Description
Indulgent peppermint mocha cookies bring winter’s coziest flavors into a delightful chocolate-espresso treat. Rich cocoa, crisp peppermint, and smooth espresso combine in one irresistible cookie you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies Base and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, developing a smooth, creamy texture.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until completely integrated and achieving a uniform consistency.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly to ensure a rich chocolate experience in every bite.
- Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly soft center that indicates perfect cookie doneness.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the warm cookies, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the candy pieces.
- Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their final texture and flavor profile.
Notes
- Boost chocolate intensity by using high-quality dark cocoa powder for deeper, richer flavor.
- Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like mint chocolate or white chocolate chips for unique taste variations.
- Ensure even baking by using a cookie scoop and rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking time.
- Make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg