Table of Contents
Introduction
If you love the combination of cool peppermint and melty chocolate, then these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are for you! These cookies have a chewy center, crispy edges, and the perfect balance of sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint—making them ideal for the holiday season.
Looking for more festive cookie ideas? Try this homemade mint chocolate chip cookies for a similar cool and chocolatey flavor.
Let’s get baking and create the ultimate holiday cookie.
Why Make This Recipe?
- Festive & Flavorful: A delicious mix of chocolate chips and crushed peppermint for the perfect holiday cookie.
- Chewy & Crispy Texture: Soft centers with slightly crispy edges.
- Easy & Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are great for holiday cookie exchanges and parties.
- Pairs Well with Other Treats: Serve them with easy candy cookies for a variety of flavors.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup) – Provides sweetness and slight crispiness.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed) – Gives a soft texture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Eggs (2 large) – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 tsp) – Adds a refreshing peppermint taste.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups) – The base that gives structure to the cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups) – Melts into gooey chocolate pockets.
- Crushed Candy Canes (1/2 cup) – Provides a crunchy peppermint flavor.
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Extracts: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate & Candy Canes: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place on the baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For the best homemade cookies, these kitchen essentials are a must:
- Pyrex 9×13 Casserole Dish – Perfect for storing cookie dough or freshly baked cookies.
- Mora 9×13 Porcelain Baking Dish – Great for baking large cookie batches evenly.
- Corning Ware French White 6pc Set – Ideal for mixing ingredients or elegantly serving cookies.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- With a glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Dipped in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
- As a gift—package in a holiday tin for a thoughtful present!
How to Store Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
Variation Ideas
- Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Extra Peppermint: Stir in 1/4 cup white chocolate chips for a minty, creamy texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and crushed sugar-free peppermint candies.
FAQs
How long can chocolate chip cookies last?
Chocolate chip cookies stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, and 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.
What makes chocolate chip cookies not spread?
- Too much flour makes the dough stiff, preventing spreading.
- Cold dough doesn’t spread as much—chill dough before baking if needed.
- Not enough butter or sugar results in a thicker cookie.
How do you keep chocolate chip cookies chewy?
- Use brown sugar, which holds moisture.
- Don’t overbake—remove cookies when the edges are golden but the center looks soft.
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can you add candy canes to chocolate chip cookies?
Yes! Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and peppermint flavor to cookies. Just fold them into the dough before baking!
Conclusion
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! With chewy centers, crispy edges, and bursts of chocolate and peppermint, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
So grab your ingredients and bake the best peppermint chocolate chip cookies today