Chocolate peppermint shortbread cookies are a tasty treat. They mix the rich flavor of chocolate with fresh peppermint. These cookies are soft, buttery, and crunchy. Perfect for holidays or any special day.
What Are Shortbread Cookies?
Shortbread cookies are simple. They use butter, sugar, and flour. No eggs or baking powder. This makes them crumbly and soft. The butter taste is strong and delicious.
Adding chocolate and peppermint makes them extra special. The chocolate gives a deep flavor. Peppermint adds a cool, fresh taste. Together, they make a lovely cookie.
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Ingredients Needed
To make chocolate peppermint shortbread cookies, you need few ingredients. Most are easy to find in your kitchen or store.
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Use plain flour for best results |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup | Gives chocolate flavor |
| Powdered sugar | 3/4 cup | For sweetness and smooth texture |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Butter | 1 cup (softened) | Use unsalted butter |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds minty taste |
| White chocolate | 1 cup (melted) | For dipping cookies |
| Crushed peppermint candies | 1/4 cup | Sprinkle on top |
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these easy steps to make your cookies.
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Stir well to combine.
2. Add Butter And Peppermint
- Add softened butter to dry mix.
- Pour in peppermint extract.
- Use your hands or a spoon to mix.
- Mix until dough forms.
3. Chill The Dough
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap.
- Place in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Chilling helps dough firm up.
4. Shape The Cookies
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Roll dough on flat surface.
- Cut into shapes or squares.
- Place on baking sheet lined with paper.
5. Bake
- Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Cookies should be firm but soft.
- Let cool completely on rack.
6. Dip In White Chocolate
- Melt white chocolate in a bowl.
- Dip half of each cookie in chocolate.
- Place cookies on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on wet chocolate.
- Let chocolate harden before serving.
Tips for Best Cookies
- Use fresh peppermint extract for strong flavor.
- Softened butter blends better with dry ingredients.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should stay soft inside.
- Chilling dough makes cutting easier.
- Use good quality white chocolate for dipping.
Why These Cookies Are Special
Chocolate peppermint shortbread cookies have a unique taste. The cocoa gives richness. Peppermint adds freshness. The white chocolate makes them look nice and adds sweetness.
Shortbread texture is soft and crumbly. It melts in your mouth. These cookies are simple but delicious. They are perfect for winter or holiday season.
Variations You Can Try
You can change the recipe a little to make new flavors.
- Dark Chocolate Dip: Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.
- Extra Mint: Add crushed peppermint inside the dough.
- Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Vanilla Peppermint: Use vanilla extract with peppermint for a sweet taste.