Meet your new signature holiday treat: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery chocolate chip goodness and the irresistible, cool crunch of peppermint candies. There’s something magical about the way the deep, melty chocolate mingles with fresh peppermint, creating a festive cookie that’s cozy, vibrant, and completely addictive. Whether you’re baking for a winter party, gifting to friends, or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, these cookies are destined to become a favorite tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a few pantry staples plus a special splash of peppermint extract can transform a basic dough into cookies bursting with winter cheer. Each ingredient in Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies plays its role, from creating that classic texture to imparting the signature flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This is the secret to that perfect chewy center and deep, rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps the cookies spread just enough for a tender bite.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel-like complexity to each cookie.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and achieving a luscious, soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Peppermint extract: Just a little infuses the dough with that unmistakable, refreshing minty twist.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives your cookies structure and that homey crumb.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cookies rise beautifully and develop those delightful edges.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and makes every other flavor pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate are a must—use your favorite brand for best results!
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These swirl cool, crunchy bits of peppermint into each bite and give a gorgeous festive appearance.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your dough is. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. This tiny prep step ensures nothing sticks and your cookies bake up with beautiful, golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost mousse-like. This step helps incorporate air, which leads to softer, chewier Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents the batter from separating and keeps everything smooth. Next, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts—the burst of scent at this stage will have you eager for that first taste.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients first ensures that baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which means perfectly risen, balanced cookies in every batch.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix—the goal is a tender, soft crumb without any toughness. Once combined, your dough is ready for the best part.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Crushed Peppermint
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. Aim for an even distribution so every Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie gets a perfect bite of chocolate and minty crunch. If you want an extra pretty finish, save a small handful of each to press on top of the dough balls before baking.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool and will be easier to handle.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect holiday look, try finishing your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or a handful of chocolate chips right after baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar also works wonders for adding snowy sweetness and wow factor to your cookie platter.
Side Dishes
Nothing goes better with these cookies than a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. If you’re entertaining, try serving them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a simple peppermint mocha for double the festive flavor. They’re also lovely with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in a glass jar for adorable DIY gifts, or stack them and tie with ribbon for a sweet holiday favor. For parties, arrange them on a cake stand with sprigs of fresh mint and a scattering of crushed peppermint for a bakery-worthy centerpiece. Kids and adults alike will be delighted!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday snacking or tucking into lunchboxes throughout the week.
Freezing
To extend the festive cheer, freeze your baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw at room temperature before serving and enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven taste any time.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Be careful not to overdo it—just enough to release those incredible scents and melty chocolate.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let the dough come to room temperature for easier scooping, and you’ll have fresh Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime the craving strikes.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or kitchen mallet. Try not to pulverize them into dust—larger bits create an amazing texture and visual appeal in your cookies.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips?
Yes! For a fun twist, you can use white chocolate chips in place of (or in addition to) semi-sweet chips. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the cool zing of peppermint, transforming the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies into a whole new treat.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The classic version calls for all-purpose flour, which does contain gluten. If you want to make them gluten-free, substitute a good-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Your cookies may spread a bit differently, but the festive flavor will still shine.
My cookies are spreading too much—what can I do?
If your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are spreading out too thin, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, so the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a plate of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, especially when each bite sparkles with both nostalgia and a little wintery fun. Give these cookies a try the next time you want to bake up some holiday joy—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite, and everyone lucky enough to taste them will be asking for the recipe!
Print
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of minty freshness and rich chocolatey goodness. A holiday favorite that will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Stir in chips and candies: Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, press a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint bits on top of the dough balls before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
