These Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread are a holiday favorite, with buttery shortbread and a satisfying crunch from the crushed peppermint. The rich dark chocolate dip adds a touch of decadence, perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. The vibrant mint flavor pairs beautifully with the smooth chocolate coating, making these cookies both visually stunning and delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a timeless flavor pairing that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Serve them at your next holiday gathering or wrap them up in a festive box as a homemade gift – they’ll be the star of any celebration!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for chocolate dip)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
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Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
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Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.
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Let the shortbread cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
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Stir in the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate.
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Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the chocolate-dipped portion of each cookie.
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Let the cookies cool until the chocolate has fully set, about 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 170 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Appeal of Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a timeless treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originating in Scotland, these cookies are known for their simple yet delicious flavor, made primarily from butter, sugar, and flour. The beauty of shortbread lies in its simplicity. The buttery texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality make it a go-to favorite for many cookie lovers. Shortbread is often served plain, but by adding variations like chocolate or mint, you can elevate the flavor and turn it into a seasonal delight.
The addition of chocolate and peppermint not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cookies visually appealing, with a beautiful contrast between the rich dark chocolate and the vibrant peppermint pieces. This makes Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread an irresistible option for any occasion, especially during the holidays when people are looking for festive treats that are both tasty and aesthetically pleasing.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
There’s something truly special about the holiday season that makes you want to bake and share with others. Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread brings warmth and comfort to any holiday celebration, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday party, or a gift exchange. The combination of peppermint and chocolate immediately evokes holiday cheer, making it a fitting dessert for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any special event during the winter months.
The festive red and green colors from the peppermint candy topping are a visual reminder of the holiday spirit, making these cookies a perfect addition to any dessert table. Their delicate, crisp texture complements a variety of other holiday treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and fruitcakes, ensuring that they fit perfectly into any seasonal spread.
A Simple Yet Luxurious Treat
One of the best things about Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread is that it looks and tastes like a sophisticated dessert but is surprisingly easy to make. The shortbread dough is quick to prepare, and the cookies bake up in just a few minutes. Once baked and cooled, the process of dipping the cookies in dark chocolate and adding the peppermint crunch is a simple finishing touch that takes the cookies from good to great.
Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the result is a luxurious treat that’s sure to impress your guests. The balance between the buttery shortbread, the smooth dark chocolate, and the crisp peppermint creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. The cookies have just the right amount of sweetness, making them a perfect complement to a cup of tea or coffee.
The Benefits of Peppermint in the Recipe
Peppermint has long been associated with the holiday season, thanks to its refreshing, cooling flavor that brings a burst of energy and invigoration. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate, creating a well-loved flavor combination that has become a holiday staple. The addition of peppermint to shortbread cookies not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color and texture.
Peppermint is also known for its soothing properties, often used in teas and candies to calm the stomach and help with digestion. In addition to its health benefits, peppermint adds a light, fresh contrast to the richness of the buttery shortbread and dark chocolate. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, providing a burst of minty freshness in every bite.
Gift-Worthy and Versatile
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, homemade gift this holiday season, Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread is an excellent choice. These cookies can be packaged beautifully in a tin or cellophane bag, tied with a festive ribbon, and given as a heartfelt gift. The combination of the elegant presentation and the delicious flavors makes them a special treat for anyone on your list.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. While the chocolate and peppermint combination is perfect for the holiday season, the basic shortbread dough can easily be adapted to suit other flavors or occasions. You can dip the cookies in white chocolate, drizzle them with a flavored glaze, or leave them plain for a simpler version. The peppermint candies can also be swapped for crushed nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit, allowing you to customize the cookies based on your preferences.
A Fun Holiday Baking Activity
Baking Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and spend time with loved ones in the kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that even novice bakers can enjoy, and kids will love dipping the cookies in chocolate and sprinkling on the peppermint. Baking together as a family or with friends creates lasting memories and gives everyone a chance to contribute to the holiday festivities.
This recipe is also a great way to introduce kids to the joy of baking. The simplicity of the ingredients and the fun decorating process make it an enjoyable experience for children. Plus, they’ll love eating the cookies once they’re done!
Conclusion: A Must-Try Holiday Cookie Recipe
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread is a delightful and festive treat that combines the best of both worlds: the classic flavor of buttery shortbread and the holiday cheer of peppermint and chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a gift to give or a treat to enjoy at a holiday gathering, these cookies will surely be a hit with friends, family, and guests. Their crisp texture, decadent chocolate coating, and refreshing peppermint topping make them the perfect holiday cookie. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies to add a little sweetness to your holiday season.