Introduction
Get ready to bring some cheerful magic into your kitchen with these delightful Twisted Christmas Cookies! Combining the bubbly flavors of peppermint and indulgent chocolate, these cookies are a festive treat that will fill your home with the warm aroma of holiday baking. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to brighten everyone’s spirits.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup green and red sprinkles
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warmth will set the stage for your fragrant holiday baking adventure.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside as your dry team.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and salt until the mixture is fluffy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the festive green and red sprinkles, allowing them to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Using a rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies appear set in the middle.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For a more intense peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. To make your cookies even more festive, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes the creaming method, which helps to incorporate air into the butter and sugars, producing light and tender cookies. Be sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; you want to maintain the cookies’ tenderness.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping onto the baking sheet.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Twisted Christmas Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays, infusing every bite with joy and nostalgia. With their lovely combination of flavors and festive colors, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and create sweet memories this holiday season!