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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These chewy Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.
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These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies make the perfect holiday sweet treat great for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, baking with your kids or enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa. These cookies are chewy, rich in chocolate flavor and easily come together in under 30 minutes making this recipe a favorite during the busy Christmas season!

Why You’ll Love These

  • Made healthier – these chocolate peppermint cookies are made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.
  • Quick and easy – these cookies come together in under 30 minutes with zero chilling required.
  • Rich and fudgy – the combination of cocoa powder, espresso powder and chocolate chips make these cookies deliciously rich and fudgy!
  • Great for holiday baking – these cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, gifting in cookie tins, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with your morning coffee or hot cocoa.
These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • flours – I used a combination of whole wheat pastry flour and all-purpose flour in these cookies, but you could also use a gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour if making gluten-free cookies.
  • unsweetened cocoa powder – adds the chocolate to these cookies.
  • espresso powder – enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • baking soda – this acts as a leavening agent to help these cookies bake up nicely and gives them that chewy texture.
  • butter – we are only using 4 tablespoons of butter which really makes these cookies so delicious with amazing flavor, but you could substitute coconut oil, if you prefer.
  • coconut oil
  • egg – you’ll need one large egg in this recipe which acts as a binding ingredient and gives the cookies structure and height.
  • cane sugar – naturally sweetens these cookies without using any refined sugar, but you could also use coconut sugar or other granulated sugar.
  • chocolate chips – I used these Lily’s chocolate chips which are sweetened with stevia making the sugar content really low and gives these cookies even more chocolate flavor.
  • vanilla + peppermint extracts – boosts of flavor!
  • candy canes – crushed candy canes are mixed into these cookies as well as sprinkled on top for a delicious peppermint finish.
These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

  1. Mix ingredients. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until well combined. Add the melted coconut oil and egg and beat until creamy. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  2. Make batter.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
  3. Bake cookies. Using a tablespoon-size cookie scoop, drop the batter onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mat and gently press down on the tops of the cookies to flatten them a bit. Bake the cookies in the oven at 350 degrees F for 12 to 13 minutes, until cookies are set, but still soft. Immediately sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top.
  4. Cool.  Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You should get about 24 to 25 cookies.
These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.
These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. I like to use Dutch-process cocoa powder that gives a a darker color and smoother taste.
  • Measure peppermint extract carefully as a little goes a long way and too much can overpower the cookies.
  • Use parchment paper as this helps prevent sticking and makes for really easy clean-up. If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat works great too.
  • Don’t over-bake so you can get those soft, fudgy centers. The key is to slightly underbake them when the edges are set, but centers are still soft.
  • Store cookies properly in a sealed, airtight container to keep the cookies soft and fresh for several days. If stacking, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent the peppermint topping from sticking.
These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

Prepping and Storage

To Store:  These cookies will last at room temperature stored in a sealed, airtight container on the counter for 3 to 4 days.  You can also store these in the refrigerator to keep them longer for up to 7 days.

To Freeze:  For longer storage, these cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight or let them thaw completely on the countertop at room temperature. You can also freeze the cookie dough as well.

These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

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Hope you all enjoy these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and if you love this as much as we do, please leave me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! 

These chewy Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.

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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

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These chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich and fudgy with a festive candy cane crunch that are so easy to make! The perfect holiday cookie made healthier with less butter, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 103kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 3/4 cup cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes about 2 or 3 canes (plus more for topping)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until well combined. Add the melted coconut oil and egg and beat until creamy. Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
  • Using a tablespoon-size cookie scoop, drop the batter onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or baking mat and gently press down on the tops of the cookies to flatten them a bit. 
  • Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes, until cookies are set, but still soft. Immediately sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You should get about 24 to 25 cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 13.1g | Protein: 1.3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4.2g | Cholesterol: 12.8mg | Sodium: 14.9mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 6g

The post Chocolate Peppermint Cookies appeared first on Eat Yourself Skinny.

