Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings warmth and joy during the holidays, then you’ll absolutely love these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with dark chocolate chips and crunchy candy cane pieces. Every bite is a delightful combination of minty freshness and rich chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to put a smile on your face.

What makes this recipe even more special is how the peppermint adds a cheerful twist to the classic chocolate chip cookie. They are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa on chilly evenings. Trust me; once you make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, they will become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These festive treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead option: You can freeze the cookie dough balls for future baking. Just pop them in the oven when you need a sweet treat!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and peppermint is truly irresistible. Each bite is like a holiday hug!
• Perfect for gifting: Package these cookies in cute tins or bags for friends and family during the holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up these delicious cookies! You probably have most of them already in your pantry!

For the Cookie Dough

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed into small pieces, plus more for topping)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your own twists on these cookies.

• Add nuts: If you love some crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
• Try different chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate chips or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
• Mix in some zest: For an extra refreshing touch, add some orange or lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a tasty alternative.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the cool room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them until light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies have that wonderful soft texture!

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in one large egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined; don’t worry about over-mixing here! It’s important to scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed so that all those lovely ingredients come together perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients! Add two cups and a quarter of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and one teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir until almost combined; then gently fold in those delicious dark chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces until everything is just mixed through. This helps maintain that chewy texture we all adore!

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours until they’re frozen solid. Chilling the dough allows for better flavor development and ensures perfect cookies every time!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake those delightful treats, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake your frozen cookies spaced at least two inches apart on another lined baking sheet for about 9-10 minutes. They should look pale and slightly underbaked—they’ll continue cooking as they cool.

Step 6: Decorate with Extra Candies

Once out of the oven, take your freshly baked cookies and press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips on top while they’re still warm. This adds an extra festive touch that everyone will love! Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Step 7: Store Leftover Cookies

If there are any leftover baked cookies (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’ve made extra cookie dough balls, keep those stored away in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one month—perfect for spontaneous baking sessions later on!

With this recipe at hand, you’re set to create some magical moments this holiday season with your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these delicious peppermint chocolate chip cookies is easy, but a few tips can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature will help create a smoother batter, leading to a softer and chewier cookie.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only enhances the flavors but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker texture.

• Don’t overbake: Pulling the cookies out of the oven when they still look slightly underbaked helps maintain their chewy texture. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or different types of chocolate for unique flavor combinations that suit your taste!

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will ensure they stay soft and delicious throughout the week.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These festive cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or any cozy gathering. Here are some delightful ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Extra crushed candy canes: Sprinkle some additional crushed candy canes on top after baking for an extra festive touch and crunch.
• Drizzled chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a beautiful finish and enhances the chocolate flavors.

Side Dishes

• Hot chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate complements these cookies perfectly, creating a cozy pairing that feels like a holiday hug.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—a perfect dessert combo!
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with a nice cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting afternoon treat, enhancing both flavors without overpowering them.
• Fruit platter: A fresh fruit platter with seasonal fruits like oranges or pears can balance the sweetness of the cookies nicely, adding a refreshing element to your dessert spread.

Enjoy baking and sharing these peppermint chocolate chip cookies—they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time, or even bake a batch and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life by an additional few days.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
• For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• To reheat cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the freshly baked flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making peppermint chocolate chip cookies.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips in peppermint chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with white chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or even dairy-free options if you prefer. Each will bring its own delicious twist to these festive treats.

How should I store leftover peppermint chocolate chip cookies?

Store your leftover peppermint chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them or freeze the cookie dough before baking.

What makes these peppermint chocolate chip cookies so special?

These cookies combine the classic flavors of rich dark chocolate with the refreshing taste of crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with a delightful twist on a traditional favorite!

Can I make these peppermint chocolate chip cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making these peppermint chocolate chip cookies as I did! They’re not only delicious but also bring that festive spirit right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking – I can’t wait for you to experience this delightful treat!