Get ready to infuse your holiday season with irresistible charm and delicious flavor! Our easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe, crafted with a simple chocolate cake mix and festive candy canes, is the ultimate secret weapon for stress-free Christmas baking. These delightful treats combine rich chocolate with a cool, refreshing burst of peppermint, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Forget complicated baking projects; these cookies promise maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy elves and aspiring bakers alike.
Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Your Easiest Holiday Baking Tradition
As the holiday season swiftly unfolds, marked by the magic of twinkling lights and the scent of pine, many of us find ourselves juggling endless to-do lists. It’s hard to believe how quickly December flies by, leaving us just a week away from Christmas! Amidst the hustle and bustle of finishing holiday cards and wrapping gifts, there’s immense joy to be found in the kitchen – a sanctuary away from holiday stress. And what better way to embrace the festive spirit than with a batch of freshly baked cookies? Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that’s brimming with classic holiday cheer: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, featuring everyone’s favorite striped treat – candy canes!
Candy canes are more than just a sweet treat; they are a universal symbol of holiday joy, evoking memories of childhood wonder and festive celebrations. Their vibrant colors and refreshing minty flavor make them an ideal addition to holiday baking. This recipe leverages the incredible versatility of a simple cake mix to create cookies that are not only seriously yummy but also incredibly easy to make. Who knew you could achieve such gourmet-tasting cookies with minimal fuss? These chocolate peppermint cookies are designed to be your go-to recipe when you need a quick, impressive, and utterly delicious treat to share with family and friends, or simply to enjoy by yourself with a warm cup of cocoa.
Why These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Are a Must-Bake This Season
Our Chocolate Peppermint Cookies stand out for several compelling reasons, making them an indispensable addition to your holiday baking repertoire. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to prepare, thanks to the clever use of a chocolate cake mix. This shortcut eliminates the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients, saving you valuable time and ensuring consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are virtually foolproof.
Beyond their ease of preparation, these cookies deliver an unparalleled flavor experience. The rich, deep chocolate notes from the Devil’s Food cake mix perfectly complement the crisp, cool essence of crushed candy canes. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, chocolatey goodness with a refreshing hint of mint that is quintessential to the holiday season. They are soft, chewy, and studded with beautiful red and white flecks of peppermint, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, gifting to neighbors, or simply enjoying as a cozy treat on a chilly evening. Their festive appearance makes them a wonderful centerpiece on any dessert platter, and their comforting aroma will fill your home with the magic of Christmas. Embrace the joy of stress-free holiday baking and discover why these chocolate peppermint cookies will quickly become a beloved tradition in your home.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Peppermint Masterpiece
One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive delights:
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This is the hero ingredient that makes these cookies so quick and easy. Any standard size Devil’s Food cake mix will work perfectly, providing that rich, moist chocolate base. The flavor profile of Devil’s Food is ideal for pairing with the refreshing peppermint.
- Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs, preferably beaten lightly before adding to the mix. Eggs act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and contributing to the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Oil: A neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, is crucial for adding moisture and tenderness to the cookies. It helps create that desirable soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. You’ll need ½ cup.
- Candy Canes: Approximately 1 cup of crushed candy canes provides the signature peppermint flavor and a lovely crunchy texture. For best results, crush them finely but not into a powder, leaving some small pieces for visual appeal and a pleasant chew. You can place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a sturdy spoon.
Recommended Kitchen Tools for Effortless Baking
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. For these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, you’ll want to gather the following:
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is essential for easily combining your ingredients without spills. We highly recommend a glass batter bowl with a handle, as it provides a stable grip and keeps the bowl steady on your counter while you mix.
- Hand Mixer: While not strictly listed in the original text, a hand mixer (or stand mixer) will make quick work of combining the cake mix, eggs, and oil, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dough. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease will also do the trick.
- Parchment Paper: A true game-changer in baking! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. No more scraping stubborn cookies off the pan!
