Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe

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If you adore the cool, refreshing bite of peppermint combined with rich, chocolatey goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe. Each cookie is an irresistible little bundle where fudgy cocoa dough hugs a soft, creamy peppermint center, creating a heavenly bite that’s both festive and comforting. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these cookies turn a beloved candy into a delightful homemade treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to deliver a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the cocoa powder that gives the dough its deep chocolate flavor to the buttery richness and the sweet crunch from sugars, every item plays an essential role in creating these delectable cookies.

• 1 1/3 cups flour: Provides the structure for the cookie dough and a tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich, chocolatey depth without any extra sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and maintain a soft texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature: Brings richness and moisture, creating a lush mouthfeel.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and keeps the cookies chewy.
• 1/2 cup white sugar: Contributes sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough ingredients together while adding softness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Introduces warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 bag of mini Peppermint Patties (16-18 patties): The star ingredient that melts inside, delivering that classic minty surprise.

How to Make Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Start by combining the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and Kosher salt in a large bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure every bite of cookie has an even chocolatey base, then set this bowl aside for now.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a separate large bowl, add the room temperature unsalted butter along with the light brown and white sugars. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy, which helps build a tender and moist cookie texture.

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, binding the cookie dough perfectly.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined — over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle!

Step 5: Chill the dough

Cover the cookie dough bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors.

Step 6: Preheat and prepare baking sheets

When your dough is ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 7: Shape the cookies and add the peppermint patties

Using a cookie scoop (#40 size) or two tablespoons, portion out balls of dough and place them several inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten each dough ball gently with the bottom of a glass. Then place one mini peppermint patty in the center of each flattened dough circle. Carefully fold the dough up and around the peppermint patty, making sure it is fully enclosed with no gaps.

Step 8: Bake and cool

Bake your cookies at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, give them a few minutes to cool slightly on the baking sheets before gently transferring them to a cooling rack. This ensures the melted peppermint stays nicely sealed inside while the outside sets perfectly.

How to Serve Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are fantastic just as they are, but you can glam them up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or a drizzle of melted chocolate to double down on the indulgence. Adding crushed candy canes on top after baking gives an extra festive crunch and a pop of color everyone will love.

Side Dishes

Peppermint Patty Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or creamy eggnog, especially during the cooler months. For a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a slice of peppermint bark for a peppermint lover’s dream plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming gift. Or arrange them on a holiday platter with assorted candies and fresh mint leaves to create an eye-catching dessert spread that invites everyone to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Peppermint Patty Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the cookies soft while preserving that classic peppermint-chocolate combination without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or reheat them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This helps soften the cookie and re-melt the peppermint center slightly, creating a gooey surprise inside.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized peppermint patties instead of minis?

You can, but the cookies will be larger and take a bit longer to bake. Using mini patties helps ensure that each cookie has the perfect balance of dough to peppermint and bakes evenly.

What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?

It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe to control the sweetness and achieve that deep chocolate flavor. You could substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste, but adjust other ingredients slightly if needed.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute, but expect some changes in texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges look set but the centers still appear a little soft. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender and decadent.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about taking a favorite candy and transforming it into a warm, homemade cookie that delights with every bite. This Peppermint Patty Cookies Recipe captures that spirit perfectly, merging classic flavors into a festive treat that’s irresistibly good. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a quiet moment, these cookies will surely become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Give them a try — I promise you’ll want to keep these in your baking rotation all year long!

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