Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

If you’re craving a festive, delightful treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, these Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are exactly what you need. This recipe blends smooth cocoa-flavored cookies with a creamy peppermint filling, creating a bite-sized holiday favorite that’s irresistibly tasty and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re sharing at a family gathering or savoring your own sweet moment, these cookies bring joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of chocolate and peppermint feels special and seasonally perfect.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples with a throw-in of peppermint for a gourmet touch.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps that both beginner and experienced bakers can follow comfortably.
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful, delicious cookies that look impressive in a gift tin or box.
• Versatile: Can be adjusted with different fillings or toppings to suit taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting delicious Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, and appearance. The combination ensures a soft yet firm cookie with a refreshing, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base of the cookies.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Unsalted butter: Brings moistness and richness for a tender cookie.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for soft texture.
• Baking powder: Gives the right lift, keeping cookies light and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Peppermint extract: Essential for that bright, cool peppermint taste in the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the filling to create a smooth, sweet creaminess.
• Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts filling consistency for perfect spreadability.
• Optional crushed candy canes: Adds festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor in or on top.

Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

One of the best parts about making Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies is how easy it is to customize them. Feel free to experiment with variations that cater to your taste buds or dietary needs, making this classic treat even more enjoyable.

• White chocolate filling: Swap the peppermint cream with white chocolate ganache for a smoother, sweeter center.
• Gluten-free dough: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a safe, delicious treat.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, and non-dairy cream for a dairy-free delight.
• Additional textures: Add finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips inside the cookie dough for extra crunch.
• Spiced twist: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm undertone that complements peppermint.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the cookie dough

Start by creaming the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.

Step 2: Shape and bake the cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out even circles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Step 3: Make the peppermint filling

In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and heavy cream (or milk) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the cream quantity to reach a spreadable consistency perfect for sandwiching. For added texture, mix in crushed candy canes if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the sandwich cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous dollop of the peppermint filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with a second cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top or gently press them around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps cookie shapes intact during baking.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder: It enhances the depth of chocolate flavor significantly.
• Don’t overbake cookies: Slightly underbaking ensures a chewy, tender texture rather than a hard crunch.
• Adjust peppermint extract carefully: Peppermint can be strong, so add gradually to suit your taste preferences.
• Allow cookies to cool fully: Warm cookies can cause the filling to melt or slide off when assembled.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle crushed candy canes or finely grated dark chocolate over the peppermint filling for an extra festive look and crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or even cold milk for a classic comforting pairing. They also complement holiday dessert trays that include fudge, fruitcake, and spiced nuts perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the sandwich cookies on decorative plates layered with festive holiday napkins. Stack them in clear glass jars tied with ribbon for a charming gift presentation, or create cookie platters with ornaments and fresh evergreen sprigs for seasonal flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally away from heat and moisture, to preserve freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

Wrap individual sandwich cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Usually, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, heat them gently in a microwave for 5-7 seconds — just be careful not to melt the filling completely.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought peppermint extract?

Yes, store-bought peppermint extract works perfectly in this recipe, but always start with a small amount and adjust to taste since some extracts are more concentrated.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities or preferences.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk or cream for the filling to create a delicious dairy-free version of Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and tasty for up to one week at room temperature, keeping the texture firm yet soft inside.

Can I use crushed peppermints inside the cookie dough?

Yes, adding crushed candy canes into the dough offers a delightful burst of peppermint flavor and crunchy texture, but be sure to crush them finely to avoid overly hard bits.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion or simply indulge in a delicious, festive snack. Their rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint pairing is always a crowd-pleaser, and the simple recipe encourages you to get creative. So gather your ingredients, embrace the holiday spirit, and enjoy the magic that these cozy cookies bring to your kitchen and your heart.

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