Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

**Recipe Title: ** Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

**Brief Description: ** These festive chocolate peppermint candy cane cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings or as a holiday treat. The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and crunchy candy cane pieces will delight your taste buds.

**Servings: ** 7-8 people

**Prep Time: ** 20 minutes

**Cook Time: ** 10-12 minutes

**Total Time: ** 30-32 minutes

**Ingredients: **

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips

- 1/4 cup crushed candy cane pieces

- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

**Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: **

1. **Preheat the oven: ** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients: ** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugars: ** In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. **Add Wet Ingredients: ** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: ** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

6. **Add Mix-ins: ** Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed candy cane pieces, and peppermint extract into the dough until evenly distributed.

7. **Form Cookie Dough Balls: ** Scoop out 1 tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for spreading.

8. **Bake: ** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.

9. **Cool: ** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. **Serve: ** Enjoy these delicious chocolate peppermint candy cane cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.

**Special Tips: **

- For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional crushed candy cane pieces.

- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract used in the recipe.

- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.