Peppermint Sandwich Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Peppermint Sandwich Cookies: Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every delightful bite! Imagine the crisp snap of a perfectly baked chocolate cookie, giving way to a creamy, cool peppermint filling that melts in your mouth. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a festive experience, a nostalgic trip to childhood holiday memories, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one.

The concept of sandwich cookies, two delicious biscuits embracing a sweet filling, has been around for centuries, evolving across cultures and culinary traditions. But the addition of peppermint, that invigorating and refreshing flavor, elevates these cookies to a whole new level of seasonal indulgence. Peppermint has long been associated with the holidays, its bright, clean taste evoking images of snow-covered landscapes and cozy evenings by the fire.

What makes peppermint sandwich cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The slight bitterness of the chocolate cookie complements the sweet, cool peppermint cream, creating a symphony of sensations that dance on your palate. They are also incredibly versatile – perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Plus, who can resist the charm of a beautifully decorated cookie, especially one that tastes as good as it looks? Get ready to bake up a batch of pure holiday magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chocolate Cookies:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• For the Peppermint Cream Filling:
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Red food coloring (gel is best)
• For Decoration (Optional):
• Crushed peppermint candies
• Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white)

Preparing the Chocolate Cookie Dough

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and cocoa powder are evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness to the cookies, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
4. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Overmixing is a common mistake, so take your time and mix until just incorporated. The buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also helps to intensify the flavors. You can even chill the dough overnight for even better results!

Baking the Chocolate Cookies

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Roll Out and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. I like to use round cookie cutters for a classic sandwich cookie look, but feel free to get creative with different shapes!
3. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still warm and delicate.

Preparing the Peppermint Cream Filling

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until combined. Adding the powdered sugar gradually prevents it from creating a cloud of dust in your kitchen.
3. Add Milk, Peppermint Extract, and Salt: Add the milk, peppermint extract, and salt to the mixture and beat until smooth and creamy. The milk helps to thin out the filling to a spreadable consistency, while the peppermint extract provides the signature peppermint flavor. The salt balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
4. Add Food Coloring (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring (gel is best) to achieve a festive pink color. Mix until evenly colored. Be careful not to add too much food coloring, as it can affect the taste and texture of the filling.

Assembling the Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

1. Pair Up the Cookies: Match up the cookies by size and shape to create even sandwich cookies. This will make the final product look more professional and appealing.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread a generous amount of peppermint cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
3. Top with Another Cookie: Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press together to create a sandwich. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause the filling to squeeze out the sides.
4. Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the edges of the cookies with crushed peppermint candies or drizzle with melted chocolate. To decorate with crushed peppermint candies, gently press the edges of the filled cookies into a bowl of crushed candies. To decorate with melted chocolate, melt your favorite chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, then drizzle it over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will help the ingredients to combine more easily and create a smoother dough and filling.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Adjust Peppermint Extract to Taste: The amount of peppermint extract can be adjusted to your preference. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if desired.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations:

• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey treat.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Peppermint Bark Cookies: Top the cookies with melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies for a peppermint bark-inspired treat.
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, make sure you are using the correct amount of flour and that your oven is at the correct temperature. You can also try chilling the dough for a longer period of time.
• Cookies Too Dry: If your cookies are too dry, make sure you are not overbaking them. You can also try adding a little more buttermilk to the dough.
• Filling Too Soft: If your filling is too soft, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Filling Too Hard: If your filling is too hard, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. The soft, chewy cookies, coupled with the creamy, minty filling, create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

What makes these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance. The deep, dark chocolate of the cookies isn’t overly sweet, allowing the peppermint to really shine. And the filling? Oh, the filling! It’s light, airy, and bursting with that cool, invigorating peppermint flavor. It’s not just a cookie; it’s a little piece of holiday magic in every bite.

But don’t just take my word for it! The real magic happens when you bake these cookies yourself and share them with loved ones. Imagine the smiles on their faces as they bite into these delightful treats. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying these Peppermint Sandwich Cookies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Classic Pairing: Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. The contrast of temperatures and flavors is simply divine.
* Holiday Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert platter for a festive and delicious touch. They’ll stand out beautifully amongst other treats.
* Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take your cookies to the next level by using them to make ice cream sandwiches. Peppermint ice cream would be an obvious (and delicious!) choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors.
* Crumbled Topping: Crumble the cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even a chocolate mousse.
* Peppermint Bark Variation: Use the cookie dough as a base for peppermint bark. Simply press the dough into a baking sheet, bake until golden brown, and then top with melted chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
* Different Extracts: While peppermint is the star of the show, you could experiment with other extracts in the filling. Vanilla, almond, or even a hint of orange extract could add a unique twist.
* Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. White chocolate chips would also be a delicious addition.
* Dipped in Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, dip the finished cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

I’m confident that you’ll love making and sharing these cookies as much as I do. They’re a fun and festive way to spread holiday cheer, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! I can’t wait to hear about your experience making these Peppermint Sandwich Cookies. Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Happy baking!