Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavors. These easy, no-chill cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with crushed candy cane pieces, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. The combination of soft, chewy cookie texture with the minty crunch of candy canes creates a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies will surely hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these mint chocolate cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring no chilling time, which means you can whip them up in less than 30 minutes. Second, they are perfect for holiday baking, bringing a festive touch to your cookie platter. Third, each bite delivers a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them irresistible. Additionally, these cookies are versatile—great as peppermint cocoa cookies or as a base for other desserts. Finally, they are suitable for various diets, including vegetarian options. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a must-try!

Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Gather these items:

8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (bittersweet)
8 mini candy canes (crushed)

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and peppermint extract to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low until combined, then beat until light and fluffy.
Step 2: In a separate clean bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Stop the mixer and add the flour mixture and chocolate chips. Mix on low speed until a cohesive cookie dough forms, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Use a medium-size cookie scoop to form 21 cookie dough balls. Lightly dip the top half of each cookie dough ball into the crushed candy cane pieces. Place the cookies, candy cane side up, on baking sheets lined with Silpat mats or parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the cookies for 10 – 12 minutes. Rotate the pans halfway through baking time.
Step 6: The cookies should look a bit underdone when you take them out of the oven. They will set up as they cool.
Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes, or until they’ve firmed up. Remove to a cooling rack to cool to room temperature.
Step 8: Cookies are best eaten within a day or two. If you’d like to freeze the cookies, layer them into an airtight container, separating the layers by sheets of wax paper.

Delicious Peppermint Chocolate Cookies You Must Try - Peppermint Chocolate Cookies - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Use Ghirardelli brand bittersweet chocolate chips for the best results.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Cookies can be frozen for up to one month.
For more flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

There are so many ways to enjoy these peppermint chocolate chip cookies. Serve them warm with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy evening treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats. For a decadent dessert, try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful minty chocolate sundae!

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them using the method mentioned in the instructions above. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and chewy again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Chocolate Cookies?

The secret lies in not overbaking them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. This ensures they remain soft and chewy, which is the hallmark of a great cookie.

Can I make Peppermint Chocolate Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies whenever you want!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Chocolate Cookies?

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Additionally, ensure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking. Following the steps closely will help you achieve the best results.

Variations of Peppermint Chocolate Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Try adding white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
Experiment with adding a swirl of peppermint frosting on top for a festive look!