Indulge your senses with the delightful taste of Chocolate Mint Shortbread Cookies! These irresistible treats combine the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with a refreshing hint of mint, making them the perfect addition to your dessert table or a sweet snack anytime. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch of these delectable cookies. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your baking game and discover the secret to creating these mouthwatering delights that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the peppermint extract to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together but not be too sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to ensure it's smooth.
- Roll the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter or knife to cut into desired shapes.
- Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the cookies look set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can drizzle with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for extra decoration.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This helps create a light and fluffy cookie base.
- Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder not only helps to combine them evenly but also removes any lumps, resulting in a smoother cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to roll out, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
- Experiment with Shapes: Get creative with your cookie cutters! Fun shapes can make these cookies even more appealing, especially for holidays or themed events.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be firm around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Add a Finishing Touch: For an extra special treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
