If you love the magical combination of cool peppermint and rich chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry buttery, soft cookie dough with bursts of semi-sweet chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint that feels perfect for any time you want a sweet treat with a festive twist or just something delightfully different. Each bite brings that wonderful balance of creamy texture, crunchy chocolate, and a minty surprise, making these cookies an instant favorite for sharing, gifting, or savoring all to yourself.

softened unsalted butter in a small glass bowl with creamy texture, granulated white sugar and packed brown sugar in rustic ceramic bowls showing contrasting textures, two large brown eggs with smooth shells placed beside them, small glass bowls containing pure vanilla extract and pure peppermint extract with dark amber and clear liquids, a heap of pale beige all-purpose flour and a small mound of fine baking soda and salt on a white surface, a wooden scoop filled with semi-sweet dark chocolate chips displaying glossy chips, a small bowl with crushed bright red and white peppermint candies adding vibrant color, all ingredients neatly spaced on a clean white matte background, natural soft lighting highlighting textures and colors, subtle shadows for depth, minimal props ensuring focus on ingredients, styled for cozy holiday baking vibe, overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is surprisingly simple, but every ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect cookie experience. From the richness of the butter to the sparkle of peppermint candies, let’s dive into the components that make these cookies so irresistible.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Use softened butter to achieve a creamy, easy-to-mix dough and tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a lovely crisp edge.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s richness.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture for soft, chewy centers.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
2.5 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, giving the cookies their structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully while keeping them chewy.
0.5 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star mix-in that adds melty, chocolatey goodness in every bite.
0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract: Opt for pure peppermint extract to give the cookies a fresh, authentic mint flavor.
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional): Adds a festive crunch and pops of peppermint flavor on top.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial since it incorporates air that helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even mixing, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The peppermint extract is the magic touch that gives these cookies their signature cool and refreshing note, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This guarantees that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed for perfectly balanced cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough to guarantee melty chocolate pockets in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Add Peppermint Candy

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using crushed peppermint candies, sprinkle them lightly on top of each cookie to add a festive crunch and extra burst of mint.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top. This not only makes them look stunning but also intensifies the chocolate-gingerbread vibe that the peppermint enhances.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of hot chocolate, or a cup of peppermint tea to complement and elevate the minty chocolate deliciousness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these cookies into an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or gifting, stack the cookies in a clear jar or wrap them with festive ribbons. You can also sandwich a bit of peppermint buttercream or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a delightful twist that doubles the flavor and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain softness by absorbing excess moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. Store dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers and can last for about two months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness that makes these cookies so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular mint extract instead of peppermint extract?

While regular mint extract can work, peppermint extract provides a cleaner, more intense mint flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. For the authentic Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe experience, peppermint extract is recommended.

What type of chocolate chips are best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they offer a nice balance of sweetness and richness that complements the peppermint without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I crush peppermint candies without making a mess?

Place the peppermint candies inside a sturdy plastic bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. Crushing them gradually gives you control over the size and helps contain the mess.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup, and make sure your baking soda is gluten-free certified. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will remain delicious.

Are these cookies good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! The combination of peppermint and chocolate is festive and crowd-pleasing, making the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply spreading some seasonal cheer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about baking Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe from scratch—the way the aroma fills your kitchen and the joy of sinking your teeth into a soft, minty, chocolate-studded treat. These cookies are sure to become one of your treasured favorites, whether you bake them for the holidays, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a sweet little moment of delight.