Cool Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step into the festive spirit with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies! Crafted effortlessly from a simple cake mix, these holiday treats boast a soft, fudgy, brownie-like texture complemented by delightful bursts of crunchy peppermint candy cane bits. Forget the long hours of dough chilling – this recipe allows you to whip up and bake these delectable Christmas cookies without any waiting, making your holiday baking a breeze.

For those who prefer baking entirely from scratch, you can adapt a classic double chocolate crinkle cookie recipe by incorporating peppermint extract and crushed candy canes to achieve a similar festive flavor profile. However, if speed and simplicity are your priorities, this cake mix version is a game-changer that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Why These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Make

There are countless reasons why these chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies deserve a spot on your holiday baking list. Their unique combination of ease, festive flavor, and stunning appearance makes them a standout treat perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa.

Unbeatable Ease with Cake Mix Magic

• Only 7 Ingredients for Fast Preparation: Don’t let the idea of “just 7 ingredients” fool you into thinking these cookies are anything but extraordinary. Starting with a boxed cake mix dramatically cuts down on the measuring and mixing steps typically involved in baking. This means you spend less time gathering obscure ingredients and more time enjoying the baking process – and, of course, the delicious results! The simplicity of this recipe is ideal for busy holiday schedules, impromptu gatherings, or even involving little helpers in the kitchen.
• No Chill Time Required: One of the biggest time-savers and a major advantage of this recipe is the complete absence of a chilling period for the dough. Many cookie recipes demand an hour or more of refrigeration, which can disrupt your baking flow. With these cake mix crinkle cookies, you mix the dough and head straight to baking, allowing you to have warm, fresh cookies in under 30 minutes. This “make and bake” convenience is truly invaluable during the bustling holiday season.

Classic Holiday Flavors: Chocolate and Peppermint Perfection

• A Timeless Duo: The combination of rich, deep chocolate and cool, invigorating peppermint is a flavor pairing beloved by many, especially during the festive months. The fudgy chocolate cookie base provides a decadent backdrop, while the peppermint extract infuses a refreshing coolness. Crushed candy canes further enhance this experience, adding delightful crunch and a vibrant burst of minty sweetness with every bite.
• Festive Appeal All Year Round: While candy canes inherently scream “Christmas,” the pure peppermint candies can be used to enjoy this flavor combination any time of the year. However, the distinct red and white stripes of candy canes provide an undeniable festive and wintery charm, making these cookies the perfect addition to any holiday celebration, cookie exchange, or cozy winter evening.

Stunning Visual Appeal: The Perfect Crinkle

• Aesthetically Pleasing Cracks: The signature crinkle effect isn’t just a quirky name; it’s a beautiful characteristic that makes these cookies visually captivating. As the dough bakes, the generous coating of powdered sugar cracks open, revealing the dark chocolate cookie underneath. This striking contrast of white “snow” against dark “earth” is incredibly festive and makes these cookies look like edible works of art, sure to impress on any dessert platter or cookie exchange table. They truly are some of the prettiest cookies you can bake for the holidays.

Deep Dive into Deliciousness: The Secret Behind the Perfect Crinkle

My journey to perfecting these chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies involved a bit of experimentation. Initially, I followed the traditional method of chilling the dough, as I do for my homemade chocolate crinkles. Surprisingly, this approach yielded cookies that didn’t develop the desired cracks on top, leaving them with a less distinct appearance.

The breakthrough came when I decided to bake the cake mix dough immediately without any chilling. The results were spectacular! The cookies emerged from the oven with beautifully defined cracks, showcasing that iconic crinkle effect that makes them so special. This discovery not only saved valuable time but also proved that the cake mix itself contributes to a unique dough consistency that thrives without refrigeration.

These chocolate peppermint crinkles are truly a delight to the senses. They are remarkably thick, incredibly soft, and wonderfully moist, reminiscent of a rich, dense brownie. The textural contrast between the fudgy chocolate cookie and the crisp, invigorating crushed peppermint pieces is particularly appealing, creating a dynamic eating experience that will leave you wanting more. I’m confident you’ll find them just as irresistible!

