Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich chocolate, creamy frostings, and a festive peppermint crunch. These cookies are soft and chewy with a decadent double frosting layer—perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or indulging with a cup of hot cocoa.

Why You Will Love Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Double Frosting Delight: Fudge and peppermint cream cheese frostings add layers of flavor and creaminess.
Classic Holiday Flavor: Peppermint and chocolate make these cookies a festive favorite.
Versatile Sizes: Adjust the cookie size to suit your needs—from bite-sized to generously large.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Store them chilled for a cool, refreshing holiday treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are eye-catching and irresistible, perfect for sharing!

Ingredients Notes for Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

For the Chocolate Crinkle Cookies:

¾ cup (167g) salted butter: Softened for easy creaming.
¾ cup (200g) brown sugar: Adds moisture and richness.
¼ cup (60g) granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
2 eggs: For structure and chewiness.
1 tbsp corn syrup: Enhances softness.
½ tbsp vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth.
1 tbsp milk: Helps moisten the dough.
2 cups (304g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure.
½ cup (60g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For a deep chocolate flavor.
½ tbsp corn starch: Keeps the cookies tender.
1 tsp baking soda: For leavening.
½ tsp salt: Balances flavors.
1 cup (107g) powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls.

For the Fudge Frosting:

6 tbsp salted butter: Softened for creaminess.
2 oz cream cheese: Adds tang and richness.
2 cups (214g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens.
½ cup (60g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For a chocolaty kick.
½ tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Milk: As needed, to thin.

For the Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 tbsp salted butter: Softened for smooth mixing.
4 oz cream cheese: Creamy base for the frosting.
2 cups (214g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the frosting.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Balances flavors.
½–1 tsp peppermint emulsion or extract: Provides that festive minty flavor.
Pinch of salt: To enhance flavors.
Pink food coloring: Optional, for a festive look.
Crushed peppermint candies: For garnish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire rack
Offset spatula

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and milk until combined.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Portion and Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough based on your desired cookie size:
- Small: 1 ½ tbsp
- Medium: 3 tbsp
- Large: 1/3 cup
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F:
- Small: 7–9 minutes
- Medium: 9–11 minutes
- Large: 11–13 minutes
Let cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Fudge Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
Mix in cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Add milk 1 tsp at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Make the Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each cup.
Stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract/emulsion, and a pinch of salt.
If using, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring for a festive hue.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Spread a layer of fudge frosting onto each cooled cookie.
Top with a layer of peppermint cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting for a festive finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

Serve chilled for a refreshing peppermint bite or at room temperature for softer frostings.
Perfect for holiday platters or as a sweet pairing with hot cocoa or coffee.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate before serving.

Variations

Double Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
Spiced Peppermint Cookies: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm twist.
Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting: Stir mini chocolate chips into the peppermint cream cheese frosting.

Helpful Notes

Crinkle Effect: Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for dramatic crackles as they bake.
Mint Strength: Adjust peppermint extract to taste—start with less, then add more if desired.
Consistency Tip: If frostings become too thick, thin them with milk 1 tsp at a time.

Tips from Well-Known Bakers

Sally McKenney: “Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest flavor.”
Ina Garten: “Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll.”
Martha Stewart: “For clean layers of frosting, use an offset spatula and chill cookies between layers.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cookies and store them unfrosted. Frost and decorate the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I use regular cocoa powder?
Yes, but Dutch-processed cocoa provides a deeper chocolate flavor.

3. How can I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

4. Can I skip the peppermint frosting?
Sure! The fudge frosting alone still makes these cookies delicious.

5. How do I crush peppermint candies?
Place candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.

These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or a cozy treat at home. Enjoy the festive flavors!