The Ultimate Holiday Indulgence: Decadent Cocoa Peppermint Cookies with Trader Joe’s Joe-Joe’s

Prepare to infuse your holiday season with an irresistible blend of flavors! These Cocoa Peppermint Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite, perfectly capturing the festive spirit. Imagine the rich, deep notes of chocolate harmonizing with the cool, invigorating rush of peppermint – truly a match made in heaven. What makes these cookies stand out is the delightful inclusion of white chocolate chips, classic milk chocolate chips, and the star of the show: crushed peppermint Oreos (or, as many connoisseurs know them, Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joe’s). The result is a cookie that’s wonderfully soft, luxuriously delicious, and absolutely guaranteed to be a hit with Santa, your next-door neighbors, or at any holiday cookie exchange. Join me in baking a batch of these extraordinary cookies that promise to become a new cherished tradition!

Why These Cocoa Peppermint Cookies Are Your New Holiday Must-Bake

Every year, the search for the perfect holiday cookie begins. Look no further! Our Cocoa Peppermint Cookies offer a sublime combination that hits all the right notes for a festive indulgence. The base is a rich, fudgy cocoa cookie, ensuring a deep chocolate flavor that’s both comforting and luxurious. This isn’t just any chocolate cookie; it’s meticulously crafted to provide a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making it utterly irresistible.

But the true magic unfolds with the addition of both white chocolate and milk chocolate chips, creating pockets of creamy sweetness that complement the cocoa beautifully. And then, there’s the peppermint. Not just a hint, but a delightful burst of cool, refreshing peppermint, courtesy of crushed peppermint cream-filled sandwich cookies. This trio of flavors and textures creates an experience that is both exciting and nostalgic, reminiscent of candy canes and hot cocoa by a crackling fire. They are robust enough to stand up to festive travel for cookie swaps, yet delicate enough to be savored with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

The Secret Ingredient: Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joe’s

While you can certainly use any brand of peppermint cream-filled sandwich cookies, we have a special place in our hearts for Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joe’s. These seasonal delights are a holiday staple for many, and for good reason! Their crisp chocolatey wafers paired with a vibrant peppermint cream filling are already a treat on their own. When crushed and folded into our cookie dough, they contribute not only a fantastic crunch and an unmistakable peppermint flavor but also those beautiful little flecks of red and white, adding to the visual appeal of these festive cookies.

If you’re lucky enough to find them in stock during the holiday season, grab an extra box! One for snacking, and one (or two!) for these incredible cookies. The convenience of using pre-made peppermint cookies means you get that signature flavor and texture without needing to add extra peppermint extract or candy cane pieces, though a drizzle of melted white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top can elevate them even further for an extra festive touch.

Gather Your Ingredients for Festive Baking

Before you dive into the mixing, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and ready. High-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final product. Using good unsweetened cocoa powder will give you that deep, rich chocolate base, and room temperature butter and eggs are crucial for the right cookie texture. This recipe calls for a simple list of pantry staples, making it accessible for any home baker, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your holiday baking adventures.

Cocoa Peppermint Cookies Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a darker, milder flavor if preferred)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed peppermint sandwich cookies (such as Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joe’s or Peppermint Oreos)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft, tender texture.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully mixed.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Make sure there are no lumps in the cocoa powder for a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Stop as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
6. Fold in Festive Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint sandwich cookie pieces using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
7. Scoop and Shape: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. For consistent size and baking, you can use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie).
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for proper spreading without merging into one giant cookie.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and puffed. It’s crucial not to overbake these cocoa cookies, as their dark color can make it hard to tell when they’re done. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring they remain wonderfully soft and chewy.
10. Cooling Process: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit on the hot sheets for about 3-5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Cocoa Peppermint Cookies Every Time

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them cream together smoothly, incorporating more air and creating a lighter, more tender cookie. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly; if it’s too warm, it can make your dough greasy and cause cookies to spread too much.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, dense cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher, chewier cookies rather than the desired soft texture. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed dough.
• Crush Your Cookies for Texture: For the crushed peppermint cookies, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small, pea-sized chunks. The crumbs will infuse the dough with flavor, while the chunks will provide a delightful textural contrast. A food processor works quickly, or you can place them in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
• Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If time permits, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) can deepen the flavors, prevent excessive spreading, and result in a more uniform texture. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.
• Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most important tip! Cocoa cookies can be tricky because their dark color makes it hard to see when they’re done. Err on the side of underbaking; remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet from residual heat.
• Proper Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies or even the unbaked dough balls.

