chocolate peppermint cookies with coconut sugar

because it's never too early to start baking christmas cookies!

I know to some it might seem a bit early to start baking Christmas cookies but I am a big advocate of starting about a month ahead of time and here's why. When I was growing up, it felt like Christmas always rushed up on us and all of the cookie baking would happen in just the last days before Christmas - talk about stressful. As I've grown up and started to make Christmas cookies for my family, I've decided to go the leisurely route, which means starting early and baking one cookie a week usually from now until Christmas. This way each cookie can be savored and the baking is spread out enough so it doesn't add to the stress of the holiday season - because really cookies should never be stressful! So for this holiday season I am starting my baking off with this recipe for chocolate peppermint cookies naturally sweetened with coconut sugar. These cookies are fudgy and decadent with just the right amount of peppermint flavor (definitely make sure to measure the 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract - if you use more than this the cookie might end up tasting like toothpaste!).

As mentioned, I used coconut sugar to naturally sweeten these cookies and, as a refresher or for those who might be unfamiliar, coconut sugar is the dehydrated and boiled sap of the coconut palm flower. Because coconut sugar goes through minimal processing, it retains many of its inherent antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals - especially in comparison to the standard granulated white or brown sugars, which are heavily processed. For those of you who may not be a big fan of coconut, I just want to note that the coconut sugar does not have a noticeable coconut flavor. If you are looking to try coconut sugar, I recommend either Wholesome Sweetener's Coconut Sugar or, if you have a Thrive membership, I am a big fan of their Organic Brown Coconut Sugar.

I hope you enjoy these chocolate peppermint cookies and if you are looking for other holiday cookie recipes, check out my baci di dama with sucanat or my butter cookies with sucanat. Enjoy!

chocolate peppermint cookies with coconut sugar

makes 2 dozen cookies

ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 150 grams coconut sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 120 grams all purpose flour

• 45 grams cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 150 grams chocolate chips/chunks

• 100 grams white chocolate

• Optional: crushed peppermint candies for topping

directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the 1 stick butter and 150 grams coconut sugar together until well incorporated, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, scraping the sides of the mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the 120 grams all purpose flour, 45 grams cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Then gradually add to dough and mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in the 150 grams chocolate chips/chunks.

3. Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour and then preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner. Scoop the cookies onto the baking sheet spacing a couple inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until cooked through. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to the cooling rack.

4. Melt the 100 grams white chocolate using either a double boiler or the microwave and drizzle over the top of the cookies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if you would like.