Equipment Needed
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining my baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, in my large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed. I let it go for a good 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is incredibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for a soft, tender cookie. Next, I beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then come the extracts: I add the vanilla and peppermint, beating just until combined. The moment the peppermint hits the bowl, the whole kitchen smells like a holiday party.
In a separate, medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. I make sure to break up any lumps in the cocoa powder. This dry mixture looks beautifully dark and promises intense chocolate flavor. With my mixer on low speed, I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture. I mix only until the last streaks of flour disappear—overmixing is the enemy of a soft cookie! The dough will be thick, rich, and intensely chocolatey. I sometimes finish mixing with a spatula to be safe.
Now, I place the ½ cup of granulated sugar for rolling in a small bowl. I scoop the dough, about 1 tablespoon per cookie, and roll it between my palms into smooth balls. I roll each ball in the granulated sugar until it’s fully coated, giving it a lovely sparkle and a hint of extra sweetness. I place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on my prepared baking sheets. They need a little room to spread. I bake them, one sheet at a time on the center rack, for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are done when they have puffed up and the tops are slightly cracked, but the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.(See the next page below to continue…)