Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 0.75 cup brown sugar (packed) 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 0.75 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together everything I love about the holiday season. The moment I bite into the soft, chewy cookie filled with rich chocolate chips and bits of cool, crunchy peppermint, it feels like Christmas is in the air. I’ve made countless batches over the years, tweaking and testing until I landed on this perfect combination. It’s festive, indulgent, and so easy to whip up whenever you need a seasonal treat.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, leaving a plate out for Santa, or just treating yourself with a cozy winter snack, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. I love how the peppermint adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the dough and chocolate. Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland while baking — what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with melty chocolate and cool peppermint flavor. They’re festive enough for holiday parties yet simple enough for weekday baking. The texture is perfectly balanced: crisp edges with a gooey center, and those crushed candy cane bits add just the right crunch.

What Kind of Chocolate Chips or Peppermint Should I Use?

I like using semi-sweet chocolate chips to keep the sweetness in check, but milk chocolate works if you prefer a richer, creamier flavor. For the peppermint, classic candy canes crushed into small bits work great. You don’t want powder — keep some texture so they melt slightly but still give that signature crunch on top.

Options for Substitutions

You can switch out the peppermint with Andes peppermint baking chips or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist. Need it gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully here. Want to make them dairy-free? Swap the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips — you’ll still get all the holiday magic!

Ingredients for This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Unsalted Butter – This gives the cookies their rich, buttery base and helps create a chewy texture.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with spreading.
Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and chewiness, plus a hint of caramel flavor.
Egg – Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the peppermint.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure for the cookie dough.
Baking Soda – Gives the cookies lift and softness.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melt perfectly and complement the mint with a rich chocolatey bite.
Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies – Add a festive crunch and that unmistakable holiday flavor.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, which helps give the cookies a soft texture.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creates the base flavor and structure for the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and helps avoid overmixing later.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want the cookies to stay tender.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy. Reserve a few of each to press on top of the dough balls for a pretty finish.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape and intensifies the flavor.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and finish baking off-heat. Serve warm or store for later!

How Long to Prepare the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15 minutes to gather and mix your ingredients. If you decide to chill the dough, allow an additional 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling is optional but helps improve texture.

Bake Time: Each batch takes about 9 to 11 minutes in the oven. Add cooling time (around 10 minutes), and you’re looking at about an hour total from start to finish, especially if you bake multiple trays.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use room temperature butter for better creaming with sugars.
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added—this keeps the cookies soft.
Press a few extra chocolate chips and peppermint bits on top of each dough ball before baking for a picture-perfect finish.
Chill the dough for thicker cookies that don’t spread too much.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to avoid breakage.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the chilling step: While optional, it helps prevent flat cookies.
Using too much peppermint: Too much can overpower the cookie and make it bitter.
Overbaking: Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They firm up as they cool.
Crushing the candy canes too finely: You want bits, not dust, for the best texture.
Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off — don’t scoop directly.

What to Serve With Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

The minty flavor pairs wonderfully with a rich, creamy mug of hot cocoa.

2. Peppermint Mocha

Double down on the festive flavor with a coffee shop favorite.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich the cookies around a scoop for a wintry dessert.

4. Eggnog

A creamy, spiced drink like eggnog makes for a nostalgic pairing.

5. Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries bring brightness that complements the richness.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to keep them soft.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Once cooled, place cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Freezing Dough: You can scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Calories: 190
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 85mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy?

Yes, but use sparingly — about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon — or it can be overpowering.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t required, but it helps control spreading and deepens the flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a sealed zip-top bag and gently smash with a rolling pin or meat mallet.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales up beautifully. Just be sure to mix in batches if your bowl is too small.

Conclusion

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat — soft, sweet, minty, and full of chocolate. They’re easy to make, a joy to eat, and always a hit at festive gatherings. Whether you’re baking for guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies bring the perfect touch of winter magic to your dessert table.