Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat

Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter ((2 sticks), softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar; 2 Large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Crushed Candy Canes ((reserve some for garnish))

BY :

Liana

Posted On :

August 29, 2025

DESSERT

The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, gooey Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies? These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies; they’re a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and the satisfying crunch of candy canes. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and minty, creating an unforgettable holiday experience for your taste buds. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – the warm scent of baking cookies mingling with the crisp, refreshing fragrance of peppermint. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re festive, shareable, and perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them with a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace or sharing them with loved ones, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a journey into the heart of holiday baking, filled with the comforting aroma of spices and the sweet anticipation of a delicious treat. What sets this recipe apart is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The rich, decadent chocolate chips provide a luxurious depth, perfectly complemented by the refreshing coolness of peppermint. The delightful crunch of the crushed candy canes adds a surprising textural element, making each bite a multi-sensory delight. But it’s not just the taste that will captivate you. The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels. There’s no complicated technique, no obscure ingredients, just simple steps that lead to extraordinary results. You’ll find yourself effortlessly whipping up a batch of these cookies, even amidst the holiday bustle. Plus, imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces when you present them with a plate of these festive treats. They’re the perfect gift, a sweet gesture to share the holiday spirit. And let’s be honest, who can resist a warm, freshly baked cookie?

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a level of customization that’s hard to resist. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, from dark chocolate to white chocolate, to create your own unique flavor profile. Want a more intense peppermint flavor? Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. Looking for a visually stunning treat? Garnish your cookies with extra crushed candy canes, or even drizzle them with melted white chocolate. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize this recipe to perfectly suit your preferences and the occasion. These cookies are incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a delicious treat to enjoy with a warm beverage on a cold winter evening. They’re guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

Why You Should Try This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

In a world of mass-produced, overly sweet cookies, this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe stands out for its superior quality and homemade charm. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a testament to the joy of baking from scratch. Using high-quality ingredients, you’ll experience a depth of flavor and texture that simply cannot be replicated by store-bought options. The taste is unbelievably rich and satisfying, a perfect blend of sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint that will leave you wanting more. But the benefits extend beyond just taste. Making these cookies from scratch offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the culinary arts and create something truly special. It’s a rewarding experience that fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride. Imagine the satisfaction of presenting your loved ones with a plate of cookies you made yourself – it’s a gift that comes from the heart, a symbol of love and care. Plus, these cookies are incredibly versatile. They make a perfect addition to any holiday gathering, a delightful treat for a cozy night in, or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Baking these cookies is an act of love, a gesture that shows you care, and the end result is a truly delicious reward.

Furthermore, this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, guiding you through each stage of the process. There are helpful tips and tricks throughout the recipe, ensuring that you achieve perfectly baked cookies every time. And if you’re looking for a fun holiday activity to do with family or friends, baking these cookies together is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and share the joy of the season. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to create delicious memories, share the holiday spirit, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking from scratch. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of homemade Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need a collection of both pantry staples and holiday-themed ingredients. The precise measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. Let’s explore the ingredient list in detail. Accurate measurement is key to baking success!

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. Learn more about butter in baking here.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. This provides sweetness and structure to the cookies.
Packed Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
Large Eggs: 2. Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups. The foundation of your cookie dough. Ensure you measure it correctly, using the spoon-and-level method.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Baking soda is the leavening agent, creating light and airy cookies.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups. Your choice of chocolate chips; feel free to experiment with different types!
Crushed Candy Canes: 1 cup (reserve some for garnish). The festive star of the show, providing both flavor and texture. For best results, use a food processor or crush them by hand in a ziplock bag.

Beyond the ingredients, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process:

Electric Mixer (handheld or stand): Essential for creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Large Mixing Bowls (at least 2): One for creaming the wet ingredients, and one for combining the dry ingredients.
Whisk: For smoothly combining the dry ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital in baking. Use both dry and liquid measuring tools.
Baking Sheets: Two or three, depending on your oven size and batch size. Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is incorporated.
Cookie Scoop (optional): For evenly sized cookies. A tablespoon works well too.
Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies completely after baking.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these amazing Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Remember to follow the instructions carefully for optimal results. A little attention to detail goes a long way in baking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. **Important:** Always preheat your oven before you begin baking.
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. **Tip:** Lightly grease the parchment paper if desired for extra insurance.
Cream together the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. **Technique:** Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, leading to lighter and fluffier cookies.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. **Tip:** Add the eggs slowly to prevent the batter from curdling.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. **Important:** Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. **Caution:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. **Tip:** Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can cause the chocolate chips to melt and the candy canes to break down.
Scoop onto baking sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. **Tip:** Using a cookie scoop helps to ensure that all the cookies are approximately the same size and bake evenly.
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. **Important:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on your cookies.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. **Tip:** Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet prevents them from breaking when transferred to the rack.
Garnish (optional): Garnish with extra crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.

Tips and Variations for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

To elevate your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies to the next level, consider these helpful tips and variations:

Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Use different types of chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try these fudgy brownie cookies for inspiration!
Add peppermint extract: For a more intense peppermint flavor, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter.
Use different types of candy canes: Try using different flavored candy canes, such as peppermint bark or strawberry candy canes, for a unique twist.
Make them vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use vegan chocolate chips.
Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
Avoid overbaking: Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Start checking them a minute or two early to prevent overbaking. Underbaked cookies are better than overbaked!
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

While Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are undeniably a treat, let’s explore their nutritional aspects. A single cookie (assuming approximately 30 cookies from this recipe) contains roughly:

(Note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Use a nutritional calculator for precise values using your ingredient brands.)

Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams
Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams

While these cookies are higher in fat and sugar, they do offer some potential health benefits in moderation. The dark chocolate in semi-sweet chocolate chips contains antioxidants, which are beneficial for health. Peppermint is known to aid digestion and can have a refreshing effect. Butter, while high in fat, is a source of vitamin A.

However, it’s crucial to consume these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Enjoy them mindfully!

FAQs about Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

How can I store leftover Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Store leftover Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips, or even a combination of different types for a unique flavor profile.

What happens if I overbake the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Overbaking will result in dry and hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.

Can I make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Chilling the dough also results in thicker cookies.

Are these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free or vegan adaptable?

Yes, both adaptations are possible! Use gluten-free flour blends and vegan butter substitutes for the respective dietary needs. Be sure all ingredients comply with your chosen diet.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich indulgence of chocolate with the refreshing coolness of peppermint. The recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to achieve delicious results. The combination of textures – the chewy cookie, the melty chocolate, and the crunchy candy canes – creates a truly unforgettable experience. Remember the tips and variations to customize these cookies to your liking, creating a perfect holiday dessert.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your baking experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your beautifully baked Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit! And if you’re looking for more festive baking inspiration, check out our other holiday recipes on the blog. Happy baking!