These delightful Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies are a festive treat, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. With a rich chocolate flavor, a hint of refreshing peppermint, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the slice-and-bake method makes them incredibly easy to prepare—just roll, chill, slice, and bake!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also visually appealing with their chocolatey goodness and festive peppermint garnish. The combination of cocoa and peppermint makes each bite a perfect blend of sweet and refreshing, making them ideal for holiday cookie platters, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Plus, the simplicity of the slice-and-bake technique means you can have fresh cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes of mixing.
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Step 2: Mixing
Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to add that delicious holiday flavor.
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Step 3: Combining Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined. The dough will be thick but should hold together.
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Step 4: Adding Chocolate Chips
If using, fold in the chocolate chips. This adds an extra layer of chocolate goodness to your cookies.
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Step 5: Shaping the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
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Step 6: Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while you are waiting for the dough to chill.
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Step 7: Slicing the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Step 8: Baking
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm. The cookies might look soft when you take them out, but they’ll harden as they cool. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Step 9: Garnishing
Once cooled, garnish with crushed peppermint candies if desired for an extra festive touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies
Serve these cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter or with a warm drink. They can also be wrapped in festive packaging to give as gifts, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
How to Store Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- If you want a stronger chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder while adjusting the flour slightly.
- Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Check the cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.
Delicious Variations
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in some peppermint chocolate chips for an extra minty kick.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Substitute dark cocoa powder for the unsweetened cocoa for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to account for the added salt. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. -
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use a few drops of mint extract, but be cautious as it can be more potent. -
How do I prevent my cookies from burning?
Keep an eye on them in the first few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peppermint Slice-and-Bake Shortbread Cookies are an easy and delightful treat that brings a festive spirit to any occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint twist, they are bound to become a favorite for everyone. So why not gather your ingredients and make a batch today? Your taste buds will thank you!
