Festive Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Delights

Indulge in the Magic of Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookies: A Festive Holiday Recipe!

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Irresistible Cookie Recipes

For many years, I firmly believed that no season could surpass the enchantment of Fall. As a proud Rhode Island native, the vibrant tapestry of autumn leaves has always held a special place in my heart, stirring a profound sense of beauty and nostalgia. However, as the calendar pages turn and November arrives, a remarkable transformation begins. A collective switch seems to flip, ushering in a new kind of magic that, I must admit, now rivals even the splendor of autumn. This shift towards the holiday season has been a fascinating phenomenon to witness over the years, marked by a pervasive cheer and, of course, an abundance of delicious baking.

The holiday season, with its festive gatherings and joyous celebrations, often brings with it a delightful, yet sometimes challenging, array of culinary temptations. For me, the aftermath of the Thanksgiving holiday often meant grappling with some unwelcome weight gain, leaving me feeling less than enthusiastic. I haven’t been as diligent as I should be in updating my personal weigh-in page, primarily due to sheer laziness. For a while, my weight hovered consistently between 119 and 121 lbs. This past week, however, presented an entirely different scenario.

I’ve reached a personal low point, and it’s a feeling I’m deeply uncomfortable with. Most people looking at me might consider me “thin” or at an ideal weight. Yet, for me, my body doesn’t feel the way it should, and this current state leaves me feeling very uneasy. This sentiment comes from someone who, over 21 years ago when I got married, was significantly underweight at 98 lbs. The perspective on my body has certainly evolved since then, and what felt ‘normal’ then is far from how I perceive myself now.

Ah, those were indeed amazing times in my life—being able to eat anything and everything without a single worry about gaining weight. And yes, I know, I’ve had three wonderful children, but that’s simply not an excuse for neglecting my own well-being. Frankly, I haven’t prioritized self-care, and it’s undeniable that it’s catching up to me. To put it plainly, I stepped onto our home scale this morning, and it registered 123 lbs. If my memory serves me correctly, when I first started this blog, my weight was around 124 lbs. So, according to our scale, I’m still a pound lighter than my starting point. But, and this is an important distinction, I did say our scale.

During my lunch break today, I embarked on a brisk, three-mile walk with our dog. Afterward, feeling a surprising burst of motivation, I decided to join Mr. 365 and our son for a trip to the local gym. We had a good workout, and then the boys, as usual, decided to weigh themselves. Initially, I planned to skip it, but at the very last moment, something made me change my mind. In hindsight, I’m glad I did, because there’s no room for denial now. The gym scale, a stark and unforgiving truth-teller, displayed 126.5 lbs, with no fluctuations or room for interpretation.

I understand that some of you might be thinking I’m making an excessively big deal about 126.5 lbs. And I can almost hear others exclaiming, “What I’d GIVE to be 126.5 lbs!” Believe me, I’ve heard those sentiments before. However, when I started this blog, I made a conscious and unwavering decision to share my experiences – not just my cooking and baking adventures, but also candid aspects of my life – with complete honesty and transparency. This is it, folks. I’m laying it all out there, exposing my true feelings and vulnerabilities.

I have an immense urge to simply discard all the tempting cookies currently in the fridge; in fact, I’ve already done so with some of them. Yet, I also know that this journey requires a balanced approach. It’s not about complete deprivation, but rather about moderation, making healthier food choices, integrating regular exercise, and opting for nourishing, “good-for-my-body” snacks. This commitment to a more mindful lifestyle is crucial for my physical and mental well-being, moving forward. It’s a challenging path, especially for someone who finds such joy in creating and tasting delicious baked goods, but it’s a necessary step for regaining my comfort and confidence.

Discover More Festive Holiday Desserts from Top Bloggers

The holiday season is synonymous with an endless parade of delightful desserts, and sometimes, a little inspiration from fellow bakers can go a long way. Let these incredible food bloggers guide you in preparing an unforgettable holiday spread. First, you absolutely must try Chocolate Covered Katie’s truly unique chocolate brownie cookies. These fudgy, rich creations are destined to be among the best treats you’ll savor this winter, offering a perfect blend of intense chocolate flavor and delightful texture. For something a little different yet equally comforting, don’t overlook this fantastic deep dish cinnamon streusel dessert pizza from Pinch of Yum. There’s something inherently delightful about a dessert pizza that captivates me every time, and this one is pure bliss. These recommendations promise to add extra sparkle and sweetness to your holiday celebrations.

So, here begins this new chapter. I will absolutely continue to taste everything I bake – it’s a crucial part of rating and perfecting recipes for you all. However, my approach will be one of mindful enjoyment: just one bite, perhaps a single cookie, and when it comes to dinner, a smaller, more controlled portion accompanied by a larger, vibrant salad. I confess, I am SO not looking forward to this shift because I genuinely LOVE the act of eating and indulging in really, truly, good food. The sheer joy of savoring flavors and textures has always been one of life’s great pleasures for me, and learning to moderate that passion will undoubtedly be a challenge.

Don’t Miss Out! Save This Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookie Recipe to Your Favorite Pinterest Board!

Won’t you join me as I embark on this next journey? Please don’t worry; I’m not about to transform this blog into an exclusively health-focused platform. I believe that would push me over the edge and detract from the joy of baking we all share. I just wanted to be transparent and let you know that there might be some days when I’m not my happiest self, and I might go off on a little rant. Consider this your friendly warning! This candid approach is part of my commitment to honesty with my readers. Thank you for listening; I truly needed to vent these feelings. Now, however, I feel genuinely excited and motivated. I’m even contemplating taking before and after pictures to document my progress, though I’m still weighing that decision. This journey is about progress, not perfection, and I’m eager to share the ups and downs with my supportive community.

