If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat that combines refreshing mint with luscious chocolate, look no further than this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect harmony of soft, chewy texture and a delightful crunch from crushed peppermint candies, creating an irresistible holiday favorite. Every bite bursts with rich chocolate chips and a cool peppermint zing that makes this recipe stand out year after year. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something sweet and minty, these cookies will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, featuring simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine beautifully to create a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each item plays an important role, from the creamy butter to the refreshing peppermint extract.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the rich, tender base with a buttery flavor that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect measure of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a bit of richness and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses every bite with that unmistakable minty freshness.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives your cookies shape and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate notes.
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Delivers bursts of rich and melty chocolate throughout.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and bright minty texture.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly without sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration is what creates a lovely, soft texture. Then beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts, giving the dough a beautifully fragrant mint-chocolate foundation.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen your cookies. This balance ensures a tender yet sturdy bite that holds the delicious flavors well.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Candies
Gently fold in the semisweet or dark chocolate chips along with the crushed peppermint candies. This step is where the magic happens as every cookie ends up studded with gooey chocolate and crunchy bits of peppermint, creating that signature Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe texture and taste.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping a close eye for those edges to turn golden while the centers stay soft and set. This timing is key for achieving the perfect chewiness combined with tender crispiness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet allowing them to firm up slightly. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps lock in the chewy texture and gives you the chance to admire those gorgeous peppermint flecks and rich chocolate chips before indulging.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies on top right after baking while the cookies are still warm. This adds a shiny sparkle and a fresh crunch that makes each cookie look like a holiday treasure. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over them for a professional bakery finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, whether it’s classic dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative. They’re also divine alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea, creating a cozy treat that feels just right during chilly days or holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches, mini ornaments, or candy canes for a beautiful holiday display. You can also package them in decorative tins or clear cookie bags tied with a red or green ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that will impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to five days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
To enjoy these minty delights later, freeze your baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to have festive treats on hand anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
If you want to revive the fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 to 15 seconds to soften the chocolate chips and enhance that just-baked feeling. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven can refresh the texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint leaves don’t provide the same strong, sweet mint flavor that peppermint extract does in cookies. While they add a lovely herbal note, the extract is preferred for that classic peppermint taste that makes this recipe special.
What kind of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work beautifully here, balancing the sweetness of the peppermint with rich cocoa flavors. You can experiment with mini chips or chunks for varied texture, but avoid milk chocolate as it may be too sweet.
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can try gluten-free flour blends formulated for baking. However, results may vary in texture, so look for blends containing xanthan gum or other binders to help maintain the cookie’s chewiness and structure.
How do I get the peppermint candies crunchy and not melted?
Crushing peppermint candies into smaller but not powdery pieces helps retain crunch. Adding them just before baking, and optionally sprinkling more on top right after baking, keeps that refreshing crunch. Avoid crushing them too finely or mixing in too early, which can cause melting.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan butter and egg replacers, you can make a vegan version, though you might need to adjust baking times slightly. Using plant-based chocolate chips and ensuring peppermint extract is vegan-friendly will keep the recipe inclusive and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a joyful way to bring holiday spirit into your kitchen any time of year. The blend of rich chocolate with refreshing mint makes each cookie a comforting, festive treat that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch these cookies become a new favorite for gatherings and cozy moments alike!
Print
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a refreshing twist on a classic treat. These soft and chewy cookies feature a harmonious blend of rich chocolate chips and invigorating peppermint candies, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the dough with their aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently and mixing just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint: Carefully fold in the semisweet or dark chocolate chips along with the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring an even distribution in the cookie dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Notes
- For extra peppermint flavor and festive look, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies immediately after baking while still warm.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well; place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for longer storage.
