Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
When the holiday season rolls around, what better way to celebrate than with a batch of cookies that is both festive and indulgent? These Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, blending rich chocolate flavors with a refreshing hint of mint. They’re sure to delight your family and friends, making them an excellent addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
These cookies are not just a one-time treat; they’re a delightful fusion of flavors that will have you reaching for more. The combination of dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and the refreshing crunch of candy canes creates a cookie experience that is truly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home, they bring a festive spirit to any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes!
The Ingredient Lineup
Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter (softened) – This adds richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Enhances the flavor with a hint of caramel.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – To bring in that holiday spirit.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Helps to achieve the right dough consistency.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + 2 tablespoons – Adds deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Gives the cookies their lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup Nestle Tollhouse Dark Chocolate Mint Delightfuls – For an extra chocolatey and minty punch.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted) – Adds a gooey texture.
- 3 regular-sized candy canes (crushed) – The finishing touch that adds a festive crunch.
What’s in the Gear List
To make your baking process seamless, here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the wet ingredients together thoroughly.
- Spatula – For folding in the chocolate and candy canes.
- Baking sheet – Where your cookies will bake to perfection.
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Oven – Preheat to ensure perfectly baked cookies.
How to Prepare Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Follow these simple steps to bake your Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps your cookies rise beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Candy Canes
Gently fold in the Nestle Tollhouse Dark Chocolate Mint Delightfuls and the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Finally, add the crushed candy canes, folding them in for a festive crunch.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Fresh Seasonal Changes
Feel free to adapt this recipe to match your favorite seasonal flavors. Here are a few ideas:
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter cookie.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture.
- Incorporate orange zest for a delightful citrus twist.
- Swap out the candy canes for crushed gingerbread cookies for a different festive flavor.
Steer Clear of These
While making your Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch the baking time closely; overbaking can dry them out.
- Avoid using stale or broken candy canes, as they can affect the flavor and texture.
- Do not skip the cooling time; letting them sit on the baking sheet helps them set properly.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Here’s how:
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
- You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Your Top Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute any chocolate chips you prefer, such as milk chocolate or even white chocolate. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of your Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned above.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For more ideas, check out Italian Wedding Cookies or Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars.
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The Last Word
Baking is all about joy and sharing sweetness with those you love. These Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies encapsulate the festive spirit, making them a perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!
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Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and milk to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Nestle Tollhouse Dark Chocolate Mint Delightfuls, melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies freeze beautifully; store in an airtight container.
- Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
