Creating these delicious Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well blended.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, if using.
7. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch.

These steps will guide you in creating these incredible cookies effortlessly, filling your home with the delightful scent of chocolate and peppermint.