If you are looking for a festive and irresistible treat, this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is just what you need. Combining the richness of buttery chocolate chip cookies with the refreshing zing of peppermint, these cookies are a joyous celebration of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, chewy dough with bursts of chocolate and a delightful hint of mint that glides across the palate. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a cozy sweet, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these fabulous cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter creating tenderness to the peppermint extract adding that cool, festive aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter ensures a tender, chewy cookie base with perfect richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The star ingredient for that refreshing holiday note.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies for that perfect chew.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Classic chocolate bites that are melty and delicious.
- Chopped dark chocolate or chunks (1 cup): Adds rich chocolate pockets with satisfying texture contrast.
- Crushed peppermint candies (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a bold peppermint punch throughout.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to bake the cookies evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air, which helps create a soft and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Extracts and Eggs
Beat in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract, which give these cookies their signature warm and minty aroma. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to develop a smooth, homogenous dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything is blended.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate chunks, and crushed peppermint candies. This ensures every bite bursts with chocolatey richness and refreshing mint crunch.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie so they have room to spread properly without sticking together.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers look set but still soft. Resist the temptation to overbake, as these cookies are best enjoyed soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies firm up just a bit while keeping their wonderful chewy texture.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or even some finely crushed peppermint candies over the cookies just before serving. This not only enhances their holiday charm but also adds a delicate sweetness and sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a more sophisticated touch, try serving them alongside peppermint bark or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, arrange your peppermint chocolate chip cookies on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for a rustic, festive look. You can also wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with red or green ribbon to give as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover peppermint chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture for an even softer bite.
Freezing
To freeze, place your cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
If you’d like to refresh your cookies’ softness and warmth, heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, or briefly microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their delightful just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract, so if you substitute, use much less — about a quarter of the amount. Always taste your dough carefully to ensure the peppermint flavor doesn’t overpower the cookie.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate provide a balanced richness and texture. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips if you want a different twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Make sure your other ingredients, like baking soda and chocolate, are certified gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading. Also, avoid using too much butter or sugar, and make sure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening.
What can I do if I don’t have crushed peppermint candies?
If you can’t find crushed peppermint candies, finely chopped peppermint bark or candy canes work wonderfully. You could also sprinkle a little peppermint extract extra to enhance the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing fresh, homemade cookies with friends and family, and this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings all the joy of the season in every bite. The combination of buttery richness, chocolate goodness, and that unmistakable peppermint twist is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these cookies your new holiday favorite!
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Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 27m
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining the rich flavors of semi-sweet and dark chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. Perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of holiday spirit, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add extracts and eggs: Beat in the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract for flavor. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in chocolates and candies: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate chunks, and crushed peppermint candies ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid over-baking to maintain a chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- For extra peppermint flavor, add a bit more crushed peppermint candies on top before baking.
- Do not over-bake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger batches, just be sure to use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches.
