Get ready to experience a burst of festive flavor with the double peppermint crunch cookies. These delightful treats are not just a visually appealing addition to your holiday cookie tray but are also a flavorful surprise. They combine the buttery sweetness of a classic cookie with the refreshing coolness of peppermint, topped off with the irresistible crunch of candy canes.
The key ingredients that may not be commonly found in your kitchen pantry include peppermint extract and candy canes. The peppermint extract provides a refreshing minty flavor which is a crucial part of these cookies. It can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets or online. Candy canes, a holiday staple, are used for their sweet, minty taste and the delightful crunch they add. Though they're associated with Christmas, candy canes can usually be found year-round in candy shops or online.
Ingredients for Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies
All purpose flour: This is the base of the cookies. It provides structure and texture.
Baking soda: It helps the cookies rise and spread.
Baking powder: Used in combination with baking soda to help the cookies rise.
Butter: It adds richness and flavor to the cookies. It also aids in browning.
White sugar: It sweetens the cookies and helps them brown.
Egg: It binds the ingredients together and provides moisture.
Peppermint extract: It gives the cookies their distinct minty flavor.
White chocolate candy melts: These provide a sweet, creamy coating for the cookies.
Peppermint candy canes: They add a festive look, a sweet minty flavor, and a satisfying crunch.
One reader, Elbert Schwab says:
These double peppermint crunch cookies are a holiday game-changer! The perfect blend of peppermint and white chocolate creates a delightful flavor explosion. The crunch from the candy canes adds a fun texture. They're a hit at every gathering and always leave everyone asking for the recipe. Highly recommended!
Essential Baking Techniques for Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies
How to prepare the cookie dough: Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth, then beat in the egg and peppermint extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
How to roll out the cookie dough: Take teaspoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
How to melt the candy quick: Follow the package directions to melt the white chocolate candy quick or candy melts until smooth and creamy.
How to dip the cookies in candy quick: Dip half of each cookie into the melted candy quick, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on wax or parchment paper.
How to sprinkle crushed candy canes on the cookies: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the dipped cookies before the candy quick hardens.
How to chill the cookies: Place the cookies in the fridge to allow the candy quick to harden.
How To Make Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies
This cookies recipe is a great holiday treat. The cookies are soft, dipped in white chocolate, and topped with crushed candy canes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2¾cupsall purpose flour
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspbaking powder
- 1cupbutter,softened
- 1½cupswhite sugar
- 1egg
- ½tsppeppermint extract,or 1 tsp vanilla
- white chocolate candy quick,or candy melts
- peppermint candy canes,crushed
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in your egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Roll out teaspoon-sized balls of dough, and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
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Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let stand for two minutes then remove to a wire rack.
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While cookies are cooling, melt candy quick according to package directions. Dip half of each cookie into candy quick.
-
Allow excess to drip off and then place on wax or parchment paper. Sprinkle each with crushed candy. Stick into the fridge to harden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 170.95kcal
- Fat: 7.98g
- Saturated Fat: 4.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.38g
- Carbohydrates: 23.47g
- Fiber: 0.39g
- Sugar: 12.53g
- Protein: 1.79g
- Cholesterol: 27.00mg
- Sodium: 64.00mg
- Calcium: 12.63mg
- Potassium: 20.39mg
- Iron: 0.72mg
- Vitamin A: 67.59µg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies
When crushing the peppermint candy canes, place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to gently break them into small pieces. This method will prevent the candy from scattering all over your kitchen counter and will also give you better control over the size of the crushed pieces. Remember, you want a sprinkle-friendly size that will stick to the white chocolate candy coating easily, not large chunks that will fall off.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake. This will save time on the day you want to make the cookies.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to crush the peppermint candy canes quickly and efficiently for the cookie topping.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the cookie dough and freezing half for later use. This way, you'll have cookie dough ready to go for future baking sessions.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather and organize all the ingredients and equipment needed to streamline the cooking process.
Cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough quickly and evenly, ensuring uniform cookies for baking.
Chill dough: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Silpat or parchment: Use a Silpat mat or parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Pre-crushed candy: Save time by purchasing pre-crushed peppermint candy for the topping, or use a food processor to crush it in advance.
