As I walked past the kitchen, the irresistible scent of melting chocolate and crushed candy canes drew me in, whisking me away to fond holiday memories. There’s something truly enchanting about biting into a warm cookie that perfectly balances rich chocolate with a hint of peppermint. It transports me to cozy winter evenings, where laughter fills the air and delicious treats are a must.
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any dessert—they’re a crowd favorite that brings a touch of festive cheer with every bite. The secret lies in the delightful contrast of dark chocolate and the nostalgic crunch of holiday candy canes, making them an exciting and unexpected addition to your baking repertoire.
Whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply treat yourself after a long day, these cookies promise to remind you of the joy found in homemade delights. Plus, the magic of chilling the dough ahead of time allows for easy baking whenever the craving strikes! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this festive recipe together!
Why are Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible?
Delightful flavors: The fusion of dark chocolate and crushed candy canes brings you a sweet, peppermint-infused treat that dances on your taste buds.
Simple process: You only need basic baking skills to whip up this festive favorite, making it accessible for everyone.
Chill and bake: Thanks to the chilling step, you can prep ahead and bake fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes, perfect for spontaneous holiday gatherings!
Festive crowd-pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike, adding a touch of holiday cheer to any occasion.
Homemade joy: Nothing beats the warmth of fresh, homemade cookies, and this recipe encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and joy.
For more delightful cookie recipes, check out our amazing classic chocolate chip cookies!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• Dive into this festive delight!
For the Dough
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds a rich, creamy base to your cookies.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – brings a deliciously deep sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – helps achieve that perfect crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg – binds the ingredients and contributes to a soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with a warm note.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – forms the structure of your cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – ensures your cookies rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
For the Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips – provides indulgent chocolate richness.
- 1/4 cup candy canes, crushed in small pieces – introduces a festive peppermint crunch that defines the cookie’s character.
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to be a delightful addition to your holiday baking!
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Cream Together: Begin by creaming the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes. The air whipped into the butter makes a real difference in texture!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll smooth out later. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until they are almost combined. This process helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
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Incorporate Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the chopped dark chocolate bar and crushed candy canes until everything is just combined. You want chocolate chunks and peppermint bits memorable in every bite!
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Chill the Dough: Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until frozen solid. This step is key to achieving wonderful texture!
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Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen cookie dough balls on a baking sheet with at least 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 9-10 minutes; they may look underbaked but will firm up beautifully while cooling.
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Finish with Toppings: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips into the tops for that extra festive touch. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an elevated touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Looking to create a delightful spread that complements your festive baking?
- Eggnog Latte: This creamy, spiced beverage offers a warm embrace, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of chocolate and peppermint, turning each bite into a delightful experience. Pairing warm cookies with cold ice cream is pure bliss!
- Chocolate Fondue: A decadent chocolate fondue allows guests to dip their cookies for an interactive dessert that’s both fun and indulgent. The melted chocolate adds an extra layer of richness!
- Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates and oranges provides a light and zesty contrast, cleansing the palate after each sweet bite.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Enhance the peppermint experience with a rich hot chocolate drizzled with cream and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The warmth and whimsy will elevate your cookie moment!
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses, especially creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, can beautifully complement the sweetness of your cookies. The savory notes offer a unique, unexpected twist that guests will love.
- Cranberry Muffins: These muffins bring a tartness that pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies, brightening up the dessert table. Their festive color adds to the holiday charm!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping it into 2-tablespoon balls and storing them in an airtight container in the freezer. This way, you won’t have to bake on a busy day; simply keep the dough frozen until you’re ready to indulge. When you’re set to bake, just preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet, allowing for at least 2 inches between them. Bake for 9-10 minutes, and enjoy warm, festive cookies fresh from your oven—just as delightful as if you’d made them that same day!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, this may slightly alter their texture. Remember to allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for extra warmth and that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Perfect for when you have the craving for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies again!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling phase! It helps prevent spreading and ensures that your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies maintain a lovely shape during baking.
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Sweetness Balance: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce granulated sugar a bit. The mixture of sugars creates great texture, so adjust carefully!
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Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for maximum lift; expired baking soda can lead to flat cookies.
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Rich Chocolate: Use quality dark chocolate; it intensifies the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness from the candy canes perfectly.
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Storage Wonders: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week—though they rarely last that long!
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Try Variations: For a twist, substitute white chocolate chips or swap out candy canes for crushed nuts if you’re feeling adventurous!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic into these cookies with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
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Minty Fresh: Add a drop of peppermint extract to amplify the mint flavor; be cautious, as a little goes a long way!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that complements the sweet peppermint.
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Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use a combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version of these cookies.
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Extra Crunch: Coat the cookie dough balls in crushed graham crackers before freezing for an unexpected texture twist once baked.
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Holiday Decor: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving and sprinkle with festive sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best candy canes for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting candy canes, look for ones that are vibrant in color and free from any dark spots or damage. Opt for mini candy canes for a subtler minty flavor and easier crushing. The fresher the candy cane, the more intense the peppermint flavor will be in your cookies.
How do I store leftover Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember that chilling might slightly alter their texture, so let them come to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They can last up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive their fresh-baked goodness.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable. Also, ensure that your butter isn’t too soft—chilled butter helps create the perfect texture. If you’ve already chilled the dough but it’s still too tacky, just pop it back in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Are Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies safe for pets?
No, these cookies are not safe for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate and sugar can be harmful to pets, so it’s best to keep these delightful treats for your human friends and family only!
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free options, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate. Adjusting the recipe allows everyone to enjoy these festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies to Spark Your Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by creaming the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes.
- Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until they are almost combined.
- Carefully fold in the chopped dark chocolate bar and crushed candy canes until everything is just combined.
- Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen cookie dough balls on a baking sheet with at least 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 9-10 minutes.
- As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips into the tops.