Copycat Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s Recipe

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If you’re anything like me and love sharing edible traditions with friends and family, these Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s cookies deliver that nostalgic sparkle the season always brings. Let’s dive into the peppermint magic and bring a beloved holiday flavor to life in your own oven.

What Is Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s refers to a seasonal peppermint-flavored cookie treat sold by the American grocery chain Trader Joe’s, especially around the winter holiday season

Ingredients:

Chocolate Wafer Cookies:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred for deep color)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Peppermint Cream Filling:

• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (more or less to taste)
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (to adjust consistency)
• 2–3 tbsp crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

Make The Chocolate Cookie Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter + sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla, mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
6. Chilling prevents spreading and makes crisp wafer-like cookies.

Shape & Bake The Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment to ⅛ inch thickness (thin = crispy like Joe-Joe’s).
3. Use a small round cutter (1.5–2 inches) to punch out circles.
4. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake 8–10 minutes; they should be dry on the edges and just slightly soft in the center.
6. Cool completely on a rack before filling.

Prepare The Peppermint Filling:

1. Beat the softened butter with a mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Add peppermint extract and 1 tbsp milk.
4. Beat until smooth; add more milk if needed.
5. Stir in the crushed candy cane pieces: This gives the signature Joe-Joe crunch and peppermint burst.

Assemble:

1. Pipe or spread a teaspoon of peppermint filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie and gently press.
3. Optional (but very Joe-Joe-like):
4. Roll the edges in extra crushed peppermint.
5. Chill 10–15 minutes to set the cream.

Tips:

• Use Dutch-process cocoa: This gives you the darker color and classic chocolate wafer taste.
• Roll the dough thin: The cookies should be crisp, not soft like chocolate sugar cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Take them out when edges are dry, they will crisp as they cool.
• Peppermint extract is strong: Start with ½ tsp, taste, and increase if desired.
• Crush candy canes finely: Large chunks make the filling gritty.
• Tip: Place candy in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• For extra holiday flair: Dip half the sandwich cookie into melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with peppermint.

Storage:

• Room temperature: 5–7 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Keeps slightly longer; let it warm before eating
• Freezer: Freeze assembled cookies up to 2 months

What To Serve Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s With

Sweet Treats:

• Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with chocolate, peppermint candies, and crushed candy canes.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm and chewy cookies pair perfectly with the minty flavor of Peppermint Joe Joe’s.
• Candy Cane Brownies: Frownies or brownies with a peppermint twist make a great pairing with this coffee drink.

Breakfast Or Brunch Items:

• Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey, and sweet, these pair nicely with the minty flavor of Peppermint Joe Joe’s.
• Muffins: Blueberry, chocolate chip, or cranberry orange muffins complement the coffee’s flavor.
• Wegener’s Waffles: A light and crispy waffle with a hint of sweetness is a great match.

Other Ideas:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Serve Peppermint Joe Joe’s alongside a rich and creamy hot chocolate for a holiday treat.
• Gingerbread Men: These spicy cookies are a great match for the minty flavor of the coffee drink.
• Fresh Fruit: A simple but refreshing option, serving fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries can help balance the sweetness of the coffee.

Health Benefits:

Peppermint Offers Digestive and Respiratory Benefits:

• Peppermint is known to soothe the stomach and may help ease indigestion.
• Its natural menthol compounds can relax gastrointestinal muscles, aiding digestion after a heavy meal.

Respiratory Relief:

• Menthol has a cooling effect that may help open nasal passages and provide temporary ease during cold seasons.

Mood & Energy Boost:

• Peppermint scent and flavor can increase alertness, focus, and mental clarity.
• The refreshing aroma can also help reduce stress or reset the palate.

Provides Quick Energy

• With a combination of sugar and carbohydrates, Peppermint Joe-Joe’s can offer a quick energy boost when needed.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe-Joe’s aren’t just holiday cookies; they’re a tradition wrapped in chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes, and delivered with the kind of nostalgic joy only seasonal treats can inspire.

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