Irresistibly Gooey Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

It’s a well-known fact that the holiday season is all about indulging in sweet treats, but did you know that one of the best ways to elevate classic cookies is by adding a splash of peppermint? These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect festive twist on a beloved favorite. Imagine biting into a cookie that has a gooey center bursting with rich chocolate, all while being harmoniously enhanced by a refreshing peppermint flavor. Best of all, they come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking escapades.

Whether you're preparing for a cookie exchange or simply need a cozy snack alongside a warm drink, these cookies are sure to please everyone at the table. You’ll find they’re not just delicious, but they also freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat long after the holiday hustle and bustle has passed.

Ready to dive into this festive baking adventure? Your kitchen is about to become the heart of the holidays with the delightful aroma of peppermint and chocolate wafting through the air. Let’s get started!

Why Are Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies So Popular?

Irresistible flavor: The combination of gooey chocolate and refreshing peppermint leaves everyone craving more.
Festive twist: These cookies take a classic recipe, adding a delightful holiday element that brightens any gathering.
Quick and easy: Perfect for those last-minute baking moments, they can be whipped up in no time.
Freezer friendly: Make a double batch and save some for later—enjoy the festive spirit well into the New Year!
No holiday cookie platter is complete without these, making them a must-try for home bakers. If you're in the mood for more delicious options, check out these scrumptious Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies that are sure to add cheer to your festivities!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; softened for easy creaming. Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies, giving them a crisp texture. No direct substitution recommended.
Brown Sugar – Adds a deeper flavor and chewiness; use light or dark brown sugar based on preference.
Large Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; no suitable egg substitute provided in the recipe.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use imitation extract if necessary.
All-Purpose Flour – Main structure component; provides stability, though gluten-free flour can work with varying results.
Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor without making cookies salty; regular salt can be adjusted slightly to taste.
Baking Soda – Leavening agent that helps cookies rise; no substitutions noted.
Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips – Infuse peppermint flavor; substitute with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes if unavailable.
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – Provide richness and texture; semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can also be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. This mixture will provide the structure needed for your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. It’s essential to incorporate these dry ingredients uniformly to ensure even rising and flavor throughout the cookies. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 3-4 minutes. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy texture that will give your cookies a deliciously rich flavor. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, resulting in a delightful melt-in-the-mouth cookie.

Step 3
Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is blended together and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. The egg acts as a binder, incorporating moisture into your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, while the vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile.

Step 4
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, followed by gently mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this will ensure the cookies maintain a tender texture. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, hinting at the gooey center you’ll soon experience in your finished cookies.

Step 5
Fold in the peppermint crunch baking chips and bittersweet chocolate chips with a spatula, being careful not to break the chips. This step is vital, as these chips will provide bursts of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in each bite of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Ensure they are evenly distributed for a delightful taste throughout.

Step 6
Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step is crucial for developing the flavors and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. During refrigeration, the dough will firm up, enhancing the texture of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 7
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and develop that lovely golden edge, while the parchment paper prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 8
Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. This spacing allows for the cookies to expand as they bake, ensuring they have room to rise beautifully without merging into one giant cookie.

Step 9
Bake the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft and gooey. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, aiming for that perfect balance of textures as the warmth creates a mouthwatering aroma in your kitchen.

Step 10
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Letting them cool slightly ensures they set properly. Enjoy these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies warm, or at room temperature, paired with a glass of milk or a festive cup of hot cocoa.

What to Serve with Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

These delightful treats are perfect for creating a cozy and festive atmosphere filled with warmth and joy.

Rich Hot Chocolate: Warm, velvety hot chocolate complements the minty freshness perfectly, providing a delightful contrast to the cookies’ texture. Top with whipped cream and extra chocolate shavings for an indulgent touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the cookies' flavors while adding a refreshing element. The coolness balances the warm gooeyness, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Peppermint Bark: Reinforce the peppermint theme with homemade peppermint bark. The crunchy chocolate and minty layers provide a satisfying crunch and a festive twist that mirrors the cookies.
Roasted Hazelnuts: Nutty and slightly sweet, roasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies. Their earthy flavor enhances the overall festive experience.
Festive Fruit Platter: Brighten your table with a colorful fruit platter of berries and citrus. The refreshing taste cuts through the richness of the cookies, offering a vibrant and light pairing.
Spiced Eggnog: Creamy eggnog, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, creates a warm holiday drink that pairs wonderfully with your cookies. Enjoy this festive favorite for a cozy night in.
Chocolate Milk: A childhood classic, chocolate milk provides a familiar and comforting touch, ensuring the nostalgic flavors of childhood come alive as you dunk your cookies.
Gingerbread Bars: For a spicier option, serve alongside gingerbread bars. The warm spices pair elegantly with the peppermint, making for a delectable combination of flavors.

Create a festive table setting and watch how these delightful pairings elevate your holiday cookie experience!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the fridge for up to a week; place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies later, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and gooey.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Embrace your creativity with these delightful twists to personalize your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Crushed Candy Canes: Substitute peppermint crunch with crushed candy canes for a festive, crunchy texture and extra holiday flair.
White Chocolate Delight: Swap bittersweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier cookie that adds a delightful contrast.
Nuts Galore: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element that complements the smooth chocolate and peppermint beautifully. The added nutty flavor will elevate the overall taste of your cookies.
Minty Freshness: Enhance with a teaspoon of peppermint extract in addition to the chips for an extra burst of flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Sprinkle Joy: Top your cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty rendition that tantalizes your taste buds. The contrasting flavors will keep everyone coming back for more.
Cocoa Powder Punch: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the flour for double the chocolate delight in every bite of your cookies. It will make them extra rich and satisfying.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring a surprising heat that pairs intriguingly with the refreshing peppermint. It’s a unique twist that adventurous eaters will love!
Almond Flour Base: For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour. Keep in mind, the texture will be slightly different, but the nuttiness will harmonize well with peppermint!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh and flavorful. Alternatively, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just scoop it onto parchment-lined trays and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, gooey Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies at a moment’s notice, delighting your family and friends with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chill Time is Key: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps to firm it up, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes of baking. Removing them when the centers are still gooey ensures a perfect texture.
Scoop Uniformly: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, guaranteeing even baking and a uniform look.
Customize Your Chips: Feel free to substitute peppermint crunch baking chips with crushed candy canes if you want an extra festive touch.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together rather than overmixing to maintain that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your cookies.
Adjust Baking Time: Remember that smaller cookie portions will require a shorter baking time, so check for doneness based on size.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

Can you add candy canes to chocolate chip cookies?
Absolutely! Adding crushed candy canes to your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies will enhance the peppermint flavor and add a festive crunch. Simply substitute a portion of the peppermint crunch baking chips with crushed candy canes for a delightful twist!

How much peppermint extract to use in cookies?
For a strong peppermint flavor, I recommend using about 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract in your cookie dough. Start with this amount, and feel free to adjust based on your personal preference. Remember, peppermint extract is more potent than the baking chips, so a little goes a long way!

Is mint chocolate chip mint or peppermint?
Mint chocolate chip typically uses a mint flavor, which can come from spearmint or peppermint. In this recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, we specifically use peppermint for a classic holiday taste that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate.

What to avoid when making chocolate chip cookies?
It's best to avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tough cookies. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as overly warm butter can lead to spreading and a less desirable texture in your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What will adding an extra egg do to chocolate chip cookies?
Adding an extra egg will make your cookies cakier and moister due to the increased moisture content. However, for our Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s best to stick to the original recipe with one egg to maintain that classic chewy texture you’re after.

How to freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
To freeze your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, allow them to cool completely. Then, layer the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Aria West