Gather Your Ingredients: Simple Staples for Stellar Cookies

One of the beauties of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You’ll only need 7 straightforward items to bring these sensational peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies to life. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

• Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This is the star ingredient and the secret to the recipe’s ease and fudgy texture. It provides the foundational chocolate flavor and structure. NOTE: The size of boxed cake mixes has been shrinking. Ideally, use a 15.25 oz. (432 g) box. If you find a smaller box, you can use a kitchen scale to adjust the weight by adding a small amount of all-purpose flour until it reaches 15.25 oz. (As of November 2023, Pillsbury is typically the brand still offering this larger size).
• Oil: Canola, vegetable, or any other neutral-tasting oil will work perfectly. The oil contributes to the cookie’s moistness and helps achieve that delightful brownie-like texture.
• Eggs: Large eggs are recommended for most baking recipes, including this one, as they provide essential moisture, bind the ingredients, and contribute to the cookie’s structure and richness.
• Peppermint Extract: This is what gives your cookies their signature cool and refreshing peppermint flavor. Be sure to use peppermint extract, not mint extract, as they have distinct flavor profiles.
• Peppermint Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes serve a dual purpose: they amplify the peppermint flavor and introduce a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. Plus, their festive colors often peek through the cracks, adding to the holiday charm.
• Granulated Sugar: Used for the initial roll, this sugar helps create a slightly sticky surface for the powdered sugar to adhere to more effectively, preventing it from being fully absorbed during baking.
• Powdered Sugar: The essential ingredient for the iconic crinkle effect. A generous coating of powdered sugar provides the stark white contrast against the dark chocolate cookie as it cracks open, creating that stunning visual appeal.

Flavor Variation: If peppermint isn’t your preference, you can easily transform these into mint chocolate crinkle cookies. Simply swap the peppermint extract for mint extract and incorporate Andes creme de menthe baking chips instead of crushed candy canes for a rich, cool mint flavor.

Crafting Your Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Making these chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will ensure your cookies come out perfectly crinkled and delicious every time. Remember, the dough is quite thick, so choosing the right mixing equipment is key!

Preparation is Key

• Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Unwrap your peppermint candy canes and place them into a sturdy zip-top bag. Use the flat side of a meat mallet, a rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy glass to crush them into small, irregular crumbs. Avoid turning them into a fine powder; some textural bits are desirable.

Mixing the Dough

• In a large bowl, ideally of a stand mixer equipped with the paddle attachment, combine the devil’s food cake mix, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. This batter is exceptionally thick, and a stand mixer will handle it with ease. While you can start with an electric hand mixer, be prepared to switch to mixing by hand with a sturdy spatula as the dough thickens to avoid overworking your mixer.
• Once the wet and dry ingredients are well combined and a thick dough forms, add the crushed candy canes. Mix them in gently, either with the stand mixer on low speed or by folding them in by hand with a spatula, just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

The Crinkle Effect: Rolling for Success

• Set up two separate shallow bowls: one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar.
• Using a #40 cookie scoop (which yields approximately 1.5-inch balls) or your hands, roll portions of the dough into smooth, uniform balls.
• First, lightly coat each dough ball in the granulated sugar. This initial layer helps the powdered sugar adhere better and creates a slight barrier.
• Next, generously roll each sugar-coated ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s completely covered. A thick layer of powdered sugar is crucial for the most dramatic crinkle effect.
• Place the coated cookie dough balls several inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, allowing ample space for them to spread during baking.