Substitute Ingredients For Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitute is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to regular flour in baking.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but you may need to adjust the quantity as baking powder is not as strong as baking soda.
baking powder - Substitute with yeast: Yeast can be used as a leavening agent in place of baking powder, but it requires time for the dough to rise, so it's not suitable for quick recipes.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to white sugar, and it adds a caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs, especially for those following a vegan diet or with egg allergies.
peppermint extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used to add a subtle flavor to the cookies if peppermint extract is not available.
white chocolate candy quick or candy melts - Substitute with dark chocolate candy quick or candy melts: Dark chocolate provides a rich and slightly bitter flavor, which can be a delicious alternative to white chocolate.
peppermint candy canes - Substitute with crushed peppermint candies: Crushed peppermint candies can be used as a substitute for candy canes to add a minty crunch to the cookies.
Presentation Ideas for Festive Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, create larger, more indulgent cookies to make a bold statement on the plate. This will give the impression of a substantial and luxurious treat.
Artful plating: Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a sleek, modern plate. This presentation will create a visually appealing and sophisticated look.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Place a small, delicate mint leaf on top of each cookie to add a pop of color and a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Leave some empty space on the plate to allow the cookies to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with crushed candy: Sprinkle a small amount of finely crushed peppermint candy cane around the cookies to add a festive and visually appealing element to the plate.
Serve with a side of white chocolate: Present the cookies alongside a small dish of melted white chocolate candy for dipping, adding an interactive and luxurious element to the dessert.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Peppermint Crunch Cookies
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the cookie dough for baking in the oven.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after baking.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to mix the dry ingredients before adding them to the cookie dough.
- Cookie scoop: A cookie scoop helps to portion the dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Spatula: A spatula is used to transfer the cookies onto the wire rack after baking.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A microwave-safe bowl is used to melt the candy quick for dipping the cookies.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to roll out the dough for the cookies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the cookie dough.
Storing and Freezing Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies: A Guide
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent the cookies from sticking together. Store the cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the double peppermint crunch cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper or wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer a crisper texture, you can reheat the thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- If you want to store the cookies with the white chocolate and peppermint topping, make sure the chocolate has fully hardened before placing them in a container. Store the decorated cookies in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the peppermint crunch cookies in a humid environment, as moisture can cause the cookies to become soft and lose their crunch.
Interesting Fact About Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Double peppermint crunch cookies are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with the sweetness of white chocolate. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season and can be a great addition to any cookie exchange or festive gathering. They are easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for several days, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the season. These cookies are a wonderful combination of crunchy, sweet, and minty flavors, making them a hit with both kids and adults. They are a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee during the winter months.
Is Making Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This double peppermint crunch cookies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter are pantry staples, and the peppermint candy canes are affordable. The addition of white chocolate candy quick may increase the cost slightly, but it's a worthwhile investment for the delightful flavor it adds. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat for the family.
Are Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The double peppermint crunch cookies recipe is a delightful treat, but it's not the healthiest choice. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with 1½ cups of white sugar and additional sugar from the white chocolate candy and peppermint candy canes.
- It contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat.
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients found in whole grain flours.
- The cookies are dipped in candy quick or candy melts, adding more sugar and unhealthy fats to the recipe.
While enjoying these cookies occasionally is fine, regular consumption may contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using a sugar substitute or cutting the quantity by half.
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for the coating, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar.
- Experiment with using a portion of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
- Crush the peppermint candy canes more finely and use less to reduce the added sugar.
- Limit the size of the cookies to help with portion control.
Editor's Opinion: Why I Love This Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe
The double peppermint crunch cookies recipe is a delightful combination of buttery, minty, and crunchy flavors. The use of peppermint extract and candy canes adds a refreshing and festive touch to the classic cookie. The addition of white chocolate candy quick provides a sweet and creamy coating, enhancing the overall texture and taste. The recipe is straightforward and yields delicious cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
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Why trust this Double Peppermint Crunch Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect balance of peppermint extract and white chocolate. The combination of butter and sugar ensures a rich and indulgent flavor. The use of candy canes adds a festive touch and a satisfying crunch. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to create these delectable cookies. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your holiday baking.
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