- Baking Sheet: Standard baking sheets work well, but for added peace of mind, we prefer baking sheets with raised sides. This design helps prevent cookies from accidentally sliding off the tray, a lesson learned the hard way (and one we don’t necessarily want to admit has happened, but it taught us well!).
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first in the kitchen! We exclusively use heat-resistant silicone potholders after a scary incident years ago where a cloth potholder caught fire. These are invaluable for safely handling hot baking sheets.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These cookies come together in a flash, making them ideal for last-minute baking or when you simply don’t have much time. Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked, festive treats:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and quick cleanup.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the entire contents of the Devil’s Food cake mix, the two beaten eggs, and the ½ cup of oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. You can use a hand mixer for speed or a sturdy spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until smooth.
- Gently Fold in Crushed Candy Canes: Once your dough is mixed, gently fold in the crushed candy canes. You want them distributed throughout the dough, but avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can cause the candy canes to melt too much before baking.
- Portion the Dough: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. For uniform cookies, a scoop is highly recommended.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly soft in the center when you take them out, but they will continue to set as they cool. Do not overbake, as this can lead to dry cookies.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your chocolate peppermint cookies from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour (even though it’s from a cake mix), leading to tougher cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Avoid Overbaking: These cookies are best when they are soft and chewy. They might appear slightly underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven, but they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet. Baking for just 10 minutes is usually perfect for a moist, tender cookie.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm or if you want thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional crushed candy canes on top of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven, while they are still warm and sticky. This ensures they adhere nicely and adds beautiful color.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are roughly the same size. This promotes even baking and makes for a more professional-looking batch.
- Quality Ingredients: While it’s a cake mix recipe, using a good quality Devil’s Food cake mix can make a difference in the depth of chocolate flavor.
Creative Variations to Personalize Your Cookies
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are fantastic as is, but they also serve as a wonderful canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ideas to customize them:
- Double Chocolate Peppermint: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate) along with the candy canes for an extra chocolatey boost.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt some white chocolate chips or candy melts and drizzle them over the cookies. This adds another layer of flavor and a beautiful visual contrast.
- Peppermint Extract Boost: For an even stronger peppermint flavor, add ½ teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the dough along with the eggs and oil.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: A simple cream cheese glaze can add a delightful tang and creamy texture. Whisk together 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and a tiny dash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Different Cake Mixes: Experiment with other chocolate cake mix varieties, like a German Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Fudge mix, for nuanced flavor profiles.
Storing Your Festive Treats
Proper storage is key to keeping your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies fresh and delicious throughout the holiday season. Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls; just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Make Every Holiday Moment Sweeter
These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an invitation to slow down, savor the season, and create delicious memories. Their ease of preparation means less time stressing and more time enjoying the magic of Christmas with your loved ones. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, as a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply to indulge in a moment of holiday bliss, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to everyone who tries them. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of baking, and let the delightful aroma of chocolate and peppermint fill your home. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Explore More Holiday Delights
If you’re looking for more delicious ideas to sweeten your holidays, be sure to explore our extensive collection of recipes. We’re constantly adding new holiday cookies and treat recipes, so check back each morning for fresh inspiration! Don’t miss out on all of our incredible cake mix recipes and easy cookie recipes for year-round baking fun.
- Krumkake
- Crock Pot Cinnamon Pecans
- Sweet & Spicy Almonds
- Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
- Ranger Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Coconut Rum Cookies
- Apricot Coconut Cookie
- Butter Pecan Cookies
- Frosted Pineapple Cookies
- White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Butterscotch No Bake Cookies
- Bourbon Pecan Pralines
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.
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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
How to make delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)
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Ingredients
- 1 Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- ½ Cup oil
- 1 Cup Candy Canes (crushed)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Mix together cake mix, eggs, and oil until well combined.
Gently stir in crushed candy canes.
Drop by the spoonful onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Kitchen Tools
- Cookie Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Hand Mixer
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 72
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Recipe originally shared on December 18, 2013. Updated September 2020.