If you have a soft spot for festive, flavorful treats, then this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie that perfectly balances rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips with the refreshing burst of peppermint candy. The aroma alone will transport you to cozy winter afternoons, while the delightful blend of textures—crumbly cookie, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and crunchy peppermint pieces—makes every bite an irresistible joy. Whether you’re baking for holiday guests or just craving something comfortingly sweet, these cookies bring together classic chocolate chip warmth and a cool peppermint twist in a way that’s simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building the cookie’s flavor, texture, and delightful festive flair. From creamy butter to crushed peppermint candies, every element is thoughtfully selected to create magic in your mixing bowl.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The richness and moisture base that ensures soft and tender cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie spreading during baking.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel depth and chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binder that keeps everything together and adds fluffiness.
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract: The star ingredient for that refreshing, cool peppermint kick.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and substance to the cookies.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Provides that perfect rise and tender crumb.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens flavor complexity.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic pieces of melty chocolate delight.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Extra chocolatey bites for chocolate lovers.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds crunch and iconic peppermint flavor throughout.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and avoid sticking, which makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the bottoms perfectly golden.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, giving your cookies that lovely tender crumb and a slightly chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure full incorporation and a smooth batter. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract and, most importantly, the peppermint extract. The peppermint extract is what transforms this recipe into the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe you’re after, delivering that unmistakable minty freshness that complements the chocolate so well.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle to maintain tenderness.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Now for the fun part: fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips if you’re using them, and the crushed peppermint candies. These crushed candies not only infuse each cookie with peppermint flavor but offer delightful pops of crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help the cookies bake evenly and develop those beautiful, crackling tops.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look soft. This ensures chewy cookies that have just the right amount of softness inside. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this hands-off time allows the cookies to set perfectly—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
For an extra festive flair, sprinkle some additional crushed peppermint candies on top while the cookies are still warm. This final touch not only amps up the look but also adds an alluring peppermint kick right at first bite.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the serving experience by adding a fresh mint leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar alongside the cookies. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can also complement the peppermint flavor beautifully, turning simple cookies into a stunning holiday treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic sides like a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa. For an adult twist, serving with peppermint hot chocolate or spiked coffee can elevate your dessert spread and create a cozy atmosphere.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by arranging your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in a festive holiday jar layered with candy canes and mini marshmallows. You can also stack them between sheets of wax paper and tie with a bright ribbon for a perfect homemade gift to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture so your cookies stay soft and delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, still ensuring that perfect freshly baked experience.
Reheating
To revive slightly stale cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This will soften them up, refresh the chocolate, and bring back that freshly-baked charm you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil in the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
You can substitute peppermint oil, but make sure to use it sparingly. Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so start with a few drops and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the cookie.
What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they provide a balanced sweetness that complements the peppermint. However, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified to enjoy the cookies without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to halve this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely. The recipe scales down easily if you want to make a smaller batch, just adjust the ingredient amounts by half and keep an eye on baking times as smaller batches might bake a bit faster.
How can I make the cookies more festive for holiday parties?
Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies or colored sugar on top right before baking. You can also dip half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and decorate with red and green sprinkles for a cheerful holiday look.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe combines classic comfort with a refreshing, cool twist. Every batch feels like a warm hug wrapped in festive cheer, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging yourself. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these cookies just as much as I do—they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire!
Print
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic chocolate chip cookie with a refreshing hint of peppermint and festive crushed candy canes. Soft and chewy, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a delightful minty twist on a beloved treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until combined.
- Combine 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 to avoid overworking the dough.
- Mix in chocolate and peppermint: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional mini chocolate chips, and the crushed peppermint candies to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten the cookies: Gently press down each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a flattened shape.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Cool slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, allowing them to set.
- Cool completely and garnish: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. Optionally sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a little more peppermint extract but avoid overdoing it to prevent bitterness.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Mini chocolate chips are optional but add extra chocolatey goodness and texture contrast.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- To keep cookies soft longer, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
