Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe

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Warm & Familiar Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe

There’s something truly special about the holiday season that makes me crave cozy, classic treats—especially peppermint treats with a twist. I love when the sweet aroma of mint and melted chocolate fills the kitchen, promising a little moment of joy in every bite. If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends or simply indulge without much fuss, this Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe brings that warm, inviting feeling straight to your plate.

What makes these cookies stand out is the delicate balance between crisp edges and a velvety peppermint filling, all wrapped up with a silky white chocolate dip. You’ll notice the festive striped dough, which isn’t just pretty—it’s a playful nod to the classic holiday candy cane that sets a cheerful tone before you even take a bite.

Whether it’s an afternoon with friends or a holiday gathering, you’ll find these sandwich cookies are an easy crowd-pleaser. Let’s break down what makes this recipe both approachable and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for both the dough and filling—helps create tender, buttery cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture with slight crispness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds a soft structure to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Balances peppermint’s brightness with warm, comforting notes.
• Peppermint extract: The star flavor that makes these cookies refreshingly festive; adjust for a stronger or gentler mint punch.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy yet tender base for the cookie; can substitute with gluten-free blend for allergies.
• Baking powder & salt: Help with even rise and balance sweetness.
• Red food coloring: Optional—but brings a festive stripe to the dough for that classic holiday vibe.
• White chocolate chips or candy melts: Used for dipping and adds smooth sweetness plus a glossy finish.
• Crushed peppermint candies: Add crunch and extra minty zest for garnish, making every bite playful.
• Powdered sugar and milk (for filling): Create a creamy, smooth frosting that holds the cookie sandwiches together while complementing the mint flavor perfectly.

Before You Start

Setting yourself up well before baking is like giving your cookies a head start. I always recommend getting your ingredients measured out and at room temperature—that buttery softness is key to whipping up a smooth dough and filling. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) early, so it’s ready to go once your cookies are shaped and chilled. Speaking of chilling, giving the dough at least 30 minutes in the fridge helps flare up those stripes and also ensures the cookies bake with crisp edges but tender middle. You’ll appreciate how this simple step keeps everything in perfect balance.

How to Make Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This airiness helps create a tender crumb. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined—you’ll start to notice that fresh, minty scent filling your kitchen. Separately, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients just until a soft dough forms; overmixing can toughen your cookies, so be gentle here.
2. Color and shape the dough: Split your dough evenly. Add red food coloring to one half and knead it gently until you have a uniform, festive hue. Roll each dough portion into long ropes—this is where the magic starts. Twist or stack these ropes and give them a gentle roll to create vibrant stripes. Slice into small disks, then flatten gently for that classic cookie shape. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chilling for at least 30 minutes firms up the dough, helping retain those edges and stripes during baking.
3. Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching closely—the edges should just be set with no browning. Removing them at the perfect moment ensures a crisp exterior and a soft, tender center. Once out of the oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely; warm filling or dipping chocolate won’t stick well, so patience rewards you here.
4. Prepare the filling: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, adjusting for your desired mintiness. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a light, spreadable consistency—not too runny, but soft enough to hold the sandwich together beautifully.

5. Assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread a generous layer of peppermint filling on the flat side of half your cooled cookies. Then, gently press the remaining cookies on top to form lovely sandwich pairs. The filling’s creamy texture should offer just the right balance with the crisp cookie shells.
6. Dip and garnish: Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts until smooth and silky. Dip half of each sandwich cookie into the melt, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. While still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top to add a cool crunch and festive sparkle. Let the cookies rest on parchment until the chocolate fully sets—a moment of patience for ultimate indulgence.

Flavor Variations for Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe

• Chocolate peppermint twist: Swap the white chocolate dip for dark chocolate for a richer contrast.
• Citrus mint: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, fresh zing.
• Nutty crunch: Fold finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the filling for extra texture.
• Spiced mint: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the dough to evoke warm holiday spices.
• Sugar-free option: Use a powdered sugar substitute and sugar-free peppermint extract for a lighter treat.
• Mini versions: Roll smaller ropes and slice thinner cookies for fun bite-sized sandwiches—perfect for parties!

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; filling keeps the cookies moist without becoming soggy.
• Refrigeration: Keeps them fresh for up to 2 weeks; bring to room temp before serving for best flavor and texture.
• Freezer: Wrap sandwiches individually in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then set on the counter for 20 minutes before enjoying.
• Chocolate dipping touch-ups: If chocolate dulls over time, a gentle warm blast with a hairdryer or quick microwave dip can refresh shine.

Peppermint Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Dipping Recipe FAQs

• Can I make this dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough stores well wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Just thaw fully before shaping.
• Is red food coloring necessary? Not at all—it’s purely for visual interest. You can skip it or try natural colorings like beet juice powder.
• What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Vanilla works as a substitute, but the mint flavor will be milder. You might also use mint tea leaves steeped and cooled for a natural hint.
• How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking after it sets? Make sure the dipped chocolate isn’t too thick. Cooling at room temperature rather than the fridge can reduce cracks.
• Can I use a stand mixer? Absolutely, it’s great for creaming the butter and sugar and speeding up the filling prep!

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