If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat that beautifully blends refreshing mint with classic chocolate chips, look no further than these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of gooey chocolate pockets, crisp edges, and a cool peppermint pop, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This recipe yields cookies that look as festive as they taste—bright specks of peppermint candies tucked among melted chocolate chips—guaranteed to spark cozy nostalgia and a flurry of compliments at your dessert table.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies is as easy as it is delightful, with ingredients you likely already have (plus a couple of festive touches). Each component plays a delicious role, working together for cookies that are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly minty.

Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures your cookies are rich, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve those lovely crisp edges.
Packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing chewiness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together for that perfect cookie structure.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and rounds out the mintiness.
Peppermint extract: The star flavor, bringing a bright, refreshing kick to the mix.
All-purpose flour: Gives these cookies their trusty structure and soft crumb.
Baking soda: Works with baking powder for just enough lift and spread.
Baking powder: Ensures your cookies bake up light and tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors inside each bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate goodness in every mouthful—don’t skimp!
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Those eye-catching flecks deliver minty crunch and a festive flair.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which not only prevents sticking but makes cleanup a breeze. Gathering your supplies and prepping your space first sets you up for cookie-making success!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy—this step incorporates air, which results in thick, soft Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies every time.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting each become fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract followed by the peppermint extract. This combination creates a cookie that’s both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly festive.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Blending these ingredients separately helps distribute the leaveners and salt for even, predictable cookies with a delectable texture.

Step 5: Combine and Fold in the Fun

Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to soft cookies. Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, transforming your dough into a Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie masterpiece.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges turn a gentle golden hue. The centers should still look slightly soft; they’ll set as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (this helps them set and avoids breakage), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part? Waiting until they’re cool enough to eat—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra festive finish, sprinkle a little more crushed peppermint or a dusting of powdered sugar over the still-warm cookies. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a tiny mint leaf on each one also brings that “wow” factor if you’re serving them at a gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, ice-cold milk, or even a rich cup of coffee. If you’re setting up a dessert platter, these cookies play wonderfully with shortbread, chocolate truffles, or slices of peppermint bark.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies look beautiful stacked in a glass jar, boxed up with a big holiday ribbon, or even arranged as a cookie “tree” (simply stack cookies in a pyramid shape and sprinkle with extra peppermint for a snowy effect). For gifting, tuck them into cute tins lined with parchment or festive napkins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days (though chances are, they’ll be devoured long before that)!

Freezing

To plan ahead, freeze either baked cookies or balls of raw dough in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their holiday magic in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, simply microwave one or two for about 10–15 seconds until just heated through. To refresh larger batches, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes—this brings back that just-baked aroma and gooey chocolate!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and chill the dough in advance—either keep it in the fridge (well-covered) for up to 3 days, or freeze dough balls for several weeks, ready to bake off whenever you crave Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from the oven.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can substitute with a touch more crushed peppermint candy, or try a few drops of mint extract (which is a little stronger and earthier than peppermint). Just remember, extracts pack a punch—start small and taste as you go!

How do I keep my cookies soft?

To keep your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies deliciously soft, be careful not to overbake them; remove when the edges are barely golden. Storing a slice of bread in the cookie container can also help retain moisture.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips pair beautifully with peppermint and lend an extra-sweet, creamy flavor—feel free to mix it up for a colorful twist on classic Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, they make a wonderful homemade gift during the holidays! Package your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in pretty tins or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for a personal, heartwarming present.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking and sharing Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies during the holiday season—or anytime your sweet tooth calls for a bit of minty joy. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to get rave reviews. So grab your favorite mixing bowl and get started; your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and mint in a delightful cookie. The refreshing peppermint pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate chips, creating a festive and delicious dessert that will please everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Add mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra minty flavor, add more peppermint extract to taste.
These cookies freeze well—store dough balls or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American