Oh, my goodness, do I have a festive delight for you! Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite holiday treats: **Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Sticks**. These delightful cookie sticks are not only a sweet twist on traditional sugar cookies, but they are also sprinkled with the magic of peppermint and chocolate, bringing a delightful holiday cheer to every bite.
I love making these during the holiday season because they fill my kitchen with the warm, cozy aromas of freshly baked cookies and candy canes. It reminds me of childhood baking sessions with my mom, where we would make sugar cookies every year and turn our kitchen into a winter wonderland. The best part? These cookie sticks are not only easy to make but also a perfect edible gift or party treat that’s bound to impress your family and friends!
What’s in Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Sticks?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these cookie sticks so delicious:
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookie sticks, giving them structure and chewiness. Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measuring!
Baking soda: A little leavening agent to help our cookies rise perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness of the cookie and balance the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this rich ingredient adds moisture and flavor. I prefer using high-quality European butter for an extra creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener gives our cookie sticks that delightful sweetness.
Brown sugar: Packed for a lovely caramel flavor and moistness, which is key for that chewy texture we all love!
Large egg: Adds richness and structure to our dough.
Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor. Trust me; using pure vanilla makes all the difference!
Mini chocolate chips: Because who can resist chocolate? These tiny morsels distribute evenly through the dough, giving a chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Peppermint extract: This ingredient brings the holiday vibe into the mix! Make sure to use pure peppermint extract for that refreshing taste.
Powdered sugar: For our creamy frosting! It gives a lovely sweetness to balance the peppermint and chocolate.
Milk: Just a touch to help our frosting achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These are our show-stopping toppings that add not only flavor but a lovely festive crunch!
Additional chocolate chips: If you want to go all out, feel free to add these for extra sweetness and decoration.
Is Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Sticks Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect. These cookie sticks are more of an indulgence than a health food, and that’s perfectly okay—especially during the holiday season!
Butter: While it adds wonderful flavor, it’s largely comprised of saturated fats, so moderation is key.
Chocolate chips: They provide a delightful treat but include sugar and fat, so a little goes a long way.
Peppermint: On the positive side, peppermint can aid digestion and adds a fresh taste without extra calories.
So, while these cookie sticks are definitely a treat for your taste buds, just remember to enjoy them in moderation!
Gather Your Ingredients!
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these chewy, minty treats. This recipe makes about 24 cookie sticks:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
– Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)
– Additional chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Sticks?
Let’s dive into the baking process! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray full of delicious cookie sticks in no time:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. You know you’ve hit that sweet spot when it almost looks like whipped cream.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and peppermint extract, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
7. Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cookie to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cutting board to cool completely.
10. While your cookie is cooling, prepare the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk if you want it thinner.
11. Once the cookie is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
12. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting, and don’t forget the extra chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy!
13. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, then cut the cookie into sticks.
Festive Serving Suggestions!
These cookie sticks are so versatile! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long! You can even experiment with different toppings like colored sprinkles or drizzles of melted chocolate for some extra flair.
I absolutely adore making these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookie Sticks, and I hope you’ll give them a try too! When you do, please share your experience with me. Did you add your own twist? What’s your favorite way to enjoy them? These delightful cookies are bound to create their own sweet memories in your kitchen! Happy baking!
