Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If there’s one cookie that can carry the spirit of the holidays in every single bite, it’s peppermint chocolate chip cookies. These festive cookies are the perfect holiday dessert that combines two all-time favorite flavors—cool peppermint and rich chocolate—in one magical treat. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange, gifting your neighbors, or just want a cozy winter snack with your hot cocoa, these peppermint chocolate chip cookies are the ones you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Let’s dive right into this deliciously sweet and minty adventure.

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Why Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Deserve a Spot on Your Holiday Table

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about peppermint chocolate chip cookies. They taste like a childhood memory wrapped in a warm sweater. Imagine the cooling burst of peppermint dancing with melty chocolate chips on a chewy cookie base—yep, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

These cookies aren’t just a peppermint treat—they’re a celebration of seasonal baking. The crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch and color, while the peppermint extract brings that refreshing zing we all associate with the holidays.

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies also double as perfect cookie exchange recipes. They pack well, stay chewy for days, and look absolutely adorable with red and white speckles from the candy canes.

Ingredients That Make These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Stand Out

Here’s what makes these cookies so ridiculously good:

• Unsalted butter – gives that rich, creamy base we all crave
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar – brown sugar brings the moisture and chewiness, while granulated adds sweetness and helps with the crispy edges
• Eggs – for structure and richness
• All-purpose flour – the solid base that holds everything together
• Baking soda – gives the cookies a nice rise
• Salt – balances the sweetness
• Peppermint extract – the star of the show; just enough to give a minty pop without overpowering
• Chocolate chips – use semi-sweet or dark, depending on your chocolate preference
• Crushed candy canes – adds color, crunch, and peppermint flair

You can also get creative: swap in white chocolate chips, or make a gluten-free version using a 1-to-1 flour substitute. If you’re dairy-free, plant-based butter and vegan chocolate chips work too.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cookie lovers alike. Here’s how to make your peppermint chocolate chip cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
3. Add in the eggs and peppermint extract. Beat until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. This flour mixture ensures even baking and texture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. This is where the magic happens.
7. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked—that’s how you get the chewy cookie texture.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye.

What Makes These Cookies Irresistibly Chewy?

Let’s be real. The best cookies are the ones that are chewy in the middle, with slightly crisp edges. These peppermint chocolate chip cookies nail that balance.

The brown sugar and higher fat content from the butter keep the inside soft. The crushed candy canes, melted ever so slightly, create little pockets of chewy texture and crisp minty bits.

Want to keep them chewy for days? Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will keep the cookies soft—like bakery-style magic.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations You’ll Love

Once you master the base recipe, there are so many peppermint dessert ideas to play with:

• Double Chocolate Peppermint: Use cocoa powder in the dough and dark chocolate chips.
• White Chocolate Swirl: Swap regular chips for white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter flavor.
• Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a baking dish and turn these into cookie bars.
• Mini Cookies for Gifting: Make them bite-sized and package them in festive tins.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 GF baking flour and chill the dough before baking.

For more inspiration, check out our Christmas cookie bar ideas or colorful cookie mix options like strawberry cake cookies.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies store beautifully:

• Room temp: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time
• Already baked? Freeze baked cookies and thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave

Perfect for prepping ahead before a busy holiday week—or when those midnight cookie cravings hit.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Made for Gifting

Nothing says “I care” like a batch of homemade Christmas cookies. Especially peppermint chocolate chip cookies with their festive look and crave-worthy flavor. Wrap them in cellophane bags tied with twine or load them into reusable holiday tins.

If you’re joining a cookie exchange, bring these. They’ll stand out among the sugar cookies and shortbread. Bonus points if you add a handwritten tag with the recipe!

Want more festive flair? Pair them with these sweet jam cookies that pair well with peppermint flavors or perfect cookies for Valentine’s and Christmas celebrations.

Related recipes

Can’t stop at one cookie recipe? Neither can we. Check out these reader favorites from the site:

• Try these festive Hershey’s red velvet cookies for variety
• Perfect cookies for Valentine’s and Christmas celebrations
• Explore more Christmas cookie bar ideas
• Colorful cookie mix options like strawberry cake cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and peppermint extract. Mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden.
9. Cool for 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to a rack.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies

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Description

Festive peppermint chocolate chip cookies that combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint and crunchy candy cane bits. The ultimate holiday cookie everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and peppermint extract. Mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
6. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
7. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden.
9. Cool for 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain chewiness. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft for days. Perfect for gifting or cookie exchanges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Final Thoughts

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are more than just dessert. They’re a reason to gather, a way to share joy, and a simple tradition that anyone can start.

Whether you’re baking these for the first time or it’s your annual go-to recipe, you’re about to make something special. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us @virilerecipes—we’d love to see your peppermint masterpieces!

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