Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookie Recipe~

Hello sweet friends. First of all, I want to say a sincere thank you to those who have reached out to me via email or insta message asking if all was well.  The answer is yes, we are just busy with life and  all that the holidays entail. 

I decided to step away from the blog for a bit to focus on what truly matters this season, first and foremost our Heavenly Father, Jesus, whom this holiday would be for nought without.  He is the REASON for the SEASON after all.  Along with family, missing some who are no longer with us this year, spending time with friends and going back to a true passion of mine, singing.  Lots of choir rehearsals this time of year in preparation for two services this coming Sunday.

However, I posted a pic tonight on Insta of the cookies I made for my Life Group cookie swap I am hosting Thursday, and several asked for the recipe.  The link wasn't working for some reason.  So, as promised...here it is. So easy and they smell amazing!

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookie (vegan)

Ingredients:

1 cup dutch-process cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBS peppermint candies crushed

Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl or stand up mixer stir together cocoa powder, sugar, applesauce, oil and extracts until well blended. Fold in crushed peppermints. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the granulate sugar and powdered sugar in two separate bowls.
5. Remove chilled dough and roll into balls about one tablespoon each.   Toss first in the granulated and then second in the powdered sugar, coating fully.
6. Bake for 12-13 minutes (cookies should be slightly underbaked). Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!