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Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!
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This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a family staple and one I make every Christmas morning! Loaded with hearty sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, melty cheese, hash browns and perfectly seasoned eggs for a hearty, delicious breakfast the whole family will love. The best part is how easy this recipe is to make! No complicated steps, simply cook your sausage and toss everything into a baking dish and it is ready to go.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Perfect for a crowd – this recipe makes a big pan that serves 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks or weekend guests.
  • Customizable – you can easily add in extra veggies, swap cheeses, use turkey sausage or make it spicy. Make it all your own!
  • Make-ahead friendly – I love to assemble this casserole the night before, refrigerate it, then bake it the next morning. You can also prep this days ahead and freeze.
  • Comfort food – this hashbrown breakfast casserole is warm, cheesy, savory and packed with so much flavor! The perfect breakfast for cozy weekend mornings.
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • ground sausage – I like to use spicy ground pork sausage in this recipe for a little kick of heat, but feel free to use sweet Italian sausage, ground turkey sausage, ground chicken or ground beef.
  • eggs – you’ll need 8 large eggs for this recipe to fill the entire 9×13 pan.
  • veggies – I used a combination of diced onion, red and green bell peppers, fresh baby spinach, and green onions.
  • milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any type of milk will work in this recipe.
  • hash browns – you’ll need about 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns that have thawed overnight. I used a 20 oz package of frozen hash browns.
  • seasonings – a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
  • shredded cheese – I used shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but you could also use Colby jack, Monterey jack, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack or even goat cheese.
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

How to Make Hash Brown Casserole

  1. Brown the sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage and break up into pieces. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned, crumbled and is no longer pink. Drain any grease from the pan.
  2. Sauté the veggies. Add in the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking on medium heat until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the spinach and cook until just wilted then set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the hashbrowns, one cup of cheese and the cooked sausage mixture.
  4. Bake casserole. Pour the egg mixture into a prepared 9×13 baking dish coated with nonstick spray and sprinkle the top with the remaining half cup of cheese. Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the middle is set and edges are golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

Variations and Substitutions

This hash brown sausage casserole is so versatile and can easily be made to your family’s liking!

  • More veggies – feel free to load up on ALL the veggies in this egg casserole. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded carrots, asparagus, broccoli and leafy greens such as kale or spinach are all great options.
  • Swap the protein – instead of spicy sausage, you could use sweet Italian sausage, ground turkey sausage, ground chicken or ground beef. Crumbled bacon or ham make great options as well.
  • Different filling – along with the egg and sausage, this recipe calls for shredded hash browns, but you could also use cubed potatoes, whole grain bread cubes, crescent rolls or leave out altogether for a casserole lower in carbs.
  • Make it spicy – feel free to add in some chopped jalapeño peppers along with the veggies. You could also mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. I like to top this casserole with my favorite hot sauce too!
  • Egg muffins – this is a great way to meal prep for the week to have a quick breakfast each morning. These make individual portions and the best part is you can batch cook the muffins and freeze for later! See below how to make easy egg muffins.
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

How to Make Egg Muffins

If you are making this recipe for meal prep, you could also easily make egg muffins for individual servings! I love to do this with easy casseroles because leftovers taste even better the next day. To make the egg muffins, simply follow the entire recipe and divide the egg mixture into the muffin tins instead of a casserole dish so that they are all about 2/3rds full. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the egg muffins are set. 

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

Prepping and Storage

To Store: Store leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. This breakfast is great for meal prep!

To Freeze: To freeze this casserole, let it cool completely after baking in the oven. First cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. You can also freeze individual servings (or make egg muffins). Simply slice up squares and wrap them in plastic wrap and foil (or you can use a sealed airtight container). Place in the freezer until ready to eat.

To Thaw: When ready to eat, let the casserole thaw out in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature as the oven preheats to 350 degrees F then pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes, until heated through. If you froze individual servings, simply let those thaw out and warm in the microwave until heated through.

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Follow on Instagram

Follow

More Breakfast Casserole Recipes

Hope you all enjoy this Easy Breakfast Casserole recipe! If you love this as much as we do, please leave ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!

Print

Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, along with melty cheese and perfectly seasoned eggs. The perfect recipe for your holiday brunch or weekend breakfast that can easily be prepped the night before!
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 442kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground hot sausage
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced small
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced small
  • 2 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 (20 oz) package frozen hash browns thawed (about 4 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • Top with sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage and break up into pieces. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned, crumbled and is no longer pink. Drain any grease from the pan.
  • Add in the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add in the spinach and cook until just wilted then set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the hash browns, one cup of cheese and the cooked sausage veggie mixture.
  • Pour the egg mixture into a prepared 9×13 baking dish coated with nonstick spray and sprinkle the top with the remaining half cup of cheese.
  • Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the middle is set and edges are lightly browned. Top with sliced green onions, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8th of recipe | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.5g | Protein: 21.7g | Fat: 33.2g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 263.2mg | Sodium: 918mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.4g

The post Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole appeared first on Eat Yourself Skinny.