Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a festive and delightful holiday treat that perfectly balances rich, cocoa-flavored cookies with a creamy peppermint filling. Easy to make and customizable, they provide a perfect bite-sized dessert that’s ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying on your own during the holiday season.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peppermint Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for mixing in or topping)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top or gently press them around the edges.
Notes
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookie shapes intact during baking.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy, tender texture.
- Add peppermint extract gradually to suit personal taste since it can be strong.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before assembling to prevent the filling from melting or sliding off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, sandwich cookies, peppermint filling, festive desserts, gluten-free cookies