Festive Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat
Welcome to the heart of holiday baking! These Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies are an absolute must-make. With their striking swirls and irresistible blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, they are a delicious, festive cookie guaranteed to delight all peppermint lovers this holiday season!
Is it truly the holiday season without the quintessential chocolate peppermint combination gracing your dessert table? For many, including us, this iconic flavor pairing is more than a tradition; it’s an absolute necessity. And today, we’re bringing you a recipe that embodies everything wonderful about this festive duo: our stunning Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies.
These cookies aren’t just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes too! Their vibrant, swirling patterns of deep chocolate and bright peppermint make them a showstopper on any holiday spread. They’re fun, they’re festive, and they are sure to catch everyone’s eye and capture their heart this holiday season. Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe!
Embracing the Magic of Holiday Cookie Season
We hope you’ve been enjoying cookie season as much as we have this year. There’s something uniquely heartwarming about spending time in the kitchen, filling your home with the sweet aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, and, of course, chocolate and peppermint. It’s a cherished tradition that brings families together and creates lasting memories.
Here at The Beach House Kitchen, we kicked off the festivities with our new holiday favorite, Biscochitos, a delightfully crisp and tender cookie. We then moved on to the comforting flavors of our Apple Pie Spice Drop Cookies. And now, these super yummy pinwheels take center stage, with one more exciting cookie recipe still to come before Santa makes his grand appearance!
The Irresistible Appeal of Pinwheel Cookies
While pinwheel cookies might require a touch more patience and effort than your average drop cookie, involving two distinct doughs and a bit of rolling, the stunning visual result and exquisite flavor combination make them absolutely worth the extra steps. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate and cool, minty peppermint, creating a symphony of holiday flavors that’s simply unmatched.
These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a statement. They embody the festive spirit, making them ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones. The swirling design alone makes them feel extra special, a testament to the love and care put into their creation.
Smart Prep: Freezing Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie Dough
One of the best aspects of this Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie recipe is its make-ahead potential. Holiday baking can be hectic, and having components ready in advance is a game-changer.
Can Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie dough be frozen?
Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended for stress-free holiday baking! Once you’ve meticulously formed the dough into logs, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For an extra layer of protection against freezer burn, place the wrapped logs into a freezer-safe bag. This prepared dough can be frozen for up to three months, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for unexpected guests or spontaneous cookie cravings. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the logs slightly in the refrigerator until they are firm enough to slice, then proceed with the baking instructions.
Pinwheels truly are like two delightful treats rolled into one, offering a unique textural and flavor experience. They are the perfect way to show your love and appreciation for all the special people in your life this Christmas. Bake a batch, share the joy, and watch smiles light up! Enjoy every single festive bite!
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
Achieving those perfectly swirled, delicious Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies is simpler than you think with these helpful cook’s notes:
- Crushed Peppermint: For the peppermint layer, you have options! You can use classic crushed candy canes, which add a lovely visual sparkle and crunch, or opt for crushed peppermint candies for a smoother texture and intense minty flavor. Both work beautifully, so choose what you prefer!
- Chilling is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! This recipe involves crucial chilling times that are essential for the dough’s texture and the cookies’ final appearance.
- First, you’ll need to chill the freshly mixed doughs (chocolate and peppermint separately) for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents stickiness.
- Once you’ve rolled out the dough and assembled your logs, a second, longer chilling period is required. Refrigerate the logs for at least three hours, or even better, overnight. This firming process is vital for achieving clean, crisp slices and preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking.
- Rolling and Slicing Consistency: For uniform cookies, aim to roll both the chocolate and peppermint doughs to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. When slicing, use a sharp knife and cut the logs into 1/4-inch thick slices. This ensures even baking and that classic pinwheel shape. If your dough seems to crumble when slicing, let it sit at room temperature for just a few minutes to soften slightly before continuing.
- Baking Uniformity: Baking two trays at once is efficient, but remember to switch the trays midway through baking. This ensures all your cookies bake evenly and prevents one batch from being over or undercooked.
Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies Recipe
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Yields: 36 cookies
These Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies are a delicious, festive cookie for all peppermint lovers this holiday season!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Chilling Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs 12 mins
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
- 3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the large egg and continue to beat until it is well combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix until just blended, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
- Transfer half of the dough to a separate bowl. To this half, add the vanilla extract and the melted unsweetened chocolate. Mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the dough is uniformly brown.
- To the dough remaining in the stand mixer bowl, add the peppermint extract and the crushed candy canes. Mix until the peppermint is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form each of the prepared doughs (chocolate and peppermint) into flat disks and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate both disks for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Once chilled, remove the doughs from the refrigerator. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out each dough separately into a rough rectangular shape, aiming for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
- Carefully place the peppermint dough rectangle directly on top of the chocolate dough rectangle. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the layered dough into a cylinder. Pinch the seam gently to seal it. Trim any uneven ends to create a neat log.
- Wrap the dough log snugly in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until the dough is very firm and holds its shape for slicing.
- Before baking, arrange your oven racks to the upper third and bottom third of the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the firm dough log from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices. If the dough appears to be breaking or crumbling when you’re cutting, let it warm slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before continuing to slice.
- Place the sliced cookies approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the peppermint dough appears lightly golden brown around the edges. Remember to switch the trays midway through baking for even cooking.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 3-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with any remaining dough.
Nutrition (per cookie)
- Calories: 128 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 17mg
- Potassium: 40mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 166IU
- Calcium: 9mg
- Iron: 1mg
Keywords: chocolate, cookies, holiday, peppermint, pinwheel cookies
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!
If you make this delicious recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to follow The Beach House Kitchen on Instagram and tag or mention @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!
Beyond the Bake: Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storing Your Pinwheel Cookies
Once your Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their fresh taste and texture, you can also freeze the baked cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate the Experience
These festive cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:
- Classic Pairing: Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a rich cup of coffee. The warmth complements the cool peppermint perfectly.
- Dessert Platter: Add them to a holiday dessert platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and festive brownies for an impressive spread.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an instant holiday sundae.
- Gifting: Package them beautifully in cellophane bags with festive ribbons for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
Concluding Your Holiday Baking Journey
These Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create joy and tradition in your kitchen. Their striking appearance, coupled with the classic holiday flavors of chocolate and peppermint, makes them an unforgettable treat that will be cherished by everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday music, and get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary pinwheels. Happy baking and happy holidays!