Name: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (divided)

When the holiday season rolls around, I find myself craving the perfect balance of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. That’s where these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies come in—they’re everything I love in a winter treat. They’re soft, fudgy, loaded with gooey chocolate chips, and finished with a festive crunch from crushed peppermint candies. Just the smell of them baking fills my kitchen with cozy, nostalgic joy.

I love making these for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or just a cozy night in with a mug of hot cocoa. What I especially appreciate is how the bright peppermint balances out the deep chocolate flavor—it’s not just sweet, it’s refreshing too. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, but they look and taste like something straight out of a boutique bakery.

Why You’ll Love These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These cookies aren’t your average chocolate chip treats—they’re rich, decadent, and dressed up with a holiday twist. You’ll love how soft and chewy they stay, even days after baking. The double chocolate hits you in the best way: melted chips in every bite and cocoa in the dough itself. Add the crushed peppermint on top, and you’ve got a cookie that feels like winter magic. They’re perfect for parties, gifts, or a personal indulgence.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a combination of semisweet and dark chocolate chips. The semisweet chips melt beautifully into the dough, while dark chocolate adds richness without making the cookie overly sweet. If you’re feeling indulgent, chopped chocolate chunks also work wonderfully here and give you those dreamy pockets of melted chocolate.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of peppermint? You can easily swap the crushed candy canes with chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried cherries for a different twist. Want to make them gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and they’ll turn out just as fudgy. You can also switch the butter with a plant-based alternative to make them dairy-free—just make sure it’s a stick-style vegan butter for the best results.

Ingredients for These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Unsalted Butter – This is the base of our dough and gives the cookies that rich, buttery texture. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar to create a soft, light dough.

Brown Sugar – Adds a deeper molasses flavor and extra moisture to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

Granulated Sugar – Balances the brown sugar and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.

Eggs – They bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the cookies.

Vanilla Extract – A must for enhancing all the chocolate flavors and giving the dough a warm aroma.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cookie dough.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is where the first hit of chocolate comes in. It deepens the cookie’s flavor and gives it that rich chocolatey color.

Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them soft and puffy.

Salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the chocolate.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Melt into the dough and give every bite a gooey, indulgent texture.

Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes – Add a festive crunch and that signature holiday peppermint flavor. They also make the cookies look extra pretty on top.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step creates air pockets in the dough and sets the base for a chewy texture.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step helps bind everything together while building richness and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevents any clumps of cocoa powder.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the dough or the cookies can turn out tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Crushed Peppermint

Stir in the chocolate chips and about half of the crushed peppermint. Reserve the rest for topping. This ensures a balance of flavor and texture throughout the cookie.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 8: Scoop and Top the Dough

Scoop out 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently press a few extra chocolate chips and crushed peppermint on top of each dough ball for a beautiful finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly after you take them out of the oven.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them firm up just enough while staying wonderfully soft and chewy.

How Long to Prepare the Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Prep Time: You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep everything—measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and scooping onto baking sheets. If you’re making these with kids or during a busy day, you can easily prep the dough in advance and chill it overnight.

Chill & Bake Time: Chilling the dough takes at least 1 hour, and baking each batch takes about 9–11 minutes. Let them cool for another 10 minutes total before serving. From start to finish (with chilling), you’re looking at around 1 hour 45 minutes, most of it inactive.

Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Don’t skip chilling the dough – It’s the secret to thick, chewy cookies that don’t overspread.
Use room temperature butter – This helps cream the sugars properly and creates the perfect texture.
Press peppermint on top before baking – It keeps the candy vibrant and prevents it from melting completely into the cookie.
Weigh your flour – If you can, use a kitchen scale for accurate results. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
Don’t overbake – Take them out when they still look a bit soft in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
Using melted butter – It’ll make your cookies spread too much. Stick with softened, room temp butter.
Skipping the peppermint topping – Stirring it all into the dough can make it dissolve too much and lose its crunch.
Not rotating pans – If baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through for even cooking.
Storing while warm – Let them cool completely before sealing to avoid steam buildup that makes cookies soggy.

What to Serve With Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

Nothing pairs better with a peppermint cookie than a warm, creamy cup of hot cocoa. Top it with marshmallows for extra coziness.

2. Peppermint Mocha

Make your favorite coffeehouse drink at home and enjoy a festive cookie alongside for the ultimate holiday pairing.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Use these cookies to make ice cream sandwiches or crumble them on top of a scoop for a decadent dessert.

4. Mulled Wine

If you’re hosting a holiday party, a warm mug of spiced wine complements the rich chocolate and mint flavors beautifully.

5. Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

Make a sweet cream cheese dip (with a hint of peppermint extract) and use these cookies for dunking—it’s indulgent and unexpected.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture and keep the cookies soft.

Freezing Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Already baked cookies can also be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on a batch of 24):

Calories: ~190
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. Don’t overbake them—soft centers are key.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it chilled. You can also freeze dough balls and bake directly from frozen.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies?

Yes, but be careful—a little goes a long way. Start with 1/4 teaspoon added to the dough along with the vanilla.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Avoid blends with bean flours for best flavor.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Also use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are everything you want in a festive dessert—rich, chewy, bursting with chocolate, and topped with cool peppermint crunch. Whether you’re baking them for a party, gifting them in a holiday tin, or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and tips to avoid common mistakes, this is a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.