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Unveiling the Recipe: Classic Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the creation of some truly delicious cookies! For this recipe, I drew inspiration from the timeless Fannie Farmer Cookbook, specifically adapting its classic chocolate refrigerator cookie recipe. To elevate these simple yet satisfying cookies into a festive holiday treat, I added a creamy peppermint frosting and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. The particular edition I referenced is the Thirteenth Edition, found on page 626, authored by Marion Cunningham, and published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. Its ISBN is 0-394-56788-9. This beloved cookbook has been a staple in countless kitchens for generations, and its recipes consistently deliver reliable and delicious results, making it the perfect foundation for our holiday masterpiece.

These chocolate peppermint cookies combine the deep, rich flavor of chocolate with the cool, refreshing kick of peppermint, creating a perfect symphony of tastes and textures. The refrigerator cookie method makes them incredibly convenient for holiday baking, as the dough can be prepared in advance, sliced, and baked whenever a craving strikes or guests arrive. Get ready to impress with these easy-to-make, show-stopping treats!

Created by: Lynne Feifer

Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

• ¼ lb. butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ounces (2 squares) unsweetened chocolate, melted

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually beat in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Add the melted unsweetened chocolate and the egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Divide the dough in half. Place each half onto its own piece of plastic wrap.
7. Shape each dough portion into a roll approximately 2-inches in diameter.
8. Wrap each roll completely in plastic wrap, twisting the ends securely. Place the wrapped dough rolls into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial for easy slicing and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled dough rolls from the refrigerator and place them on the counter for a few minutes to slightly soften, making them easier to slice.
10. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough rolls into rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
11. Arrange the sliced cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
12. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
13. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the cookies are fully cooled before frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 1574kcal | Carbohydrates: 354g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 690mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 210g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 10.5mg

Crafting the Perfect Peppermint Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once your chocolate cookies are completely cooled, it’s time to bring them to life with a luscious peppermint frosting! For this recipe, I utilized half of the standard Wilton Buttercream Icing recipe as my base, then infused it with a delightful hint of peppermint. I added 1/2 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract, which provides that signature cool, festive flavor without being overwhelming. The amount of icing I used varied slightly per cookie, typically around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on the individual cookie’s size and shape. Each cookie was then artfully frosted, creating a smooth, creamy layer. The final touch that truly transforms these into holiday masterpieces is a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top of each one. The vibrant red and white flecks not only add a beautiful visual appeal but also contribute a delightful textural crunch and an extra burst of refreshing peppermint flavor. This combination of rich chocolate, smooth peppermint frosting, and crunchy candy creates a truly irresistible holiday treat.

For an alternative, equally festive presentation, you could transform these into charming sandwich cookies. Simply spread the creamy peppermint frosting generously onto one cookie, then gently cap it with a second chocolate cookie. For an extra festive flourish, roll the edges of the assembled sandwich cookie in crushed peppermints, allowing the bright candies to adhere to the visible frosting around the perimeter. While this method offers a wonderfully attractive finish, I personally prefer my cookies as single layers. I’m a bit particular about frosting, and I don’t enjoy the sensation of it squishing out from the middle of a sandwich cookie when I take a bite. It’s a small detail, but for me, a clean bite is key to cookie enjoyment!

More Must-Try Holiday Recipes to Complete Your Festive Spread

As we navigate the joyful chaos of the holiday season, having a repertoire of dependable and delicious recipes is essential. Beyond these delightful chocolate peppermint cookies, there are a few other indispensable holiday treats that are sure to elevate your festive spread and earn rave reviews from family and friends. These selections are chosen for their ability to add a unique flavor or texture to your dessert table, ensuring there’s something for everyone to love.

Master the Art of Stabilized Whipped Cream for Your Desserts

No holiday dessert table is complete without a perfectly fluffy and stable whipped cream. This stabilized whipped cream recipe is a game-changer, using cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar for thickening instead of gelatin. This method ensures your whipped cream holds its shape beautifully for hours, making it an ideal topping for pies, hot chocolate, or any festive treat where you need a dollop of creamy perfection that won’t deflate. It’s a simple secret that makes a big difference in presentation and taste, offering a richer texture than store-bought alternatives like Cool Whip.

Delightful Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies: A Fun Holiday Treat

For a touch of whimsy and irresistible charm, these peanut butter reindeer cookies are an absolute must-bake. Combining the beloved flavor of peanut butter with playful decorations, they are as fun to make as they are to eat. Each cookie features a soft peanut butter base, adorned with chocolate-covered pretzels for antlers, bright cinnamon red hots for noses, and classic chocolate chips for eyes. These festive creations are perfect for involving children in the baking process, and they bring smiles to everyone’s faces. They’re a guaranteed hit at any holiday party or cookie exchange, capturing the joy and spirit of the season in every delicious bite.

My Verdict on These Festive Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookies

In keeping with my tradition of rating every recipe I bake on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the absolute best, I’m delighted to share that these Chocolate Peppermint Frosted Cookies earned a solid 3 1/2 rolling pins. I must confess, the one I allowed myself to enjoy was utterly delicious! The chocolate cookie base struck the perfect balance, delivering a rich chocolatey flavor without being overly intense. The peppermint frosting was expertly balanced, offering a refreshing coolness that complemented the chocolate beautifully, rather than overpowering it. And the crushed peppermint candies? They provided a wonderful, satisfying crunch that added another layer of texture and a burst of vibrant flavor. Overall, these cookies are not just tasty; they are truly a festive delight, embodying the spirit of the holidays in every bite. They’re sure to be a welcomed addition to any holiday cookie platter, bringing cheer and deliciousness to all who taste them.