Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a festive treat that will fill your home with warmth and joy, look no further than these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are a wonderful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to holiday parties. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland filled with sweet memories.

These cookies are not just another dessert; they embody the spirit of the season. With their soft and chewy texture, every cookie is a little piece of joy. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight when you need a quick pick-me-up or when you’re entertaining friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even baking beginners can create these delicious cookies without stress.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the fun of adding crushed candy canes, making it a great activity for everyone.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, ensuring you always have fresh cookies ready to bake!
• Festive flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint makes these cookies a delightful treat during the holiday season.
• Perfectly chewy: Each bite is soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the candy canes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Cookie Dough

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed into small pieces, plus more for topping)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use white chocolate: Substitute some or all of the dark chocolate with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Change the mint flavor: If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, consider using peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do the trick! This step is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely soft texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed; we want all that lovely butter-sugar mix incorporated!

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir until almost combined. Then gently fold in those delicious dark chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces until everything is just mixed together. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender!

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into the freezer for at least 3-4 hours or until they’re frozen solid. Chilling helps develop flavors and prevents spreading during baking—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake those frozen beauties, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake them spaced at least 2 inches apart for about 9-10 minutes. They may look underbaked when they come out but don’t worry; they’ll continue firming up as they cool.

Step 6: Decorate with Extra Candies

Before letting them cool completely on a wire rack, press more crushed candy canes and dark chocolate chips into the tops of each cookie. This adds an extra festive touch that looks as good as it tastes!

Step 7: Store Your Cookies

Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you have any frozen dough balls left over, keep them sealed in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one month. After that time, those adorable candy cane bits might melt into oblivion—but I doubt there will be any left!

Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect peppermint chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough and a softer cookie texture.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Freezing the cookie dough not only enhances the flavor but also helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
• Don’t overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Add extra toppings: Pressing additional chopped chocolate and candy cane pieces on top before baking gives your cookies a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with chocolate types: Feel free to mix in different types of chocolate, such as white or milk chocolate chips, to create your unique flavor combination while keeping that peppermint essence.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for many occasions and can be presented beautifully for any gathering or cozy night in!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles of crushed candy canes: A light sprinkle on top adds a festive touch and enhances that peppermint flavor.
• Drizzle of melted dark chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies makes them look even more decadent.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic pairing complements the minty flavors perfectly, making for a cozy treat during chilly days.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies, making it a well-rounded dessert option.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea not only enhances their taste but also creates a comforting atmosphere for enjoying them.

Now you’re all set to bake and enjoy these scrumptious peppermint chocolate chip cookies! They’re sure to become a holiday favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat whenever the craving strikes! With simple storage and freezing options, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Freeze cookie dough balls before baking for up to 1 month in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
• You can also freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a container.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Reheat frozen baked cookies in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quick fix, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
• Enjoy warm for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common ones about Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Can I use other types of chocolate chips in Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips with milk or white chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just keep the candy cane pieces!

How do I make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?

To achieve that soft and chewy texture, make sure not to overbake the cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for these cookies?

Place candy canes in a ziplock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or mallet. This method keeps things tidy and gives you fun-sized pieces!

How long does it take to prepare Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

From start to finish, you’ll need about 219 minutes, including chilling time. However, it’s well worth it for these festive treats!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies! They are not only delicious but also bring a festive spirit into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I truly believe you’ll love every bite. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweet treats!