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The Best Kid-Approved Peppermint Mocha Crinkle Cookies

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These easy, budget-friendly crinkle cookies combine chocolate, peppermint, and a hint of mocha for a festive holiday treat that kids and adults love. Perfect for busy weeks, they come together in under 30 minutes and freeze beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder, dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
  • ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside a small bowl with ½ cup powdered sugar and another with crushed peppermint (if using).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a tiny bowl, dissolve instant coffee in hot water; stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and dissolved coffee mixture; beat on low speed until just combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low or by hand until just combined. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  7. Chill dough for 15-20 minutes if desired (optional, but helps with handling).
  8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, then place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart. If using, gently press crushed peppermint onto tops.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are cracked but centers still look soft.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Don’t skip the powdered sugar coating—it creates the crinkle effect. Watch baking time carefully; pull cookies when centers still look slightly underdone. Room temperature ingredients matter for best texture. Stick with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; too much can taste like toothpaste. For consistent sizes, use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint mocha crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, easy Christmas cookies, kid-friendly cookies

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/the-best-kid-approved-peppermint-mocha-crinkle-cookies/