Iced Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These dark chocolate peppermint sugar cookie cut-outs are decorated with pink and red candy cane stripes of royal icing! Follow my video tutorial and enjoy this fun and festive holiday recipe.
Today’s post is coming to you a little later than I would have liked, for a couple of different reasons. One, I really wanted to make it extra, extra good. I don’t want you to be intimidated by how pretty these cookies look. So, at the bottom of the post you will find my very first ever video tutorial. It ended up being a little bit harder to learn how to do video in the amount of time I allowed myself. I hope to get better at this with practice, but for now, I think it’s decent enough to get the point across. Hopefully it illustrates just how “do-able” decorating cookies can be. And fun!
Also, I’m including a list of the products I used to make and decorate these cookies! I always get asked, inevitably, so I just decided to include a little shopping list for you here, right from the get-go. Please be advised that some of these are affiliate links, so I do earn a small commission from any purchases you might make. As always, they are products that I myself have purchased, use, and recommend.
And finally, I would like to share: the last couple of days have been really difficult, and I was completely derailed from my normal routine. Even today, I’m having trouble staying focused, after the tragedy that has ripped through my community. Things like this happen every day, around the world, and it’s always terribly upsetting, but especially when it hits so close to home. My loved ones are safe, but my childrens’ school was under lockdown for two days and our town was advised to “Shelter In Place,” until local law enforcement could guarantee our safety from this sick and extremely dangerous person.
I never wanted this space to be political, or controversial in any way. I just want it to be a happy place. There’s a lot of different opinions about why tragedies like this happen, and what should be done. But I only want to say that not a single day goes by that I don’t remember what happened right around this time 2 years ago in Newtown, Connecticut. The terrifying events of this past Monday morning, in my small farm town, brought that sad day even more to the forefront of my mind. Let’s all pause for a moment, send prayers to those who have lost, and count our many blessings.
And now on to happier subjects:
Christmas Cookies! Of the iced chocolate peppermint variety. I made these for the Food Blogger Cookie Swap, which is a really fun event that benefits a great cause. So three other food bloggers were the recipients of this yummy recipe. I hope they enjoyed them half as much as I loved making and decorating them.
I can’t decide what I like better, the pretty royal icing design or the chocolate-y cookie base. I love to play with my food, so I always enjoy the decorating part, but the cookie itself is so darn good. Which I think is no small feat. A lot of times, the prettier the cookie, the worse it tastes. But my Simply Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookie recipe did not disappoint here. I used half regular cocoa powder, half black (dutched) cocoa, and the result was very much like a soft-in-the-center Oreo cookie, with a hint of cool, Christmas-y peppermint. I added 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to this recipe.
As you can see, this kind of cookie is great for shipping to loved ones, because not only are they sturdy, but they stack up so neatly with very little airspace in between. This is so key to having the contents arrive intact. I lined a treat box with wax paper so that the cookies wouldn’t make oil stains all over the paper box. I saw one of the recipients Instagrammed me their package when it arrived, and it looked pretty good, so I guess it worked!
And now for the video! The decorating technique is really not that hard, as long as your royal icing is the proper consistency (think Elmer’s glue for this technique) and you work relatively quickly, before the icing has a chance to crust over. Do take notice that the tip of my pastry bag is hovering slightly above the surface I’m decorating. Pulling up and away is what really helps the lines to be straight and not squiggly! You’re letting gravity do the work for you here.
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here is that list of products I promised you:
- King Arthur Flour Black Cocoa
- Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Peppermint Extract
- Parchment Paper Sheets
- Rolling Pin Rings
- Square Cookie Cutter Set (I used the smallest one in the set)
- Meringue Powder
- Red Gel-Paste Food Coloring
- Pink Gel Paste Food Coloring
- Disposable Piping Bags
- Piping Couplers
- Small Round Piping Tip
- Treat Boxes
I hope you enjoy!
