Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cookie that’s rich, festive, and utterly irresistible, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of deep, fudgy chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them a holiday favorite – but honestly, I’ll bake them year-round because they’re just that good. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make these chewy, chocolaty gems that my whole family goes crazy for every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I always find it satisfying that this Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have, plus a few festive touches to make these cookies stand out. Be sure to get good-quality peppermint chips if you can – that’s where the magic happens!

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level it or weigh it for the best cookie texture. Too much flour can dry out the cookies, which I’ve learned the hard way!
• Cocoa powder (Dutch process): Gives a deep chocolate flavor and works wonderfully with the peppermint.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These help the cookies rise perfectly and get that lovely texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, not melted, to properly cream with the sugars for a fluffy-dough base.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel that plays nicely with the chocolate.
• Granulated white sugar: Helps with structure and provides a subtle crispness to the cookie edges.
• Egg yolks: Using yolks instead of whole eggs makes these cookies extra rich and tender.
• Peppermint extract: The star that delivers that festive coolness — don’t skip it!
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: A lovely background note that rounds out the flavors.
• Peppermint chips (Andes are ideal): They melt just enough to give pockets of minty goodness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra melty chocolate bits throughout.
• Crushed candy canes (optional): Adds crunch and a festive look when sprinkled on top after baking.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is. You can really tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing any of the deliciousness – and experimenting is part of the fun!

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great success – just be sure to check your blend for one that behaves well with cookies.
• Mint Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: I sometimes add a handful of chopped Andes mints along with the chips for extra melty minty pockets.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replacing butter with vegan margarine and using flax egg yolks works if you want to make it dairy-free and egg-free, though texture will be a bit different.
• Spicy Peppermint Kick: Adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne can give your cookies a surprise warmth beneath the cool peppermint – I discovered this twist at a friend’s holiday party!

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

The first step is super simple but super important. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze – trust me, I always do this and it saves me so much time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add your softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step might sound basic, but it’s the foundation of your cookie’s texture. Creaming incorporates air, helping the cookies rise perfectly.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Extracts

Next, add your room temperature egg yolks along with peppermint extract and vanilla bean paste. Mix again on medium speed for another two minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This is when the dough starts to come together and the minty aroma begins to tease your senses – I love this step!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix here – that’s a common mistake that leads to tougher cookies. Pro tip: measure your flour properly to keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in Peppermint and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the peppermint chips and chocolate chips. These add those little pockets of melting goodness throughout your cookies. Once combined, your dough is ready to shape!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough into 18 equal balls and place them at least two inches apart on your prepared sheets. I like using a cookie scoop for consistent size – it helps them bake evenly. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes: 10 minutes gives chewier centers, while 12 minutes yields crispier edges. Keep an eye on them – I’ve found the cookies continue to set slightly after coming out of the oven, so don’t overbake.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for two minutes – this helps them firm up without breaking apart – then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to get festive, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the warm cookies right after baking. I love the crunch and sparkle they add!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of crushed candy canes on top – it’s not just pretty but also adds a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie. You could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy winter effect!

Side Dishes

Pair your chocolate peppermint cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic combo. For grown-ups, a peppermint mocha or hot cocoa complements the flavors perfectly and ups the cozy factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like stacking these cookies in a festive glass jar with a red or green ribbon. I’ve also arranged them on decorative platters surrounded by candy canes and pine sprigs for a charming centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to three days, but honestly, mine rarely last that long because we snack on them as soon as they cool!

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked cookie dough balls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop the dough straight into the oven (adding an extra minute or two for baking). This trick saves me time and means I always have festive cookies ready on demand.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up leftover cookies, I warm them in a 300℉ oven for 5 minutes or so. This revives that just-baked softness and melty chocolate without drying them out. It’s like cookie magic, I swear!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe turns out every single time. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the chocolate and peppermint flavors complement each other so perfectly, and how the texture is just right — chewy yet with a little crispness at the edges. It’s become my go-to cookie for gifts, parties, and cozy nights in. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating them as much as I do, so go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll thank me later!

Print