Description
These Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Sandwich Cookies combine rich chocolatey cookies with a creamy peppermint filling, all encased in a smooth dark chocolate coating and topped with crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive, crunchy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat, these cookies offer a delightful blend of mint and chocolate flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cookies
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Peppermint Filling
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 peppermint candy canes (crushed)
Chocolate Coating
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 peppermint candy canes (crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppermint Chocolate Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until the dough is fully combined without any dry patches.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a long log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until hardened enough for slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Slice Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into very thin pieces, aiming for about 80 slices.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the cookie slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in batches for 10 minutes, ensuring the cookies are firm but not burnt.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the baking sheet with cookies onto a wire cooling rack using the parchment paper. Let the cookies cool completely; they will harden as they cool.
- Prepare Peppermint Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract using a hand mixer.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the filling thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Incorporate Crushed Candy Canes: Stir the crushed peppermint candy canes into the filling evenly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Form teaspoon-sized balls of the filling and gently flatten them between your fingers. Place the flattened filling between two cooled chocolate cookie slices, pressing gently to create sandwich cookies.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Pour the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 15-second increments on high, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract thoroughly.
- Dip Sandwich Cookies: Using a fork, dip each sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Place the coated cookies on a wax or parchment paper-lined tray.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the tops of the coated cookies with the crushed peppermint candy canes for added texture and festive appearance.
- Set Chocolate: Repeat the dipping and decorating with all sandwich cookies. Place the cookies into the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.
Notes
- For thinner cookies, slice the dough as thinly as possible before baking.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and chocolate coating integrity.
- Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch (approximately 2 batches, 20 minutes total)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint sandwich cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate covered cookies, festive peppermint treats
