Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Okay, buckle up—these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to rock your world. If you love the classic combo of chocolate and mint (and who doesn’t?), then you’re in for a treat that screams holiday cheer. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich chocolate chips and refreshing bursts of peppermint. Picture the crispy edges, the soft centers, and that perfect minty kick that just hits the spot. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, family gathering, or just for yourself (no judgment here), these cookies are a must-make. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for every holiday season from here on out.

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Best of Both Worlds

Chocolate chip cookies meet peppermint magic. It’s the holiday cookie combo you never knew you needed but now can’t live without. Each bite brings the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with an extra festive, minty twist.

Soft & Chewy Texture

These cookies are the definition of soft and chewy perfection. With a slightly crisp edge and a gooey center, they deliver that ideal cookie experience every single time.

Festive Flavors

The addition of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes (hello, crunch and minty freshness!) elevates these cookies to something special. It’s like a Christmas miracle in every bite.

Quick & Easy

No complicated steps here—just simple, straightforward ingredients that come together fast. You can have a batch of these ready to share (or keep for yourself) in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients in Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these minty, chocolatey wonders:

Unsalted Butter

The foundation of any good cookie, butter makes these cookies rich and flavorful. Be sure to let it soften before you start for smooth mixing.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar

These two sugars balance out sweetness and add depth of flavor, giving the cookies the perfect chewiness and golden color.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to that soft, tender texture we all crave in a cookie.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor. It pairs perfectly with the peppermint!

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is the base that holds everything together. It creates that perfect dough that’s just thick enough for a great cookie texture.

Baking Soda

A little leavening action goes a long way in making your cookies rise to the perfect height with just the right amount of chew.

Salt

Balance is key. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and keeps the cookies from being too sweet.

Peppermint Extract

This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their signature holiday flavor. It’s minty but not overpowering, and it adds that festive twist.

Mini Chocolate Chips

Mini chips are perfect for these cookies because they melt into the dough just right, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.

Crushed Candy Canes

For that extra pop of minty crunch and a touch of holiday magic, crushed candy canes go right into the dough and on top of the cookies.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these dreamy peppermint chocolate chip cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie removal.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. It’s an important step for achieving that soft, chewy texture!

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, blending until smooth.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this could make the cookies too tough.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough for that perfect mix of chocolate and mint in every bite.

6. Scoop and Shape

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want extra peppermint flavor, feel free to press a little more crushed candy cane onto the top of each dough ball.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives them time to set, so they won’t fall apart when you pick them up.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect with Milk

There’s something magical about dunking a peppermint chocolate chip cookie into a cold glass of milk. This is the classic cookie experience, with a minty twist.

Holiday Treat Tray

Add these cookies to a holiday dessert tray filled with other festive treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and fudge. The bright mint flavor is a welcome change among the other holiday sweets.

Wrapped for Gifting

Package these cookies in a cute holiday tin or cellophane bags and tie them with a festive ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. They make an adorable present for neighbors, coworkers, or anyone on your holiday list.

Pair with Hot Chocolate

Nothing pairs better with a warm mug of hot cocoa than a peppermint chocolate chip cookie. The minty flavor in both the drink and the cookie just screams “holiday bliss.”

Additional Tips

Don’t Overbake

Remember, these cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy. If you want them to stay nice and soft, pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden, even if the center seems a little undercooked. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Use Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes

Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes work perfectly in this recipe. If you’re looking for extra holiday flair, top each cookie with a few more pieces of crushed candy cane before baking!

Make Them Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Make Them Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Add Extra Chocolate Chips

For an even more chocolatey experience, feel free to toss in a handful of semisweet chocolate chips along with the mini chips. Because, really—can there ever be too much chocolate?

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?

A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough in cookie dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Q3: Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

A3: You can, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the dough, making each bite a little more chocolatey. If you use regular chocolate chips, just chop them up a bit to get a similar effect.

Q4: How should I store these cookies?

A4: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add other mix-ins, like nuts?

A5: Yes, you can add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans if you’d like. Just be sure to chop them up small so they don’t overwhelm the minty flavor.

Q6: Can I substitute the peppermint extract with mint extract?

A6: Yes, mint extract works, but peppermint extract has a more distinctly holiday flavor. It’s what makes these cookies so festive!

Q7: How can I make the cookies more minty?

A7: If you love mint, feel free to add a little extra peppermint extract. Start with an additional 1/4 teaspoon and taste the dough to see if it’s to your liking.

Q8: Can I make these cookies vegan?

A8: You can! Use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips to make them vegan-friendly.

Q9: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A9: Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The cookies will still turn out delicious.

Q10: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A10: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent too much spreading.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence—soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, gift-giving, or just to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try, and get ready for the compliments (and the empty cookie jar)!

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