PEPPERMINT VELVET MELTING SNOWFLAKE COOKIES ❄️🍪
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This could take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder. It’s vital to sift these dry ingredients to avoid clumps and ensure an even texture in your cookie dough.
- Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture. The extracts provide a rich flavor that complements the cocoa perfectly. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful to maintain the fluffy texture of the dough.
- Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart as they will spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers might still seem soft; this is normal as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them to hold their shape.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Additional Information:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Approximate calorie count per serving: 80 calories
Notes:
For extra peppermint flavor, feel free to add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to enhance the festive look. If you cannot find peppermint candies, crushed candy canes work beautifully too.