There’s something special about baking during the winter season, especially when it comes to creating festive treats like Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. I remember the first time I made these delightful cookies; it was a cozy afternoon, and the aroma of warm chocolate filled my kitchen as snow gently fell outside. These cookies quickly became a family favorite, and they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to indulge in during a chilly night at home. The combination of rich, dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Oven, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

What’s Great About This Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

1. A Perfect Winter Treat

Winter calls for something special, and these Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies fit the bill perfectly. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the chewy cookie and creamy filling, making them a standout choice for holiday festivities.

2. Festive Presentation

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re visually stunning too! Dipped in chocolate ganache and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies, they make for an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

3. Fun to Make

Baking these cookies can be a fun activity to do with family or friends. Rolling out the dough, cutting shapes, and decorating the cookies can create lasting memories in the kitchen. Plus, kids love to help with the filling and garnishing!

4. Perfect for Gifting

Looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special? Package these cookies in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a charming homemade gift that shows you care. It’s a sweet gesture that will surely be appreciated.

5. Versatile Variations

While the classic combination is a hit, you can experiment with fillings or toppings to make them your own. Try adding different flavors or even swapping the peppermint for another extract to create a unique twist!

6. Make Ahead and Store

One of the best things about these cookies is that they can be made ahead of time. You can freeze the cookie dough or the finished cookies, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready whenever the craving strikes.

Shopping List for Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

When it comes to the ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The combination of high-quality chocolate, buttery richness, and a hint of peppermint ensures that every bite is heavenly.

Black Cocoa Powder: This is a key ingredient that adds depth to the chocolate flavor. Its rich, dark profile gives the cookies a beautiful color and an intense chocolate taste.
Unsalted Butter: Used in both melted and softened forms, it helps create a tender, chewy texture while providing a rich flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: This sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also brings a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing their overall taste.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and highlights the chocolate flavor, making the cookies even more delicious.
Egg: It acts as a binder, helping to hold the dough together while adding moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and stability to the cookies.
Peppermint Filling: This is the secret to the sandwich cookies; it adds a refreshing kick that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Chocolate Ganache: A rich coating for dipping the cookies, it adds a luxurious layer of chocolate that enhances the overall experience.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: A delightful garnish that not only decorates the cookies but also adds a delightful crunch and additional peppermint flavor.

How to Cook Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Making Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies is a fun and fulfilling experience. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will love. Trust me, the effort is worth every bite!

Start by whisking together black cocoa powder and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Make sure to let it cool slightly; this helps in mixing later on.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat together softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and kosher salt at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Next, incorporate the cocoa mixture, followed by adding one egg and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. You should have a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.
Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight for best results.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to a thickness of about ? inches. Place the rolled dough in the freezer for about 10 minutes until it’s firm.
Using a 1¾-inch round cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. If the dough becomes too soft, refreeze it briefly.
Bake the cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a slight indentation is left when you press the top with your finger. Let them cool completely on the pan.
Once cooled, take half of the cookies and spread about 2 teaspoons of Peppermint Filling on the flat side of each. Top with the remaining cookies, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache and dip each sandwich cookie, letting the excess drip off. Place them on a wire rack for drying.
Garnish your cookies with the crushed peppermint candies, if desired. Allow the ganache to set for about 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll stay delicious for a little while!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the dough: This is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut shapes without sticking.
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven. They should be soft when they come out, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Microwave the ganache: If your Chocolate Ganache is too thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to thin it out before dipping.
Experiment with flavors: Consider adding different extracts alongside the peppermint for a unique twist, like almond or orange.
Storage tips: Keep the cookies in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking them to prevent sticking.

Helpful Hints

Here are a few tips to ensure your Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies turn out perfect each time you bake them.

Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed sooner.
Freezing: You can freeze the dough before baking to have freshly baked cookies whenever you want. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk, enhancing the chocolate experience.
Gift Ideas: Consider packaging them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
Decorative Option: For an extra festive touch, drizzle some white chocolate over the finished cookies.
Serving Size: These cookies are rich, so you might want to serve them with a lighter dessert or tea to balance the sweetness.

What to Serve With Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

When it comes to serving Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, there are plenty of fun options that can elevate your dessert experience.

Hot Chocolate: Pair your cookies with a cup of creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat perfect for winter gatherings.
Tea Time: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, like peppermint or chamomile, for a soothing afternoon pick-me-up.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors beautifully.
Holiday Parties: These cookies are a great addition to holiday dessert tables, bringing a pop of color and flavor to your spread.
Cookie Exchange: They make an excellent choice for cookie exchanges, as they’re both delicious and visually appealing.
Seasonal Events: These cookies are perfect for winter celebrations, Christmas, or any festive occasion where sweet treats are welcomed.

FAQ

While black cocoa powder provides a unique flavor and color, you can substitute it with regular cocoa powder if needed. Just keep in mind that the taste and appearance of your cookies may differ slightly. Black cocoa powder is less sweet and has a more intense chocolate flavor, so it really enhances the overall profile of the Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.

To store your Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Yes! You can make the dough for Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies ahead of time. After shaping it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days or you can freeze it for longer. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of other fillings you can try! Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple buttercream can be delightful alternatives to the peppermint filling. Get creative and decide what flavor you’d like to pair with the rich chocolate cookie!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience full of flavors and memories. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just for yourself, the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint will surely satisfy your cravings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds!