The holiday season is a time for festive treats, and for many, a trip to Trader Joe’s wouldn’t be complete without their beloved Peppermint Joe Joe’s. However, for those navigating gluten and dairy sensitivities, or following specific dietary protocols like Paleo or AIP, these iconic cookies have long been off-limits. Until now! This recipe offers a delightful solution: a homemade, gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free version of the classic chocolate sandwich cookie, complete with a creamy peppermint filling and a decadent chocolate coating. These copycat Peppermint Joe Joe’s capture all the festive joy and delicious flavor of the original, ensuring everyone can indulge in this seasonal favorite without compromise. They’re so good, you might even prefer them to the store-bought version!
What Exactly Are Peppermint Joe Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is renowned for its unique and often seasonal product offerings, and during the holidays, their aisles sparkle with festive delights. Among these, Peppermint Joe Joe’s stand out as a highly anticipated item. Imagine a classic chocolate sandwich cookie, much like an Oreo, but elevated with a vibrant peppermint cream filling. To make them even more special for the festive season, these cookies are then generously coated in a layer of smooth chocolate and often topped with crunchy bits of crushed candy cane. They are a quintessential holiday treat, instantly evoking the spirit of winter and celebration with every bite.
However, the traditional Peppermint Joe Joe’s contain gluten, dairy, and often other ingredients that don’t align with specific dietary needs. This can leave many feeling excluded from the holiday fun. Our copycat recipe is specifically designed to overcome these barriers, offering a version that is not only gluten and dairy-free but also grain-free. Furthermore, it includes options to make them Paleo and Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) compliant, ensuring that a wider audience can safely enjoy this delicious holiday cookie. This homemade rendition mirrors the appearance and, more importantly, the incredible taste of the original, proving that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or festive indulgence.
Why Make These Homemade Peppermint Joe Joe’s?
Opting for a homemade version of your favorite store-bought treats offers numerous advantages, especially when dealing with dietary sensitivities. Here’s why these copycat Peppermint Joe Joe’s are a must-try:
- Dietary Inclusivity: The most significant benefit is their adaptability. This recipe is inherently gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free. With simple substitutions, it can also be made Paleo and AIP, making it a safe and delicious option for individuals with various allergies or dietary preferences who might otherwise miss out on holiday cookies.
- Control Over Ingredients: When you bake at home, you have complete control over the quality and source of your ingredients. You can choose organic, non-GMO, and ethically sourced components, avoiding artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive refined sugars often found in commercial products.
- Freshness and Flavor: Nothing quite compares to the taste of freshly baked cookies. These homemade Peppermint Joe Joe’s boast a superior freshness and a more pronounced, natural peppermint flavor that store-bought versions often lack.
- Customization: Want more peppermint? Less chocolate? A different topping? Homemade means you can tweak the recipe to suit your exact preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, the intensity of the mint, or even experiment with different types of chocolate or alternative toppings beyond candy canes.
- Cost-Effective: Specialty gluten-free and dairy-free cookies can be quite expensive. Making them at home is often more economical, especially if you already have some of the common ingredients on hand.
- The Joy of Baking: There’s immense satisfaction in creating delicious treats from scratch. Baking can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience, and sharing your homemade creations with loved ones adds an extra layer of warmth to the holiday season.
Essential Ingredients for Your Copycat Gluten-Free Peppermint Joe Joe’s
Crafting these delectable cookies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients to ensure they are both delicious and compliant with various dietary needs. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor:
- Coconut Flour, Cocoa Powder, and Tapioca Starch: These dry ingredients form the foundational base of our rich chocolate sandwich cookie. Coconut flour provides a unique texture and absorbs moisture, making the cookies tender. Cocoa powder delivers the deep chocolate flavor, while tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour) contributes to the cookie’s crispness and helps bind the ingredients together, essential in gluten-free baking. For an AIP-compliant version, carob powder can be substituted for cocoa powder to maintain the chocolatey essence.
- Baking Soda: A common leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a delicate texture.
- Coconut Oil: Used in both the cookie dough and the chocolate coating. In the dough, it adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. When softened, it mixes beautifully. For the coating, it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener is used in both the cookies and the creamy filling. Its rich, caramel-like notes complement the chocolate and peppermint beautifully, providing sweetness without refined sugars. Ensure you use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Palm Shortening: This is a key ingredient for the cream filling, providing a smooth, stable, and dairy-free base. Unlike butter, palm shortening offers a neutral flavor profile and a firm texture when chilled, essential for a classic sandwich cookie filling. Opt for sustainably sourced palm shortening.
- Peppermint Extract: The star flavor of these holiday cookies! High-quality peppermint extract is crucial for an authentic, refreshing minty taste in both the cream filling and the chocolate coating. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your desired intensity.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: These are essential for the rich chocolate coating. Brands like Enjoy Life are excellent choices, but any good quality dairy-free chocolate chips will work. For an AIP-friendly version, carob chips are a suitable alternative that still provides a delicious coating.
- Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes provide a festive visual appeal and an extra burst of peppermint flavor and crunch. Look for brands like Yum Earth for naturally colored and flavored options. If you prefer to omit them for a simpler look, or if they are not tolerated (e.g., for AIP, where cane sugar is often avoided), the cookies are still incredibly delicious without them.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Gluten-Free Peppermint Joe Joe’s
Creating these delightful copycat Peppermint Joe Joe’s is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
1. Preparing the Chocolate Cookie Dough
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it; this prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the coconut flour, cocoa powder, and tapioca starch. Sifting helps to eliminate lumps and ensures all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even cookie texture.
- Add the baking soda, softened coconut oil, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be thick.
- Transfer the dough to the fridge and chill for about 10 minutes. This step is important for making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
2. Forming and Baking the Cookies
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge. Place it between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Rolling between parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures a consistent thickness for uniform baking.
- Using a small cookie cutter (ideally 1.5 inches or smaller for the classic Joe Joe size), carefully cut out individual cookie rounds. You should yield approximately 12-14 cookies, depending on the cutter size. Gently transfer these cookie rounds to your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are baked through. Be careful not to overbake, as coconut flour cookies can dry out quickly.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Crafting the Creamy Peppermint Filling
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare your delightful peppermint cream filling. In a bowl, combine the palm shortening, maple syrup, and peppermint extract. Beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The palm shortening provides a wonderful, stable base for this dairy-free filling.
- Alternatively, if tolerated and you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use a store-bought dairy-free frosting (such as Simple Mills brand) and simply mix in the peppermint extract to taste.
- Once your cream filling is ready and the cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble. Take one chocolate cookie and spoon about a heaping tablespoon of cream filling onto its flat side.
- Gently top with another cookie, pressing down slightly to create a sandwich. Repeat this process for all the cookies.
- Transfer the assembled sandwich cookies to the fridge and chill for at least 10 minutes. This helps the filling set, making the cookies more stable for dipping.
4. Dipping and Decorating the Joe Joe’s
- Prepare for dipping by lining a large plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where your coated cookies set.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt slowly, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is completely smooth and liquid.
- Once melted, stir in the additional peppermint extract. This enhances the minty flavor and gives the outer chocolate shell a subtle peppermint kick.
- Using a fork, carefully dip each chilled sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift the cookie with the fork, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off back into the bowl. This prevents too much pooling at the base.
- Immediately transfer the coated cookie to the parchment-lined plate. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes (if using). The chocolate will quickly start to set, so work efficiently.
- Repeat this dipping and topping process for all remaining cookies.
5. Setting and Serving
- Once all cookies are coated and decorated, transfer the plate back to the fridge. Allow them to chill for at least an hour, or until the chocolate coating is completely hardened and set.
- Serve your homemade Peppermint Joe Joe’s chilled. Enjoy this festive, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa!
Recipe: Copycat Peppermint Joe Joe’s (Gluten-free, Paleo Option)
Yield: 6-8 cookies
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Author: Michelle
Ingredients
For the cookies
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder, (sub carob powder for AIP)
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup coconut oil, softened
- ¼ cup maple syrup
For the cream filling (sub Simple Mills frosting if tolerated)
- ½ cup palm shortening
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
For the coating and topping
- ⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips, (sub carob chips for AIP)
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1/4-1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 3-4 crushed yum earth candy canes, (if tolerated, omit for AIP)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with lightly greased parchment paper.
- Sift the coconut flour, cocoa powder, and tapioca starch together until well combined. Mix in the baking soda, softened coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine and transfer to the fridge to chill for about 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper and flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a small cookie cutter (1.5 inches or smaller) to cut small cookies (you’ll have about 12-14 depending on the size of your cookie cutter) and transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until baked through. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the cream filling by combining the palm shortening, maple syrup, and peppermint extract. Alternatively, you can use Simple Mills frosting (if tolerated) and add peppermint extract.
- Spoon about a heaping tablespoon worth of cream onto one cookie, and use another cookie to sandwich. Transfer the cookies to the fridge to chill for 10 minutes.
- Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil and melt over a double boiler method, or in the microwave until fully liquid. Add the peppermint extract and combine.
- Prepare a large plate lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, carefully dip each cookie into the chocolate coating and stir to coat. Pick up the cookie with the fork and allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Transfer to the parchment paper and top with crushed candy canes. Repeat for all of the cookies.
- Allow to set in the fridge for an hour, or until the chocolate is fully hardened. Serve chilled.
Notes
All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 cookie, Calories: 392kcal, Carbohydrates: 33.5g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 29.6g, Fiber: 4.5g
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Joe Joe’s
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these gluten-free Peppermint Joe Joe’s:
Can you make this recipe without candy canes?
Absolutely! While crushed candy canes add a beautiful festive look and an extra burst of peppermint, these cookies are incredibly delicious even without them. The rich chocolate cookie and creamy peppermint filling are the stars of the show. If you prefer to omit them, the cookies will still be a delightful treat. You could also consider other toppings like a sprinkle of flake sea salt to balance the sweetness, or simply leave them plain for a more minimalist look. For those following AIP, omitting candy canes is a necessary step, and the cookies remain wonderfully satisfying.
Can you make this recipe coconut-free?
Making this recipe entirely coconut-free would require significant alterations. Coconut flour is the base of the cookie, providing a unique texture and absorbency that is hard to replicate with other flours in the same quantities. Similarly, coconut oil is used for both the cookies and the chocolate coating. While it might be possible to find a way to make the cookie base with a different flour blend and use alternative fats like avocado oil or cocoa butter, it would essentially mean developing a different cookie recipe from scratch. The core concept of a chocolate sandwich cookie with peppermint cream is versatile, but this specific recipe relies heavily on coconut products. If you have a severe coconut allergy, it might be best to seek out a recipe specifically formulated as coconut-free for chocolate sandwich cookies.
How do you store these Peppermint Joe Joe’s?
Given their chocolate coating and creamy filling, these Peppermint Joe Joe’s are best stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing other odors from your fridge. Keeping them chilled ensures the chocolate coating stays firm and the filling remains stable. While chilling makes them delightful to eat, it does mean they’ll be quite firm straight from the fridge, requiring a satisfying bite to break through. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to let them thaw slightly at room temperature before enjoying for optimal texture. They typically last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
More Festive Gluten-Free Treats You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of peppermint and looking for more delicious, dietary-friendly options for the holidays or any time of year, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
- Paleo Peppermint Bark
- Peppermint Mocha Collagen Pudding
- Paleo Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Whether you’re making these for yourself, your family, or to share at a holiday gathering, these copycat Peppermint Joe Joe’s are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the festive flavors and the joy of a truly inclusive treat!
