Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 30 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 3 h 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cool room temperature (168 g); 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 g); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g); 1 large egg, room temperature (50 g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (270 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips (90 g), plus more for topping; 1/4 cup candy canes, crushed into small pieces (40 g), plus more for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the cool, festive flavor of peppermint with the rich indulgence of chocolate, you’ve landed in the right place. This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delivers soft, gooey cookies bursting with dark chocolate chunks and bright candy cane bits that melt in your mouth. They are wonderfully cozy and just right for holiday celebrations or any time you want a sweet escape. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time and bake whenever you’re craving that perfect balance of minty freshness and chocolatey goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of thick, light beige batter with a smooth and creamy texture inside a clear mixing bowl, with some areas showing soft peaks and folds. A white mixer paddle is partially covered with the batter, resting inside the bowl. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Trust me, these ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in creating those soft, chewy cookies with bursts of chocolate and peppermint. From the creamy butter to the finely crushed candy canes, every component adds a special touch to the final cookie experience.

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cool room temperature: Provides the creamy richness and helps create that soft, tender texture.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds warmth and moisture with its subtle molasses flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with a slight crisp on the edges.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth and sweetness.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies; careful measuring is key!
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides the perfect rise and lightness.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips: Delivers luscious chocolate pockets throughout each bite.
1/4 cup candy canes, crushed in small pieces: Brings that unmistakable peppermint crunch and festive flair.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates tiny air bubbles that help make the cookies soft and chewy. Aim for about 3 minutes of mixing to get that perfect creamy texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in your egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to evenly distribute all the ingredients. The egg adds moisture and binding power, while the vanilla gives that lovely aromatic warmth that you’ll love.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. Then slowly add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, blending until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so gentle folding is the way to go here.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate and Candy Canes

Now for the fun part — gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and crushed candy cane pieces. These add delightful bursts of flavor and texture throughout the cookie dough. Be sure not to overwork the dough; you want those mix-ins to stay evenly distributed.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill the Dough

Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Here’s a pro tip: freezing the dough balls for at least 3 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight, dramatically improves flavor and texture. Chilling also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Space the frozen dough balls at least 2 inches apart and bake for 9 to 10 minutes. They will look a bit pale and underbaked when you take them out – that’s exactly what you want! The cookies continue cooking as they cool, so don’t overbake.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

While the cookies are still warm on the baking sheet, press a few extra candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips on top for a pretty, festive finish. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving them. This step is key to achieve that perfect chewy texture and flawless presentation.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows three cookies on a black wire rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a golden-brown cookie base with dark chocolate chips mixed inside and a melted dark chocolate center on top, with crushed red and white candy pieces sprinkled over the chocolate. A woman's hand is holding one cookie slightly lifted above the rack, breaking it in half to reveal the soft inside. The cookies have a slightly rough texture with the candy pieces adding a crunchy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best way to garnish your peppermint chocolate chip cookies is by adding more crushed candy canes and chocolate chips right after baking, as described above. If you want to be extra festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate these treats and add a snowy, holiday vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. The creamy drinks perfectly complement the rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in the cookies, making any snack time feel like a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, stack these cookies on a festive platter and tie them with a red ribbon for a beautiful gift-ready display. You can also sandwich two cookies with peppermint-flavored cream or marshmallow fluff for a decadent twist. Serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an irresistible dessert idea!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover baked cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for 2 to 3 days, perfect for a quick sweet snack whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 1 month. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Freezing preserves the dough’s freshness, but keep in mind the candy cane pieces may start to melt slightly over time, so try to use them within a month for the best peppermint crunch.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This reawakens that soft, gooey texture and brings back the melty chocolate goodness!

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes, you can swap crushed candy canes for peppermint extract if you prefer. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract added to the wet ingredients, but keep in mind this won’t give you the nice peppermint crunch that candy canes add.

What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

Dark chocolate bars or dark chocolate chips work best because their rich bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppermint and sugars. However, semi-sweet works well too if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

Why do the cookies look underbaked when I take them out?

This is intentional! The cookies continue baking as they cool, which helps them stay soft and chewy instead of hardening. Pulling them out when they look slightly underdone ensures the perfect texture.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

For a vegan version, try substituting butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg. The peppermint and chocolate will still shine, though texture might be a bit different.

How long do I need to chill the dough?

At minimum, chill the dough balls for 3 to 4 hours, but overnight chilling is even better. This resting period lets the flavors meld and ensures the cookies bake up with the perfect shape and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are truly a joy to make and share. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a special treat just because, their cozy, festive flavor hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that wonderful combination of soft dough, melty chocolate, and refreshing peppermint crunch. Happy baking!