Iced Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 batch Simply Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies, (with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract added to the dough), baked and cooled completely
Royal Icing
- 2 tablespoons (29.57 g) meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons (73.93 ml) water
- 2 2/3 cup (320 g) powdered sugar
- Additionally- gel paste food coloring and a few teaspoons more water to thin the icing to the proper consistency.
Instructions
To Make the Royal Icing
- Place the meringue powder and water in a large bowl and whisk until all the powder has dissolved and the mixture is frothy.
- Add the powdered sugar and stir until combined.
- Whip on high speed until the icing is very fluffy and stiff, about 5-7 minutes. It should hold stiff peaks.
- Transfer to an air-tight container until ready to tint and pipe.
To tint and thin to proper consistency:
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of royal icing into a small bowl and add a few drops of gel-paste color. Stir in until desired color is reached. (Some colors, such as red and black, will deepen over time.)
- Add water, about an eighth of a teaspoon at a time, until the icing is the consistency of Elmer's glue. It should smooth over on its own after a few seconds.
- Place in piping bags fitted with decorating tips, and turn them tip side down into a drinking glass lined with wet paper towels.
- Use immediately. (Royal Icing will become thin and runny, and may separate, over the course of about 24 hours.)
Gosh, I saw that on the news and had no idea that was near where you live. That is so tragic and scary. Glad it’s over and that your family is safe, but I’d be seriously rattled too!
The video is so great. How do your hands not shake when you are piping? That’s one of my silly “issues” when trying to pipe frosting, lol
Pinning and sharing these beautiful cookies 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing, Jill, and for the kind words too. It was really close to where I live. Scary close. The two girls that were at the center of it all turned out to be both my kids’ classmates. Our neighbor across the street had their daughter sleep over at the shooter’s house last week. I’m still a little rattled to be honest, but trying to focus on happier things and move on. As for the piping, I think at first I always shake a little too, but after a while my nerves settle. I started shooting the video once I was past that point, lol! But honestly, if you hold the tip up above the cookie and keep it moving, the line will still fall straight, even if your hands aren’t that steady 😛
Allie, I’m so sorry to hear about this senseless tragedy. But it’s good to hear that you and your family are safe. These cookies look stunning. Much more beautiful than I could ever do. You have amazing talent!
Thank you so much Jen, and so do you! Your kind words mean so much 🙂
Your cookies are so beautiful. I stopped by to check them out then read your story. My heart goes out to you and your community. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season, what’s left of it, anyway.
Thank you so much Beth. It’s been a rough week but things are getting back to normal, and I’m so happy have the holidays coming up soon to get our minds on to happier things 🙂 Thanks for reading and for the warm wishes!
Oh Allie, I’m so sorry to hear about what happened 🙁 That make me so so sad. I’m so glad to hear that you and your family are safe and will be sending prayers and good thoughts. And these cookies are just beautiful. Absolutely loved the video. xo
These are beautiful!! Loved the video!!!
Thank you so much Charlotte!
Thank you Kelly! For the prayers and for the kind words too. Things are returning to normal finally, but whew! I’ll be hugging my boys a little harder this holiday season.
Allie you are an artist! I still don’t think I could make them as perfect even after watching your tutorial! Loved it and I love these cookies. They’re almost to pretty to eat.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. Wishing you all the magic of the season.
xo
Thank you so much Tammy! I’ve definitely had a lot of practice with piping, over the years, but it’s so fun to learn. And there are so many beautiful ways to do it too. I’m so happy you like them and thank you so much for the warm wishes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well! xoxo
You’re cookies and new video are perfection! I’m so impressed with videos on blogs, and a place I have yet to explore. You’re an inspiration! Excellent pressure control on that piping, Allie. I know that took much practice!
I hope peace finds you and your community again soon, Allie.
Thank you so much Traci, for your reassuring and kind words and for the great feedback too. I am just beginning to dip my toe in this whole video world. Looking forward to getting the hang of it soon, lol!
Allie,
I love, love the video tutorial! I’ve been toying with the idea of doing video tutorials for cookie decorating, so this is super inspiring. And bravo on the cookie packaging! I mail decorated cookies all the time, and it can be nerve wracking!
