When it comes to holiday baking, few desserts capture the spirit of the season quite like Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful balance that feels festive, comforting, and irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, preparing homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers a cookie that’s both simple and extraordinary.

The beauty of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their versatility. They’re indulgent enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but light and refreshing thanks to the peppermint twist. Chocolate and peppermint have long been a classic pairing, and when combined in a buttery, chewy cookie base, the result is nothing short of magical.

Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make a batch of these festive cookies, you’ll need:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

These ingredients come together to create cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The butter and sugars form the base for a tender texture, eggs provide structure, and the combination of chocolate chips and peppermint candies brings in layers of sweetness and crunch.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together, then slowly incorporate into the butter mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers remain soft.
Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories: ~210 per cookie | Servings: 24

These cookies bake up quickly, making them a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules.

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are plenty of cookie recipes out there, but Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies offer something special:

Festive Flavor: The cool burst of peppermint pairs perfectly with melty chocolate.
Chewy Texture: Buttery softness with a slight crunch from the peppermint candies.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this recipe easy and accessible.
Holiday Vibes: They’re ideal for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or edible gifts.
Kid-Friendly: Both children and adults love the refreshing sweetness.

These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a seasonal experience.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cookies

If you want your cookies to come out bakery-perfect, keep these tips in mind:

Use room-temperature butter for the right texture.
Mix ingredients until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
High-quality chocolate chips will elevate the flavor.
Don’t crush peppermint too finely—small chunks add great texture.

Creative Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative with flavors and textures:

White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap chocolate chips for creamy white chocolate.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base.
Peppermint Bark Cookies: Stir in chunks of peppermint bark along with chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Peppermint Cookies: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Each variation keeps the spirit of the original recipe but adds a unique twist.

Serving Ideas

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies can be enjoyed in countless ways:

With a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa.
As part of a holiday dessert spread.
Packaged in festive tins for homemade gifts.
Crumbled over ice cream for a peppermint sundae.
Warm out of the oven for the ultimate comfort treat.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly when needed.

This makes them a practical option for make-ahead baking.

Nutritional Highlights

While Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet indulgence, they still offer some small benefits:

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants.
Peppermint may aid digestion and provide freshness.
Eggs and butter add protein and healthy fats.

Of course, these cookies are best enjoyed as a treat, but they’re worth every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute peppermint extract for crushed candies?
Yes, add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for a more subtle flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t required, but it helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.

How can I make them vegan?
Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just double all ingredients for a larger batch.

How do I keep cookies chewy?
Avoid overbaking; remove them when the edges are golden and the centers are soft.

Conclusion

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the timeless comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the festive freshness of peppermint. They’re chewy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, edible gifts, or cozy evenings at home. With endless variations, simple preparation, and flavors that delight both kids and adults, these cookies are destined to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the sweet holiday tradition of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies year after year.