Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the joy of the holiday season, look no further! Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are the perfect blend of festive flavors and cozy comfort. With each bite, you’ll get a delightful crunch from the candy canes and rich, melty chocolate chips that will make your heart sing. These cookies are not just for Christmas; they’re great for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you crave something sweet.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and pop it in the freezer, ready to bake whenever you need a cookie fix!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a classic that never gets old, making your taste buds dance with delight.
• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is simple enough for beginners and fun for seasoned bakers alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re perfect for baking with little helpers who can crush the candy canes.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crunch from the candy canes – these cookies are a texture lover’s dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making peppermint chocolate chip cookies requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

For the Cookies

• 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 cups 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 in small pieces, plus more for topping)

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Use white chocolate chips or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
• Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Change up the mint flavor: Instead of candy canes, use mint chips or even peppermint extract for a stronger minty taste.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to tender cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in your egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scraping down the sides of your bowl ensures everything is evenly mixed. This step adds moisture and flavor to our cookie base.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix in your flour along with baking soda and sea salt. Stir until almost combined but don’t overmix! Gently fold in those luscious dark chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces at this stage.

Step 4: Scoop and Chill Cookie Dough

Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours until they’re frozen solid—overnight works best! Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake those frozen cookies spaced at least 2 inches apart for about 9-10 minutes. They may look underbaked when they come out but trust me; they will continue cooking as they cool.

Step 6: Decorate with Extra Candies

Before they cool completely, press extra candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips onto the tops of your cookies for an extra festive touch. Let them cool on a wire rack before diving in!

Step 7: Store Your Cookies

Store any leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you have frozen cookie dough balls left over, keep them in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one month—just remember that after this time, those candy canes might start disappearing into your dough!

Enjoy these delicious peppermint chocolate chip cookies any time you want a little holiday cheer!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking these festive cookies is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your cookie game even further!

• Use chilled butter: Starting with cool room temperature butter helps create the perfect texture. If it’s too warm, your cookies can spread too much while baking.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to rest in the freezer not only enhances the flavor but also prevents excessive spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.

• Press in extra toppings: Adding more candy cane pieces and chocolate chips on top before baking gives your cookies a delightful visual appeal and an extra crunch.

• Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to cook on the baking tray after being removed from the oven. Taking them out when they look slightly underbaked ensures they remain soft and chewy.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to play around with other mix-ins such as white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint patties for a fun twist!

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are perfect for sharing and make a delightful treat for any gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Crushed candy canes: A sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds not only a festive touch but also enhances the minty flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies creates an elegant finish and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm mug of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies, allowing you to enjoy a cozy treat that embodies holiday cheer.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperatures and flavors.
• Peppermint tea: A refreshing cup of peppermint tea complements the minty notes of these cookies, making it an ideal pairing for afternoon snacks.
• Fruit platter: Balance the sweetness with a fresh fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates, which offer bright flavors and colors.

Enjoy baking, sharing, and indulging in these delightful peppermint chocolate chip cookies! They’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are perfect for meal prep and can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment. With their delightful flavors, they’ll always be a hit during the festive season or simply when you crave something sweet!

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
• If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, scoop the unbaked dough into 2 tbsp balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen baked cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
• You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their chewy texture.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these festive treats, here are some common questions!

Can I make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies without butter?

Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to achieve similar results while keeping it dairy-free.

How do I store Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for longer periods?

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to a month to enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to swap dark chocolate chips with white chocolate chips if you prefer. It will give your cookies a sweeter twist.

How do I ensure my Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?

Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps retain moisture, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these peppermint chocolate chip cookies! They embody the spirit of the holiday season with their delightful flavors and festive touch. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, each bite is sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy making these delicious treats!