Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that will brighten up your holiday season. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the delightful flavors of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. The combination makes them perfect for cozy winter snacks, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to impress friends and family or just want a delicious treat, this easy Peppermint Cookie Recipe will become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious, but they also come with a variety of benefits. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. This easy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under an hour. Secondly, they offer a delightful balance of flavors, combining the richness of chocolate with the refreshing taste of mint, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. They are also versatile; you can customize them with other add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate. These cookies are indeed a crowd-pleaser, making them a staple for any holiday party or cookie exchange. Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!

Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.75 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint, reserving a few for topping.
Step 6: Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes if time allows.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are golden but centers are soft.
Step 10: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Perfect for a quick holiday bake.
Great for cookie exchanges and baking with kids.
For a richer flavor, consider adding some cream cheese to the mixture for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese.
If you want a twist, try making gluten-free Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies using a gluten-free flour blend.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat or serve them alongside hot cocoa for a cozy winter dessert. They also make for an excellent addition to a holiday dessert platter, especially when combined with other festive treats like Chocolate Chip Mint Cookies or Minty Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Delicious Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up. This way, you won’t miss out on the delightful melty chocolate experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

The secret lies in not overmixing the dough after adding the flour. This ensures that your cookies remain soft and chewy. Also, chilling the dough helps to enhance the flavors and maintains the shape while baking.

Can I make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Make sure to measure your flour correctly, as too much can lead to dry cookies. Also, avoid overbaking them; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Variations of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies You Can Try

If you want to switch things up a bit, consider these variations:

Make Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies by substituting butter with coconut oil and using flaxseed meal instead of egg.
Try Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with Andes Mints for an extra layer of minty flavor.
For a festive touch, add white chocolate chips to create Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with White Chocolate.
Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a twist on flavor.

For more tips on baking cookies, check out this baking guide that covers essential techniques and tricks.

Lastly, if you want to learn more about the health benefits of peppermint, visit Healthline for detailed information.