookies dry; spoon and level for precision.
- Pipe the Filling: Using a piping bag ensures even, clean filling for beautiful cookie sandwiches.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an inviting presentation and extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or festive eggnog to enhance the cozy experience and complement the minty-chocolate combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with candy canes as a festive centerpiece or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon to make delightful gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to five days without losing their texture or flavor.
Freezing
Freeze fully assembled sandwich cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 3-5 minutes to soften them slightly without melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy delicious Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies without gluten.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the cookies last about five days at room temperature without losing their texture or flavor.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh peppermint?
Fresh peppermint leaves can add a subtle mint flavor but won’t provide the strong, concentrated taste peppermint extract offers in the filling.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax or chia egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version of Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.
What other fillings can I use besides peppermint?
Try cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a raspberry jam for a different flavor twist while keeping the sandwich cookie concept intact.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a true joy both to make and to eat, offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or gifting to loved ones, these cookies add a warm, festive touch to any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it becomes one of your go-to favorites all year long.
Related Posts
PrintChocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies combine rich cocoa with refreshing peppermint in soft cookies sandwiching a creamy mint filling. These festive, easy-to-make treats balance chocolaty warmth and minty coolness, perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or cozy snacks year-round.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwich cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened (use plant-based butter for dairy-free/vegan)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flax/chia egg substitute for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peppermint Filling
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (use plant-based butter for dairy-free/vegan)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (or non-dairy cream for dairy-free/vegan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder until a smooth dough forms, ready for chilling.
- Chill and Roll Out the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring even thickness for uniform cookies.
- Cut and Bake: Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Prepare the Peppermint Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy filling that complements the chocolate cookies.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: After the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the peppermint filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with a second cookie, gently pressing to evenly distribute the filling and form a sandwich.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and keep cookies thick.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have set edges but remain soft in the center.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling to avoid dry cookies.
- Use a piping bag for neat and even filling application.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookies, sandwich cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint filling, gluten-free cookies, festive desserts
