Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g); 1 cup granulated sugar (200g); 1 cup light brown sugar (200g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips; 6 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 68 reviews

If you are craving a festive treat that combines the refreshing zing of peppermint with the rich indulgence of chocolate, you have to try this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a spectacular blend of soft, chewy dough dotted with luscious chocolate chips and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, making each bite irresistibly festive and delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just want to brighten up an ordinary day, this recipe brings warmth, joy, and a burst of seasonal flavor to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers ready to blend. The first layer is light brown cookie dough with a soft, slightly crumbly texture, placed mainly on the right side. On the upper left, there are many dark chocolate chunks, some in square shapes and others in small chips, creating contrast against the dough. Below the chocolate chunks, in the lower left area, crushed red and white peppermint candies add a bright pop of color with their rough, jagged texture. The ingredients are unmixed, each distinct and ready to be stirred together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet and minty. From the creamy butter to the crunchy candy canes, every component works in harmony to deliver that classic holiday cookie magic.

1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies while enhancing flavor with a subtle saltiness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, tender texture.
1 cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s soft structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the peppermint without overpowering.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The key to that refreshing mint flavor that makes these cookies uniquely festive.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure, ensuring chewy yet sturdy cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate bliss.
6 peppermint candy canes, crushed: Adds delightful crunch and bursts of minty goodness throughout.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened salted butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air, creating that wonderful cookie texture you’re after.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, crack in the eggs, and then pour in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix everything well, taking care to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. This ensures all the flavors marry nicely and the dough becomes uniformly smooth.

Step 3: Combine Flour and Leavening Agents

Switch to a medium-low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can toughen your cookies, so gentle is key to keeping these tender and chewy.

Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Crushed Candy Canes

Fold the semisweet or dark chocolate chips together with the crushed peppermint candy canes into the dough. These mix-ins provide that amazing texture contrast: soft, melty chocolate and crisp, minty candies.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and scoop the dough onto them using a small cookie scoop so your cookies stay nicely rounded and uniform. If you want, sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes on top for extra festive sparkle. Refrigerate the dough-covered trays for at least 30 minutes—chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. Pop the cookies in and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling. This ensures they set perfectly without crumbling.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows twelve rounded scoops of cookie dough arranged in four rows of three on a white marbled surface. Each scoop is creamy beige with small dark chocolate bits and tiny red candy pieces mixed throughout. The texture looks soft and slightly crumbly, with some bits sticking out irregularly. The cookie dough balls are close together, with slight touching points and rough edges that suggest they were scooped quickly. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really highlight the festive vibe, sprinkle the cookies with a tiny dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate over the top. These small touches bring elegance and complement the peppermint flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies are divine on their own but pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk. Serving them alongside a peppermint mocha or eggnog elevates the holiday feel and creates a truly cozy treat-time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert platter, arrange the cookies in a circle on a festive plate, alternating placing whole candy canes around them like a wreath. You can also sandwich two cookies with peppermint buttercream or a layer of marshmallow fluff inside for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect to bake in advance for holiday gatherings.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can either freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Frozen cookies or dough will keep for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies or leftovers, warm them slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips again—practically irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint candy canes with peppermint extract only?

Yes, but the candy canes add that delightful crunch and a bit of festive flair in every bite. Using only peppermint extract will give flavor but won’t deliver the texture contrast that makes this recipe extra special.

Do I have to refrigerate the dough before baking?

While the original recipe advises chilling for at least 30 minutes, it’s recommended because it helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step but the cookies may spread more during baking.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of dark or semisweet?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips pair beautifully with peppermint and offer a sweeter, creamier contrast to the candy cane bits.

How do I crush candy canes easily?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into small pieces—large enough to see but small enough to mix well in the dough.

Will these cookies keep their peppermint flavor after baking?

Yes, the peppermint extract combined with the candy cane pieces ensures a vibrant mint flavor even after baking. Just be sure to use good quality peppermint extract for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is my go-to for bringing holiday cheer into the kitchen. It’s simple, fast, and absolutely festive. I cannot recommend baking these cookies enough—they will quickly become a holiday staple in your home just as they are in mine. So grab those candy canes and chocolate chips and let’s get baking!