Peppermint Stripes Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Stripes Cookies are festive, colorful treats perfect for holiday gatherings. These crisp, layered cookies combine peppermint flavor with a hint of chocolate, making them a delightful and visually appealing dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
• 1 large Land O Lakes® Egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons holiday nonpareils
• Red gel food color
• Green gel food color
• 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending the paper over the edges for easy removal; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar, softened butter, egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract at medium speed until creamy and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add flour, salt, and baking powder, then beat at low speed until the dough is thoroughly mixed.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Stir holiday nonpareils into one part, tint one part with red gel food color, and the last with green gel food color.
5. Step 5: Press half of the red dough evenly into the prepared pan. Layer half of the sprinkled dough over it, then half of the green dough on top. Repeat to create six layers total.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until the dough is firm.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Step 8: Remove dough block from pan using waxed paper edges and discard paper. Cut block in half to form two squares. Stack squares for 12 layers, trim edges for uniformity.
9. Step 9: Slice stacked dough into 1/4-inch thick slices, then cut each slice into 3/4-inch wide strips.
10. Step 10: Arrange cookie pieces onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake 7 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
11. Step 11: Cool cookies on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: Melt chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth (about 1 to 2 minutes).
13. Step 13: Spread melted chocolate on the bottom of each cooled cookie. Place chocolate side down on waxed paper to set completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring sparingly to achieve vibrant colors without altering dough texture.
• Try using white chocolate chips for a sweeter coating variation.
• Store dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap if refrigeration time needs to be extended before baking.
• Add crushed peppermint candy to the chocolate coating for extra festive crunch.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate up to two weeks or freeze up to three months. If frozen, thaw at room temperature before serving. Chocolate coating may soften slightly when reheated, so enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with other extracts like almond or vanilla, but peppermint is key for the classic holiday flavor of these cookies.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing when slicing the dough?

Chilling the layered dough until firm is essential. This helps keep the layers distinct and prevents the colors from blending while slicing.

Peppermint Stripes Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

These festive Peppermint Stripes Cookies feature vibrant layers of red, green, and sprinkle-studded dough with a refreshing peppermint flavor and a smooth bittersweet chocolate coating, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
• Yield: 36 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
• 1 large Land O Lakes® Egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Add-Ins and Decorations

• 2 tablespoons holiday nonpareils
• Red gel food color
• Green gel food color

Chocolate Coating

• 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Prepare Loaf Pan: Line an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending it over the edges for easy removal later. Set aside.
2. Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar, softened butter, egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract at medium speed until creamy and well combined. Add flour, salt, and baking powder, then beat at low speed until the dough is thoroughly mixed.
3. Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into three equal parts. Stir holiday nonpareils into one-third of the dough. Tint one-third of the plain dough with red gel food coloring and the remaining third with green gel food coloring.
4. Layer Dough: Press half of the red-colored dough evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Layer half of the sprinkled dough evenly over it, then press half of the green dough on top. Repeat these layers once more to create six layers total. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
5. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
6. Slice and Bake Cookies: Remove dough block from pan using waxed paper edges and discard paper. Cut block in half into two squares, stack one on the other for 12 layers total, trim edges for uniformity. Slice stacked dough into 1/4-inch thick slices, then cut each into 3/4-inch wide strips. Arrange cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake 7 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
7. Melt Chocolate and Coat Cookies: Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds for 1 to 2 minutes until melted and smooth. Spread melted chocolate on the bottom of each cooled cookie, then place chocolate-side down on waxed paper to set. Let chocolate harden fully before serving or storing.

Notes

• Refrigeration of the layered dough is crucial for clean, defined stripes when slicing.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, non-runny color in dough.
• Trim cookie edges for consistent shapes and more professional appearance.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• For a firmer chocolate coating, refrigerate cookies after coating until set.

Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, striped cookies, chocolate coated cookies, festive cookies, peppermint extract cookie recipe