As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen starts to fill with the delightful scents of baked goods that warm both the heart and home. Picture this: the rich chocolate aroma wafts through the air, enveloped by a refreshing hint of peppermint, instantly elevating my mood. That’s when I decided to whip up some Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies—an irresistible combination that’s both festive and utterly delicious.
These cookies might look like they belong in a fancy bakery, but I assure you, they come together in just a snap. With their soft cocoa-infused centers sandwiched between fluffy peppermint buttercream, every bite is a decadent treat for everyone, from the cookie lover to the holiday host. Whether you’re baking for festive get-togethers or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are a sweet way to bring joy into your kitchen without the hassle of long hours. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why will you love Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Irresistible chocolate and refreshing peppermint unite in every bite, transforming your dessert repertoire.
Quick and easy to whip up, they’re perfect for busy schedules during the holidays!
Gorgeous presentation makes them ideal for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
Soft, fluffy texture from the buttercream filling contrasts beautifully with the cocoa cookies.
Family-friendly fun: get loved ones involved in the baking process for a cozy experience!
Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a festive favorite to indulge in all season long!
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter with Sea Salt – adds a rich, creamy texture to your cookies.
• Light Brown Sugar – provides a delightful caramel flavor and moistness to the cookie dough.
• Large Egg – helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract – enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Cocoa Powder – the star of the show, brings that luscious chocolate flavor your palate craves.
• All-Purpose Flour – gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• Baking Soda – helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
For the Buttercream Filling
• Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter with Sea Salt – again, for that creamy, irresistible goodness in your frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – sweetens the buttercream while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Peppermint Extract – infuses the buttercream with a refreshing minty flavor, making these cookies festive!
• Crushed Candy Canes – adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color to your sandwiches.
• Milk – thins out the buttercream for easy piping, making it perfectly spreadable.
These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are bound to become your new holiday tradition!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets by greasing or lining them with parchment paper. This ensures easy cookie removal later!
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Cream together the butter and brown sugar in a standing mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Once well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, beating for an additional minute until fluffy.
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Mix in the dry ingredients by lowering the mixer speed. Add cocoa, flour, and baking soda, combining until just blended and you see no dry flour remaining.
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Scoop out the cookie dough using a 1/2 oz cookie scoop. Roll each scoop into a ball, then flatten slightly to create disks on your prepared baking sheet. Aim for around 32 cookies.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes. When done, allow them to cool on the baking sheets until they reach room temperature, achieving the perfect soft texture.
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Prepare the buttercream by mixing the second batch of butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk. Beat until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Gently fold in the crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
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Pipe about 1 tablespoon of the fluffy peppermint buttercream onto half of the cooled cookies and sandwich them with the remaining cookies. For a final touch, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
As the tempting aroma of these cookies fills your kitchen, you might wonder what delightful pairings will complete your dessert spread.
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Hot Cocoa: Perfectly cozy and creamy, a warm cup of hot cocoa enhances the rich chocolate flavors. Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream creates a beautiful contrast with the chewy chocolate cookies. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
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Peppermint Tea: A fragrant cup of peppermint tea serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, beautifully complementing the minty buttercream. Enjoy the soothing warmth with every sip.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your cookies with a generous drizzle of melted chocolate, enhancing the chocolatey goodness while adding a touch of elegance to your presentation.
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Fruit Platter: Brighten your table with a colorful fruit platter. Sweet strawberries and tart raspberries offer a lovely balance to the rich cookies, creating an inviting contrast.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced drink filled with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg harmonizes beautifully with the festive flavors of your cookies. A delightful sip for chilly evenings!
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Gingerbread Cookies: For those true holiday vibes, serve alongside spicy gingerbread cookies. The blend of flavors will create a nostalgic and heartwarming experience for all.
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Milk: Keep it classic with a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate dipping companion, bringing a nostalgic comfort with every bite of your sandwich cookies.
These pairings will not only enhance your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies experience but also create a delightful and memorable gathering for your loved ones!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft, delicate texture you want in your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.
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Scoop Consistently: Using a cookie scoop ensures all cookies are the same size and bake evenly. This consistency helps avoid burnt edges or gooey centers.
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Cool Cookies Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly without falling apart.
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Frosting Technique: When piping the buttercream, use a medium tip for a generous filling, and remember to gently fold in the crushed candy canes to maintain their crunch.
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Storage Tips: Keep assembled cookies refrigerated for freshness, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.
Variations & Substitutions for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that add a personal touch to your cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious, inclusive treat.
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Mint-Free: Switch peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract to create a unique flavor profile, perfect for those who prefer milder tastes.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk to make the cookies vegan-friendly while retaining that creamy texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or instant coffee to the cookie dough for a surprising depth and warmth that elevates each bite.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds into the cookie dough for added crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
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Different Fillings: Swap peppermint buttercream with a raspberry or chocolate ganache filling for a fruity or decadent twist on the classic cookie.
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Chewy Texture: For chewier cookies, substitute brown sugar with a darker version or use some maple syrup to enhance moisture.
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Cocoa Twist: Mix in white chocolate chips or chunks in the dough for a sweet surprise that plays beautifully against the rich cocoa flavor.
Experimenting with these variations can turn your Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies into a personalized masterpiece that’ll impress everyone who takes a bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix as directed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The buttercream can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to keep it sealed in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and bake the cookies as directed, and let them cool before filling them with the refreshing buttercream. This prep method ensures you can enjoy delightful, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, making them just as delicious as when they were made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Enjoy your cookies at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft, perfect for snacking!
Fridge: Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the taste and texture of the peppermint buttercream.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies without the buttercream filling for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until just warmed through. Enjoy them fresh or at room temperature for the best chocolate experience!
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh, room temperature butter without any discoloration or off smells—this ensures a creamy texture in both the cookies and the frosting. If using eggs, look for ones that are free of cracks and ideally, from a local source for maximum freshness.
What is the best way to store leftover Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Very simple! You can store your assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This method maintains both the texture of the cookies and the freshness of the peppermint buttercream, so they stay deliciously enjoyable!
Can I freeze Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, I recommend assembling the cookies without the frosting first. Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, allow them to come to room temperature and then add the peppermint buttercream.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your cookie dough is excessively sticky, don’t worry! You can add a little bit of flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just take care not to overmix—it’s crucial to keep the cookies soft and fluffy!
Are there any dietary considerations for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies?
When it comes to dietary restrictions, if anyone has allergies to dairy or gluten, you can certainly swap out the Vermont Creamery Butter with a dairy-free alternative. As for flour, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work just fine! Always check ingredient labels, especially for mint extract, to ensure it’s safe for your loved ones.
How can I maintain the crunchy texture of the crushed candy canes in my icing?
When adding the crushed candy canes, fold them gently into the buttercream rather than mixing vigorously. This preserves their delightful crunch! For an additional visual appeal, you can sprinkle extra on top of the cookies after assembling, and this way they’ll maintain their festive flair!
Now you’re ready to bake and indulge in these delectable Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies!
Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar for about 2 minutes, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy.
- Mix in the dry ingredients until just blended.
- Scoop out the cookie dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for about 7 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the buttercream by mixing the butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until light and fluffy.
- Pipe the fluffy peppermint buttercream onto half of the cooled cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.