Variations to Explore and Personalize Your Festive Cookies

While the classic Cocoa Peppermint Cookie recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your batch to suit your taste or occasion!

• Alternate Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips will add an extra layer of robust bitterness to contrast the sweet peppermint, while all milk chocolate chips will make them even richer and sweeter. You could also chop up a good quality chocolate bar for larger, more intense chocolate pockets.
• Extract Enhancement: For an extra burst of mint, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the wet ingredients along with the vanilla. Start with a small amount and taste the dough, as peppermint extract can be quite potent.
• Drizzle and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt some white chocolate or dark chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the cookies. Before the drizzle sets, sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candy canes for a beautiful, professional finish and an added festive crunch.
• Candy Cane Boost: If you want even more peppermint punch, fold in an additional 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes along with the chocolate chips and peppermint cookies. Be mindful that candy canes can sometimes bleed color when baked, so adding them post-bake as a topping is also a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cocoa Peppermint Cookies

Can I use regular Oreos instead of peppermint ones?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you can’t find peppermint Oreos or Joe-Joe’s, simply use regular chocolate sandwich cookies. To achieve the signature peppermint flavor, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the cookie dough along with the vanilla extract. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, starting with less and adding more if desired.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough are freezer-friendly, making them perfect for holiday meal prep!

• Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
• Unbaked Dough: Roll the dough into balls as directed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes (typically 12-15 minutes total), without thawing.

Why did my cookies turn out flat or hard?

Several factors can lead to flat or hard cookies:

• Over-softened Butter: Butter that’s too warm can cause cookies to spread excessively, making them thin.
• Too Much Flour or Not Enough Wet Ingredients: Ensure accurate measurement by spooning flour into the cup and leveling it.
• Old Leavening Agents: Baking soda loses potency over time. Check its expiration date to ensure it’s still active.
• Overmixing: As mentioned in our pro tips, overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Overbaking: Baking cookies for too long will dry them out and make them hard. Always err on the side of underbaking for a chewy center.
• Oven Temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature (either too high or too low) can affect spread and texture. Consider using an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature.

What’s the best way to crush the peppermint cookies for this recipe?

You have a couple of convenient options:

• Food Processor: This is the quickest method for an even crumb with some small, delightful chunks. Pulse until your desired consistency is reached – don’t overprocess into a fine powder unless that’s your preference.
• Ziploc Bag and Rolling Pin: Place the cookies in a sturdy freezer bag, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin, the bottom of a heavy pan, or even your hands. This method allows for more control over the chunkiness, which adds great texture to the cookies.

Sharing the Holiday Cheer: Gifting and Serving Suggestions

These Cocoa Peppermint Cookies are not just for your own enjoyment; they are ideal for spreading holiday cheer! Package them beautifully in festive tins, decorative boxes, or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. They are always a welcome addition to any holiday potluck or cookie exchange, guaranteed to disappear quickly and earn you rave reviews.

Serve them alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, a steaming cup of coffee, or a refreshing glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy experience. Their vibrant flavor profile also makes them a fantastic dessert after a holiday meal, offering a light yet satisfying end to your feast. No matter how you choose to share them, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and festive joy to everyone who tastes them.

Print this recipe here.

Conclusion: Bake Your Way to a Memorable Holiday Season

These Cocoa Peppermint Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create lasting memories and fill your home with the delightful aromas of the holiday season. From the rich cocoa base to the refreshing crunch of peppermint, every element comes together to form a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies promise joy, warmth, and a touch of festive magic. So gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday tunes, and let the baking begin. Your taste buds (and everyone you share them with) will undoubtedly thank you!