This delightful creation features soft, chewy cookies enriched with cooling peppermint and subtle winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Using coconut oil and non-dairy milk, these vegan treats offer a moist texture balanced by vegan chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing twist. Perfectly baked to maintain softness, they make a perfect addition to any festive or cozy occasion. Easy to prepare, they can be adapted to gluten-free versions for versatile enjoyment.
Discovering these Winter Warmth Peppermint Twist Vegan Cookies was like finding a cozy hug on a chilly evening, the perfect way to welcome winter with a sweet and spicy promise.
I still remember the first time unexpected guests arrived right as these cookies came out of the oven, their warm aroma filling the room and instantly brightening the mood.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: I always reach for this classic because it gives the perfect chewy texture; if you want gluten-free, swapping with a 1:1 gluten-free blend works beautifully
- Coconut Oil: Melted to add richness without dairy, and it keeps the cookies tender
- Organic Cane Sugar: Adds the right sweetness with a subtle natural depth
- Peppermint Extract: Use just the right amount for that refreshing twist without overpowering the spices
- Vegan Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt just right and add little bursts of chocolate fun
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so you’re all set for the dough.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. The warm spice aroma starts teasing your senses here.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil with sugar until smooth, then add applesauce, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts. The mixture is creamy and fragrant.
- Bring It Together:
- Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, just until everything comes together—the dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.
- Add the Chocolate and Peppermint:
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, each bite promising a cool surprise.
- Scoop and Top:
- Spoon heaping tablespoons of dough onto the sheets, spacing them well, and gently press extra peppermint candy pieces on top for a festive sparkle.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pop them into the oven for about 11–13 minutes. The edges will firm up while the centers stay soft—a gentle bake that makes all the difference.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, so they set up just right.
This recipe became more than just a treat when it turned into the staple of our holiday gatherings, a cookie everyone eagerly looks forward to sharing and savoring.
Keeping It Fresh
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days—perfect for planning ahead during the busy season.
When You're Missing Something
If you find yourself without peppermint extract, a dash of peppermint oil or crushed candy canes on top can save the day and keep the festive spirit alive.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of almond milk or a spicy chai latte, making them a cozy companion to winter afternoons.
- Before guests leave, remind them these cookies freeze well—perfect for a snowy day treat
- Consider gifting a jar of crushed peppermint candies alongside for their own decorating fun
- And don&t forget to let them know a little drizzle of melted vegan white chocolate takes these from great to unforgettable
Thanks for sharing this winter kitchen moment with me—may your oven always bring warmth and delicious memories.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives these cookies their minty flavor?
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Natural peppermint extract paired with crushed peppermint candies infuse the cookies with their refreshing minty taste.
- → How do I ensure the cookies stay chewy?
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Using wet ingredients like coconut oil and applesauce helps maintain moistness and chewiness in each cookie.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
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Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend works well without compromising texture.
- → What spices complement the peppermint in this treat?
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Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, subtle spice notes that balance the cool peppermint flavor nicely.
- → How should these be stored for freshness?
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Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to preserve softness and flavor.
- → Are there allergen concerns with these cookies?
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They contain wheat gluten and soy (dependent on milk and chocolate chip choices). Always check ingredient labels carefully.