PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Have you ever tasted a cookie that feels warm and cozy but still gives you a cool, refreshing bite at the same time? It almost sounds impossible, right? Peppermint and chocolate might seem like complete opposites, but when they come together in a soft, chewy cookie, they create something truly magical. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the perfect holiday cookie—one that’s festive, delicious, and easy enough for anyone to bake—you’re in the right place. These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the answer.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make cookies that melt in your mouth, sparkle with candy cane crunch, and fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of the holidays.

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Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and filled with rich chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. These cookies are perfect for Christmas, winter parties, cookie swaps, or anytime you want something sweet and refreshing.

What makes this recipe special?

• The dough is simple and easy to mix.
• The cookies bake in less than 12 minutes.
• You only need basic pantry ingredients.
• The peppermint flavor is cool and bright, but not overpowering.

Time Required:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time (optional but recommended): 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Skill Level: Easy. This recipe is great for beginners, kids, or anyone who loves baking simple desserts.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Main Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
• ½–1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Substitutions and Variations

• Butter: Use salted butter and reduce added salt by half.
• Peppermint candies: You may switch to peppermint bark chunks or crushed peppermint chocolate bars.
• Chocolate chips: Any kind works—milk, dark, or white chocolate.
• Gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Sugar-free: Use a sugar-free sweetener made for baking.

These ingredients make a soft, chewy, and flavorful cookie with a holiday twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
This step helps the cookies rise and bake with the perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This traps air in the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
This adds flavor and helps hold the dough together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing makes cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold In Chocolate and Peppermint

Gently stir in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint pieces.
This adds texture and flavor to every single bite.

Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Helpful)

Place the cookie dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much and helps them bake thicker.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack.
As they cool, the peppermint melts lightly into the cookie for extra flavor.

Assembly

These cookies come together easily, but here’s how to make them look bakery-perfect:

• Once scooped onto the pan, press a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint pieces on top.
• Shape each dough ball slightly so your cookies bake in round, smooth circles.
• Bake until just the edges turn golden; the center should still look soft. It will set as it cools.

Presentation Tips

• Stack cookies on a white platter to highlight their red and brown colors.
• Add crushed peppermint around the plate for a festive touch.
• Wrap cookies in clear baggies with a red ribbon for easy gifting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies store very well and keep their chewy texture for several days.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps cookies fresh for about 7 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to make them soft again.

Make-Ahead

• Chill dough up to 48 hours before baking.
• Freeze shaped dough balls and bake straight from the freezer—just add 1 minute of bake time.

Recipe Variations

If you’d like to change things up, here are some fun options:

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate base.

Mocha Peppermint Cookies

Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder to the dry mix.

Mint Extract Boost

Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Fold chopped peppermint bark chunks into the dough for a bakery-style cookie.

Conclusion

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect mix of cozy and refreshing. They bring together the smooth taste of chocolate and the bright flavor of peppermint in one soft, chewy bite. This recipe is simple enough for busy parents, new bakers, or anyone who wants a quick holiday treat without stress. The cookies bake fast, look beautiful, and taste even better.

Once you try them, you’ll want to bake them all season long. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different chocolates, fun add-ins, or festive decorations. Enjoy every sweet, cool, chocolatey bite.

FAQs

What makes these cookies soft and chewy?

Creaming the butter and sugars, not overmixing the dough, and slightly underbaking keep the cookies soft.

Can I use candy canes instead of peppermint candies?

Yes. Crush them into small pieces so they blend easily into the dough.

Do I have to chill the dough?

No, but chilling helps the cookies bake thicker and prevents spreading.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Freeze dough balls for quick, fresh-baked cookies anytime.

Are these cookies too minty?

They have a light, refreshing peppermint flavor. Add more or less peppermint based on your taste.

What chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet is the classic choice, but milk, dark, or white chocolate all work well.