So I have to be honest here, I really am not a fan of chocolate. I know, I know. It’s crazy right? It wasn’t until August when I tried a chocolate cake on Chase’s birthday for the first time that I actually didn’t hate it! So as my taste buds seem to be a changin’ I decided to do something I rarely (and by that I mean I have done it once in the last five years) ever do and I baked a chocolate cookie.

Let me tell you people, as soon as I saw the thick, creamy and dark dough I knew this one would be a winner! For some added Christmas cheer, I sprinkled in some Andes peppermint chips and it took the cookie to a whole new level. Everyone at work and all of my friends loved them! And coming from people who actually know chocolate that was a huge compliment!

I will say that I would recommend using a mixer as the dough is so perfect that it will require a bit of strength to mix it right. Sometimes you really just cannot beat the quality of mixing that a professional stand mixer provides. But in any case, you can survive with a wisk or fork, it just may take a little extra time.

And while we’re talking about tips, this recipe can be adapted a little depending on your feelings toward peppermint! I typically prefer an even mix of peppermint and cookie and do not usually include peppermint extract. I’m also ballin’ on a budget and I have never really felt compelled to buy it. That being said, if you love peppermint, definitely pick it up and add in 1 tsp after the vanilla!

Another choice you have is to roll or not to roll. I chose to roll my little cookie dough balls in some chunky, chopped peppermint chips and people really loved it. But I also made a batch (mostly because I ran out of peppermint) without them and my chocolate lover friend preferred that one. So you have a few options here! Pick whichever you think will make your taste buds water and let me know what you chose!

For such a great dough, this recipe was SO easy! It had typical cookie ingredients and nothing crazy going on so any level chef can recreate it.

Thanks for keeping up with #Cookiemas! I have LOVED all of the feedback so far and am so excited to share this recipe today.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies 2016-12-14 11:34:54 Yields 24 Soft, classic and chocolaty with a peppermint twist! Write a review Save Recipe Print Prep Time 20 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 30 min Prep Time 20 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 30 min Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup cocoa powder (I used Hersheys unsweetened) 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 1/2 cup Andes peppermint chips (chop into smaller pieces) Instructions In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder using a wisk until just combined. In a stand mixer, or a large bowl, combine the softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla and combine. Slowly add the flour mixture a little at a time, letting most of it mix in before adding more. Pause to scrap the dough off the sides or off the paddle attachment between mixes. Once the dough is thick and chocolaty, sneak a taste for yourself, and turn off the mixer. In a food processor, chop up the peppermint pieces into smaller chunks (about the size of a chocolate chip). Add in 1 cup (leave 1/2 for rolling) of the peppermint and 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. Slowly mix until combined. Using your hands (or a scooper) scoop out 1 in thick balls of dough and roll them in the center of your hand. Lay the leftover crushed peppermint chips on a plate and roll the top and sides of the cookie in it. Lay each cookie about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 9-10 minutes at 350. Notes Do not use mints. They get melty and weird. Your best bet is to use peppermint baking chips or Andes peppermint bars. Adapted from The Food Network Magazine and The Joy of Cooking Adapted from The Food Network Magazine and The Joy of Cooking Simply Nutmeg's http://www.simplynutmegs.com/