Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: One Bite = Instant Winter Wonderland
Move over, plain old chocolate chip cookies—these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are here to sleigh the season. Instead of just sprinkling candy on top, we’re mixing crushed peppermint right into the batter, so every bite tastes like holiday cheer snuck into your oven. Think of it as your favorite cookie wearing a peppermint-patterned scarf and humming carols under its breath. The candy melts into little pockets of minty magic, turning a classic treat into a winter wonder. Bake a batch, and you’ll have friends and family dashing through the snow straight to your cookie jar.
Why you’ll want to make these holiday chocolate chip cookies all season long:
- Holiday vibes in every bite – the peppermint and chocolate combo tastes like Christmas cheer baked into cookie form.
- A twist on a classic – they’re your favorite chocolate chip cookies, but upgraded with a minty surprise.
- Perfect for winter gatherings – cozy, festive, and guaranteed to disappear from the cookie tray first.
- Great for gifting – wrap them up in a tin or bag, and you’ve got an instant homemade holiday present.
- Easy and crowd-pleasing – simple to make, but impressive enough to wow both kids and adults.
These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are perfect for:
- Holiday parties – the ultimate festive treat for cookie platters.
- Christmas Dessert – delicious surprise for your dessert table.
- Gift exchanges – wrap them up for a sweet homemade surprise.
- Snow days – perfect for baking while you’re cozied up indoors.
- Winter movie nights – pair with hot cocoa and a blanket.
- Cookie swaps – stand out with a minty twist on the classic.
- New Year’s celebrations – a sweet way to ring in the year.
- After-dinner dessert – a refreshing, chocolatey finish to a winter meal.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time: 15 min / Bake Time: 9-11 min
Other: 30 min
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- About 6 candy canes, crushed
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugars, until fluffy.
Add the eggs, and vanilla, and mix well to combine.
Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. If desired, reserve a few chocolate chips to press into the tops of the cookies before baking.
Use a 1 inch cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto the parchment paper, at least 2 inches apart.
Move the cookies to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.
Bake the cookies 9-11 minutes at 350. Allow them to cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely.
FAQ
Can I use a cookie mix instead of making the dough from scratch?
Yes! A chocolate chip cookie mix works perfectly—just stir in the crushed peppermint candy before baking.
Will the peppermint candy melt in the oven?
Some pieces may melt slightly, but that’s part of the magic—it creates little pockets of minty flavor throughout the cookie.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it in scoops to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Crush candy carefully – place peppermint candies or candy canes in a sealed bag and crush gently with a rolling pin to avoid sharp shards.
- Chill the dough (optional) – if you want thicker, chewier cookies, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- Watch the edges – peppermint can caramelize quickly, so pull the cookies out when the edges are just golden.
- Mix it up – try using white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a combo for extra flavor.
- Holiday flair – sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint on top right after baking for a festive look.
So whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a snowy afternoon treat, or just because your sweet tooth is feeling festive, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect choice. They’re simple, cheerful, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like winter wonderland magic. Grab your mixing bowl, crush up that peppermint, and get ready for a cookie that’s as fun to share as it is to eat. After all, nothing says “happy holidays” quite like a plate of warm, chocolatey, minty goodness.
