Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Twists
Sweet and festive chocolate peppermint cookie twists feature rich cocoa, peppermint crunch, and a crisp shape, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cheerful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix margarine, shortening, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Stir in flour, cocoa, and salt until the dough comes together.
- Knead a level tablespoonful of dough with hands until the right consistency for molding.
- Roll the dough into pencil-like strips about 9 inches long on a lightly floured surface.
- Twist each strip into a pretzel shape and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake until set, about 9 minutes.
- Let stand 1 to 2 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet and cooling.
- Dip the tops of the cookies into chocolate glaze, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. If you’re out of margarine, you can substitute with equal parts butter or coconut oil. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to knead the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which can make the cookies tough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookie twists alongside a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat. They would also pair beautifully with a festive cheese platter featuring items like Apple Smoked Cheddar Tea Sandwiches. For a colorful presentation, arrange them on a holiday-themed plate and sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Twists contains roughly 185 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use unsweetened chocolate as a substitute for cocoa powder. Melt about 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate and reduce the fat in the recipe by the same amount, adjusting the margarine or shortening accordingly. This will add richness to your cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider drizzling them with white chocolate in addition to the chocolate glaze. You can also decorate them with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to enhance their holiday appeal. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also add a nice contrast to the sweetness.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the cookies dry. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can also help firm it up.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).