Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that brings cheer to any gathering, you’ve found it! Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are not only delightful but also bursting with festive flavors. The combination of rich dark chocolate and crunchy candy canes creates a magical experience in every bite. These cookies are perfect for family get-togethers, cozy nights at home, or even as a thoughtful gift for friends.

What really makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. Plus, the aroma of cookies baking will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness, making it feel like the holidays all year round!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy bakers.
• Family-friendly fun: Get the kids involved! Everyone loves crushing candy canes and mixing the dough together.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can freeze the cookie dough balls ahead of time, so you always have fresh cookies ready to bake when cravings hit.
• Festive flavor: The blend of peppermint and chocolate is wonderfully seasonal and will impress guests at any holiday party.
• Deliciously chewy: These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside while still having a little crunch from the candy canes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed into small pieces, plus more for topping)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and fun! You can easily customize your peppermint chocolate chip cookies to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and richness.
• Change the chocolate: Try swapping dark chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary preferences.
• Mix in spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra warm spice note.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until they become light and fluffy, which should take about three minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in your egg and vanilla extract. Just combine everything until it’s well mixed—no need to overdo it! Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. This ensures that all ingredients are incorporated evenly, resulting in a uniformly delicious cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir until almost combined; then gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Be careful not to overmix here—this helps maintain that lovely chewy texture we all adore.

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

Scoop out about two tablespoons of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for at least three to four hours until they are frozen solid. Chilling helps develop flavors and prevents spreading during baking. For best results, consider chilling overnight!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Space out your frozen cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet—leave at least two inches between each one. Bake for about nine to ten minutes until they look pale but still slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Decorate with Extra Candies

Before letting them cool completely on a wire rack, press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips onto the tops of each cookie. This step adds an extra festive touch that’s sure to impress!

Step 7: Store Leftover Cookies

If you happen to have any cookies left after everyone devours them (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. The frozen cookie dough balls can be kept in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one month—ideal for last-minute cravings!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies can be an absolute joy, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and egg to reach room temperature ensures better incorporation into the dough, leading to a softer cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough is crucial for developing flavor and preventing excessive spreading during baking. It helps keep those lovely thick edges!

• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, whereas gentle folding keeps them soft and chewy.

• Experiment with chocolate types: While dark chocolate is fantastic, trying semisweet or even white chocolate chips can add a fun twist to your peppermint cookies!

• Store properly: To maintain freshness, store baked cookies in an airtight container. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for quick treats later on!

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Presenting your peppermint chocolate chip cookies can be as delightful as baking them! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Crushed candy canes: Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top right after baking for a festive and crunchy finish.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a luxurious touch that looks beautiful and adds more chocolaty goodness.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a classic winter treat. The rich chocolate complements the peppermint perfectly!
• Coffee or tea: A steaming mug of coffee or herbal tea offers a cozy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for an afternoon snack.
• Ice cream: Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert experience.
• Fruit platter: Balance out the sweet flavors with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices. Their natural acidity cuts through the richness of the cookies nicely.

Enjoy sharing these festive delights with family and friends—or keeping them all to yourself! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their festive flavor whenever you crave a sweet treat. With a few simple storage tips, you can keep them fresh and delicious for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies to extend freshness for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
• For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until softened.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making peppermint chocolate chip cookies.

Can I use other types of chocolate in Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just be mindful that it will change the overall taste!

How do I store Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, try freezing them as suggested above.

Can I make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.

What makes Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

The key to getting that chewy texture lies in creaming the butter and sugars well and not overbaking them. Pull them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these peppermint chocolate chip cookies as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy making these festive delights and sharing them with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like seeing smiles around the cookie platter. Happy baking!