Baking to Golden Perfection

• Bake the cookies in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes. They are ready when they have spread, developed visible cracks on top, and appear set around the edges. The centers might still look slightly moist, which is perfectly fine – they will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft, fudgy interior. The key indicator is that they’ve spread naturally without needing to be flattened.
• Expert Tip: For perfectly round cookies, immediately after removing them from the oven, use a round cookie cutter (slightly larger than your cookies) to gently swirl around the edges of each hot cookie. This helps reshape any imperfections, especially if melted candy cane bits have slightly altered their form.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or on a wire rack before handling or storing. This prevents them from breaking and allows the residual heat to finish cooking them to perfection.

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Crinkle Cookies Fresh

Proper storage ensures your delicious chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies remain soft, fresh, and visually appealing for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them for optimal enjoyment and even how to prepare them for future baking sessions.

• Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your baked cookies flat in an airtight container. For best results and to prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers of cookies. Stored this way, they will maintain their freshness and delightful texture for 3-4 days at room temperature.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: This is a fantastic option for make-ahead convenience!
  1. Shape the cookie dough into balls as instructed in the recipe.
  2. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm.
  3. Once frozen, transfer the firm cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  4. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the desired number of cookie dough balls on the counter for approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Roll the thawed balls first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar, and bake as per the original instructions. This method allows you to enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!
• Freezing Baked Cookies (with a caveat): While baked cookies can technically be frozen, it’s important to note that the powdered sugar coating tends to absorb into the cookie during thawing, diminishing the signature white crinkle effect. If the aesthetic appearance is not a primary concern for you, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Beyond Peppermint: Exciting Crinkle Cookie Variations

The beauty of starting with a cake mix is its versatility! Once you master the chocolate peppermint version, you can easily experiment with other flavors to create new crinkle cookie sensations:

• Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Use a lemon cake mix, add lemon zest and a touch of lemon extract. Roll in powdered sugar.
• Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Start with a red velvet cake mix, add a hint of vanilla extract, and perhaps some white chocolate chips.
• Spice Crinkle Cookies: Use a spice cake mix, enhance with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• Funfetti Crinkle Cookies: A white or yellow cake mix with rainbow sprinkles folded into the dough before rolling in powdered sugar.
• Orange Cranberry Crinkle Cookies: Use a yellow cake mix, add orange zest and dried cranberries.

FAQs About Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Here are some common questions to help you master these festive treats:

• Why didn’t my cookies crinkle? The most common reasons are not enough powdered sugar, chilling the dough, or baking at too low a temperature. Ensure a very generous coating of powdered sugar and bake immediately.
• Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Absolutely! While Devil’s Food cake mix provides the rich chocolate base, you can experiment with chocolate fudge, triple chocolate, or even a basic chocolate cake mix. Adjust flavorings (like peppermint extract) as needed.
• What if I don’t have candy canes? You can use other crushed hard peppermint candies, or simply omit them and increase the peppermint extract slightly for flavor. Chocolate chips or chunks can also be added for extra chocolatey goodness.
• My cookies spread too much! What went wrong? This could be due to your oven temperature being too low, or if your butter (if using a different recipe that calls for it) was too warm. For this cake mix recipe, using the correct amount of oil and large eggs should prevent excessive spreading.
• Are these cookies suitable for gifting? Yes! Their beautiful appearance and delightful flavor make them perfect for holiday cookie platters, gift boxes, or cookie exchanges. Ensure they are fully cooled and properly packaged in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

More Festive Cookie Recipes to Explore

The holiday season is a perfect time to indulge in baking. If you’re looking to expand your Christmas cookie repertoire, try some of these other delightful recipes:

• Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies (for a touch of red!)
• Pistachio Pudding Cookies (a lovely green option)
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Meltaway Cookies
• Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies (a different take!)
• Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
• Snowball Cookies
• Christmas Cornflake Wreaths

Embrace the joy of holiday baking with these incredibly easy and flavorful chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies. Their delightful texture, refreshing taste, and festive appearance are sure to make them a beloved addition to your seasonal traditions. Happy baking!

If You Make This Recipe, Please Rate and Review it in the Comments Below. THANKS!

*Originally published 12/11/2011. Post updated November 2023.