Name: Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for filling); 1/2 cup crushed candy canes; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)

Get ready to impress this holiday season with a cookie that screams festive charm and delivers indulgent flavor in every bite. These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies are a perfect combination of rich, chewy chocolate cookies and a cool, creamy peppermint filling that’s rolled in crushed candy canes for an extra crunch. They don’t just look stunning—they taste like Christmas in cookie form.

Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, making edible gifts, or simply baking for cozy nights in, this recipe is both crowd-pleasing and deceptively easy to make. The contrast between the fudgy chocolate and refreshing peppermint will satisfy any sweet tooth and become an instant favorite in your winter baking lineup.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking these beauties, let’s talk setup. Having the right tools will not only make the process smoother but also ensure perfect results.

Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): You’ll need a couple of bowls to keep dry and wet ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is essential for creaming the butter and sugar to get that fluffy base texture for the cookies.
Silicone Baking Mats or Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.

Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes, which is key when sandwiching them together.
Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cool the cookies evenly after baking so they don’t get soggy.
Spatula or Offset Spreader: Ideal for smoothing on the peppermint filling.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Let’s break down what makes these cookies so deliciously crave-worthy.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The base of our deep, chocolatey flavor. Choose a high-quality cocoa for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies so they hold their shape.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and chewy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture; using unsalted lets you control the flavor.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A blend of both creates sweetness and a chewy texture.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm background note that complements the chocolate.

Peppermint Extract: For that refreshing, minty twist.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds crunch, color, and peppermint intensity.
Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar: Combined for a smooth, tangy-sweet filling.

Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional): Melted and drizzled on top for an extra layer of decadence.

How To Make the Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint Filling

Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a dash of peppermint extract for extra minty goodness.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread the filling on the flat side of one cookie, top it with another cookie, and gently press together. Roll the edges in crushed candy canes.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

Melt dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the top of each sandwich cookie. Let it set before serving or storing.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to allow the peppermint filling to firm up just enough for that perfect bite. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a peppermint mocha for the ultimate winter treat. Their eye-catching appearance makes them great for cookie platters, dessert tables, or festive gift boxes.

To store, place cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If stacking, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can skip it or use vanilla extract instead, though the minty flavor will be more subtle. For a different twist, try a few drops of almond extract.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble with the filling the day you plan to serve them.

Are these cookies too sweet?

The balance of bittersweet chocolate and tangy cream cheese filling helps cut the sweetness. For less sugar, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the filling.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?

While homemade filling is recommended for flavor and texture, store-bought frosting works in a pinch. Just choose one that’s thick enough to hold between two cookies.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into small pieces. Avoid turning them into dust for the best crunch.

If you love these Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore more festive and unique cookie recipes from my collection:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic.

Lemon Churro Cookies for a sweet citrus bite dusted in cinnamon sugar.
Brownie Mix Cookies if you’re after an ultra-fudgy shortcut.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes to mix cookies with a creamy twist.

Tiramisu Cupcakes for an espresso-infused dessert experience.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle extra chocolate or keep it minty and simple? Did you try a different filling?

I love seeing how you all bring your own flavor to these recipes. Have questions? Drop them below—let’s bake better together!

Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies combine rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a cool cream cheese peppermint filling, rolled in crushed candy canes and optionally drizzled with melted chocolate. Perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a festive, decadent treat.