There’s something magical about the first bite of a holiday cookie that’s soft, chewy, and filled with melty chocolate and cool peppermint. These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies instantly remind me of cozy December afternoons when the kitchen smelled like sugar, butter, and crushed candy canes. I used to make a small batch “just to taste,” and somehow my family always managed to eat them warm right off the tray. The soft centers, crisp edges, and festive peppermint crunch make these cookies a must-bake every Christmas. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but want a holiday twist, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweetness, mint, and chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy Bakery Texture: These cookies bake up thick, soft, and perfectly chewy, never dry, never cakey.
- Festive Peppermint Flavor: Crushed candy canes melt slightly into the dough, giving the cookies delicious minty pockets without overpowering sweetness.
- Perfect for Holiday Gifting: They stay soft for days, pack well in bags or boxes, and look beautiful with their red-and-white sparkle.
- Easy Pantry Ingredients: No complicated steps, just simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Melty Chocolate in Every Bite: Chocolate chips and chunks give a rich, gooey contrast to the crunchy peppermint pieces.
- Kid-Friendly & Party-Perfect: These cookies are great for cookie swaps, Christmas parties, and holiday dessert platters.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Recommended Baking Tools
Using the right tools makes cookies softer, chewier, and easier to bake.
Cookie Scoop Set – helps you scoop the dough evenly so every cookie has the same size and bakes perfectly. It also keeps your hands clean and makes shaping the dough faster.
Baking Sheet Set – gives even heat, prevents burning, and helps the cookies spread nicely. Good baking sheets make a big difference in texture and browning
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well.
- Stir in peppermint extract and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough begins to form.
Step 3: Fold In the Chocolate & Peppermint
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint.
- The dough should be thick and soft.
Step 4: Scoop and Chill
- Scoop 2-tablespoon dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill for 30–45 minutes to prevent spreading.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chilled dough balls on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
Step 6: Add More Peppermint & Cool
- Immediately sprinkle the tops with extra chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Cooking Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough helps create the perfect chewy interior.
- Add extra peppermint extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.
- Save some chocolate chunks to press on top of the cookies right after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with hot chocolate or peppermint mocha.
- Add them to a Christmas cookie platter with sugar cookies and shortbread.
- Package in cellophane bags with ribbon for gifting.
- Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a festive treat.
Variations
- Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- Add ½ cup crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version.
- Use dark chocolate chunks for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Swap peppermint extract for almond extract for a totally different taste.
Tips
- Don’t overbake, the centers should look slightly underdone when you remove them.
- Crush peppermint candy right before adding to prevent sticking.
- Store at room temperature to keep the cookies soft.
- For extra thick cookies, freeze dough balls for 10 minutes before baking.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Per Cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Approx. 165 calories | 8g fat | 21g carbs | 2g protein
FAQs
Can I use candy cane pieces instead of peppermint candies?
- Yes! Candy canes work perfectly and melt slightly into the cookies for a softer peppermint flavor. Just make sure they are crushed into small pieces so they distribute evenly.
Why did my peppermint melt too much?
- If the peppermint melts into large pools, the oven may be too hot or the pieces may be too fine. Larger chunks hold their shape better, especially when sprinkled on top after baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
- Absolutely. Freeze the dough balls on a sheet for 1 hour, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Can I make them more chewy?
- Yes. Slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the sheet. The centers will stay soft and chewy.
Can I omit the peppermint?
- Definitely. You can leave out the peppermint and make classic chocolate chip cookies or replace it with another extract like vanilla or almond.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- Stored in an airtight container, they stay soft for about 4–5 days. Adding a small piece of bread in the container helps maintain moisture.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine everything we love about holiday baking, chewy centers, melty chocolate, and that cool burst of peppermint that makes every bite feel festive. Whether you bake them for parties, gifting, or to enjoy with a warm drink on a cozy December night, they’re guaranteed to become a yearly favorite. They’re simple, delicious, and beautifully seasonal, and once you try them warm from the oven, you’ll understand why they never last long in the cookie jar.
