Nothing says the holidays like baked goods and peppermint! These cookies will be a big hit at your next party.
I wouldn’t usually share two cookie recipes in a week but it’s the holidays and it’s time for baking! Baking is a great way to spend time as a family, baked goods are great gifts, and make a party perfect.
A few years ago I wanted to take some cookies to my local recycling coalition meeting. I wanted them to be quick and easy but also festive. I had everything to make chocolate chip cookies so I thought why not make them peppermint chocolate chip cookies. This was a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself.
These were a big hit at the meeting and everywhere else I have taken them since. They are very simple but quite delicious. You can just use peppermint extract or make them even more festive with some crushed candy canes. I really like to use the TruSweets candy canes. I think they taste better and I love that they are dye-free and organic.
These cookies can easily be made ahead and frozen. Just use a cookie scoop or spoon and place balls of dough on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Freeze the dough for about 2 hours and then place in an air tight container in the freezer. Bake normally when ready, they will take slightly longer to bake.
You can even give unbaked cookies as a gift. We all end up with a lot of baked goods during the holidays it’s nice to have some that you can have later.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate chips, to your tastes
- Crushed candy canes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs in the butter mixture.
- Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts in the butter and egg mixture.
- Slowly mix in flour mixture.
- Fold in chocolate, and if you are using crushed candy canes add them as well.
- Scoop out balls of dough, place on cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, until edges are slightly brown.
- Let cool and enjoy.
These cookies would also make a great easy Christmas gift. The Container Store has very cute tins that would be perfect for packaging the cookies in.
If you try this recipe I’d love to hear what you think. Share in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other holiday recipes-
Hidden Fudge Mint Cookies
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Cheese Danish
robbie @ going green mama
December 20, 2012 at 5:17 amSounds wonderful! I’ve done brownies with peppermint oil (only need a drop or two), and it’s fabulous as well!
Merry Christmas!