I’m sorry to hear that you were feeling unsafe in your own community. It’s so disheartening that we are living in such a dangerous world. Every night I pray that God protects my children and all children around the world.
So do I, Aida, so do I. It’s a scary world we’re living in. Thank you though, for your kind words and yes- you should definitely try your hand at video! It’s another fun medium to learn and you are so talented- I think people would love to see how you make your fabulous creations!
God, why does it have to be like that!!!!! Why can’t people just live and let live! There’s just so much going around all over the world that I’m seriously starting to lose faith in humanity! It is especially distressing when things like that happen close to home! Sending lots of positive vibes your way, love! :* these cookies are the PRETTIEST things I have seen all this month when it comes to Christmas baking!!!!!!!! How cute and adorable are these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That video tutorial is just amazing!!!!! My decorating skills are next to pathetic so this video is going to help me SOOOO much!!!! btw, you HAVE to do more of these videos!!!!!! They are really amazing! :* <3 <3
Thank you so much for the positive vibes Samina! I feel like I really need them after the week I just had. My hair is gonna turn gray, oy! And thank you for the awesome feedback on my cookies and video. I had a lot of fun making the video and I hope to do more. Looking forward to learning and getting better at it!
Allie, these cookies are absolutely beautiful! Awesome job, lady! 🙂
Thanks Julie!
Allie, I was so worried about you, not sure if you got my message, but so glad to see you back. Sorry to hear what happened, that’s so shocking. On a brighter side, these cookies are so festive and you did a great job on the video, too.
Thank you Linda! I did not get a message from you- I’m so sorry! Did you send an email or tweet? I will check my spam. Thank you so much for your concern <3
Allie, I am praying for you girl. . I hate hearing about things like that and it just tears me apart to know there’s sickness like that in the world. but sadly, it’s a reality and became real for you and your family recently. I am just glad that you guys are safe and it’s over. I didn’t click on the link because I didn’t want to read the story but am basing this off of just what you told us. . anyway, I think you said it well above- “Let’s all pause for a moment, send prayers to those who have lost, and count our many blessings.” I feel weird talking about cookies but these are beautiful and I absolutely loved the video, Allie.
Thank you so much Alice- for the prayers and everything. I know it’s weird to go from cookies to something like this but I just felt like I had to share it. Hope you have a great weekend and safe travels and lots of fun with your family! xoxo
Wow, you did a fabulous job on that video! I’m so sorry you had to go through the horrifying experience, it seems that this kind of thing is getting all too common, my thoughts are with you <3
I agree Sue. It’s like you can’t get through a month without hearing about it happening somewhere. It’s so sad and scary. Thank you so much for the sweet comment and for the kind thoughts <3
That is so terrible Allie! I can’t even comprehend how terrifying that must have been.
On a happier note, you are so amazing at decorating cookies! My decorating skills are practically nonexistent, but yours look incredible! And I LOVE the video tutorial! You’ve really got a knack for this kind of stuff.
Thank you so much Margaret Anne! I am a details person so I really enjoy just getting lost in this sort of thing. I’m so glad you liked the video! Thank you for the great feedback dear 🙂
These cookies (and your photography) are insanely beautiful! Wish I could have gotten these in the cookie swap!
Aw, thank you so much Just Putzing!
Wow, that is a really effed up story. Things like that really make you reflect on life, what we have to be grateful for. Sending well wishes your way.
Aaaand on the other hand, the cookies look great, and I love the tutorial 🙂 Really explains the whole process well!
Thank you June Baby! I know; our whole worlds can change in an instant. Thank you so much for the kind words and well wishes!
Allie, I’m sorry that your community has to go through that. You should never have to be fearful in the safety of your home community. I loved the easy to follow tutorial and these cookies are beautiful. Whoever got these cookies in the swap were very thankful! Hugs
Thank you very much Chineka. It was a really scary week but thank goodness things are settling down. And I can get back to baking now, lol! I was way too nervous for a while there. Whew!