Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you adore the festive harmony of mint and chocolate in your treats, then these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are an absolute must-bake at home. Imagine biting into soft, buttery cookies bursting with rich dark chocolate chunks and refreshing little bursts of crushed candy canes that give each bite a playful pop of cool peppermint. These cookies are more than just holiday sweets—they’re a joyous celebration of flavors and textures that come together perfectly to brighten any day. Once you try this recipe, Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies will become your go-to indulgence for cozy moments or gifting cheerfully wrapped boxes to friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such a crave-worthy cookie. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that keeps the cookies tender, to the combination of brown and granulated sugars that add depth and just the right amount of sweetness. The dark chocolate brings richness, while the candy canes lend freshness and that signature peppermint crunch and color.

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature): Soft butter is key for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that complements peppermint beautifully.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Gives a slight crispness to the cookie edges for texture balance.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients together while helping with the cookie’s soft middle.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth and brings warmth to the peppermint and chocolate pairing.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The essential structure; be sure to measure properly for perfect cookie consistency.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides gentle lift so cookies remain soft but not dense.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and highlights chocolate and mint flavors.
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips: Luxurious pockets of rich, bittersweet chocolate that melt slightly with warming bites.
• 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed in small pieces): The star peppermint surprise that infuses fresh, festive flavor and delightful crunch.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together the unsalted butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars. Use a mixer on medium speed for about three minutes or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial as it aerates your dough, giving the cookies their tender texture and slight rise.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. These bring moisture and flavor to your dough. Stop mixing as soon as the wet ingredients are incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until almost combined, leaving a little flour visible. Then fold in the chopped dark chocolate and crushed candy canes carefully. This ensures every bite contains lovely pockets of peppermint crunch and melted chocolate.

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Dough

Scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in 2-tablespoon balls. Freezing your dough for at least 3 to 4 hours is essential; chilling helps keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, preserving that perfect chewy texture and intense peppermint flavor. For best results, chill overnight.

Step 5: Bake Your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the frozen dough balls at least 2 inches apart on a baking sheet for 9 to 10 minutes. They may seem a little underdone and soft out of the oven, but trust that they will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a perfectly chew-baked cookie every time.

Step 6: Decorate with More Candy and Chocolate

While still warm, gently press additional crushed candy canes and dark chocolate chips on top. This not only makes them look gorgeous but enhances their peppermint chocolate chip cookie charm with extra bursts of flavor and texture.

Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying

Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before moving or storing them. This helps them firm up the right way and makes every bite wonderfully satisfying.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For an added touch of festive sparkle, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Even a few fresh mint leaves on the side can brighten up a simple cookie plate beautifully and add an extra note of freshness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair fabulously with a glass of cold milk for dipping. They also elevate afternoon tea or coffee breaks, making them excellent companions to hot cocoa or a peppermint-flavored latte. Serving alongside creamy vanilla ice cream can turn them into an irresistible dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies using festive ribbons and cellophane bags for gifting. Stack them on a decorative plate surrounded by sprigs of holly or peppermint sticks for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You can even crumble some over ice cream or use them as a flavorful base for a peppermint chocolate cookie cheesecake crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for 2 to 3 days, but if you want them even fresher, pop them in the fridge to extend their life by a day or two with just a slight change in texture.

Freezing

The cookie dough balls freeze beautifully and are perfect for planning ahead. Store them in a sealed container or ziplock bag for up to one month. Beyond that, the peppermint candy tends to start melting into the dough, which can dull its distinctive crunch and flavor. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them frozen into the oven and bake as directed.

Reheating

If you want your cookies warm again, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and gives that incredible just-baked aroma a second encore. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies chewy or tough.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract for the candy canes?

Yes, peppermint extract can be used if you prefer a more straightforward mint flavor without the crunch. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in the dough, but keep in mind the crushed candy canes add a wonderful texture that an extract can’t replace.

What type of chocolate is best for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Dark chocolate is ideal because its rich, slightly bitter notes balance the sweetness and bright peppermint perfectly. However, semi-sweet chocolate chips or even milk chocolate can be used if you want a sweeter cookie.

How do I measure flour correctly for this recipe?

The best method is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and result in too much, making the cookies dry or dense.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the peppermint and chocolate wonderfully. Using all granulated sugar may result in a crisper cookie with less depth of flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling freezes the fat in the dough, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps concentrate flavors and creates a chewier, more satisfying texture—essential for perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies soon because they truly bring together the best of minty freshness and rich chocolatey comfort in every bite. They make both ordinary days and special occasions feel a little sweeter and a lot more joyful. Once baked, these cookies won’t just be leftovers—you’ll be reaching for seconds and maybe sneaking one or two before anyone else even knows they’re there.

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