Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies You'll Crave All Season
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Adds richness; margarine can be used as a substitute.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Keeps cookies soft and moist; try Neufchâtel for a lighter option.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the cookies and helps create the perfect texture.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Deepens flavor and adds moisture to the cookie consistency.); 2 Eggs (Binds all ingredients; using room temperature eggs improves blending.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor; almond extract is a delightful substitute for a twist.); 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms the structure of the cookie; gluten-free flour can be swapped with moisture modification.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Provides leavening for that soft and chewy texture.); 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (Stabilizes the dough and contributes to the overall texture.); 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Balances sweetness and uplifts the flavor profile.); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Chopped (Adds rich depth; you can substitute dark chocolate for a bolder taste.); 1/2 cup White Chocolate, Chopped (Provides sweetness and creates beautiful visual contrast.); 1 cup Candy Canes (Brings a holiday crunch and minty refreshment; swap for crushed peppermint candies for a similar effect.)

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As I pulled the first batch of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from the oven, the sweet aroma of melting chocolate blended with a hint of mint filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to holiday gatherings of my childhood. These cookies are not just any dessert; they’re soft, chewy, and infused with that delightful peppermint essence, making them an irresistible festive treat. What’s even better? With a quick prep time and no chilling required, they’re perfect for last-minute cookie swaps or cozy nights in with loved ones. So, are you ready to bring a little holiday magic to your baking? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Flavor: The perfect blend of peppermint and chocolate creates a refreshing twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Quick and Easy: No chilling necessary means you can satisfy your cookie cravings in under an hour!

Chewy Texture: Soft and wonderfully chewy, these cookies provide a delightful bite that’s simply irresistible.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for holiday parties or cookie exchanges, they’re sure to be the star of the show alongside other favorites like Chocolate Chip Cookies or Mint Chocolate Chip.

Creative Variations: Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap in your favorite ingredients, such as milk chocolate or even toffee bits, for a new flavor sensation.

Get ready to impress with these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies that bring joy and flavor to every bite!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; margarine can be used as a substitute.
Cream Cheese – Keeps cookies soft and moist; try Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create the perfect texture.
Brown Sugar – Deepens flavor and adds moisture to the cookie consistency.
Eggs – Binds all ingredients; using room temperature eggs improves blending.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; almond extract is a delightful substitute for a twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookie; gluten-free flour can be swapped with moisture modification.
Baking Soda – Provides leavening for that soft and chewy texture.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the dough and contributes to the overall texture.
Fine Sea Salt – Balances sweetness and uplifts the flavor profile.

For the Chocolate

Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Chopped – Adds rich depth; you can substitute dark chocolate for a bolder taste.
White Chocolate, Chopped – Provides sweetness and creates beautiful visual contrast.

For the Festive Touch

Candy Canes – Brings a holiday crunch and minty refreshment; swap for crushed peppermint candies for a similar effect.

Indulge in these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies that are not only easy to make but perfect for any festive gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will help prevent your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Take a ziplock bag and fill it with your candy canes. Seal the bag tightly, and with a rolling pin or a heavy pan, gently smash the candy canes into small, crunchy pieces. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Set aside the crushed candy canes for that festive minty crunch later.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your room-temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese. Beat together with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add in granulated sugar and brown sugar, continuing to mix. Once thoroughly blended, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, incorporating well.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt to create your dry mixture. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agent. Make sure the mixture appears well combined, and then set it aside, ready to infuse the dough with structure.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy. Fold in the chopped semi-sweet and white chocolate, along with your crushed candy canes, for that delightful blend of flavors.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. This will allow the cookies to spread evenly while baking. You should have about 12-15 dollops of dough on the sheet, creating a harmonious grid of goodness.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should look puffy and slightly golden, while the centers should remain soft and chewy. You can even gently press the tops for a little bounce to ensure that they are not overbaked.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving them to your family and friends!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother blending, leading to a tender cookie texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined to maintain a soft and chewy outcome. Overmixing can toughen the cookies!
Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop to ensure each cookie bakes evenly in size, promoting uniformity and perfect texture in your peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
Temperature Check: Keep an eye on the bake time; cookies are ready when edges are puffy, but the centers should still look soft and slightly underbaked for that chewy delight.
Storage Tips: For ultimate freshness, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze the dough balls for on-demand goodness!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, place the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookie dough balls after scooping for up to 3 months. Lay them out on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a ziplock bag.

Reheating: To restore warmth and that fresh-baked bliss, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following these simple steps. After mixing the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls for about an hour, then transfer them to a ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to satisfy those cookie cravings, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, fresh Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with minimal effort and just as delicious quality!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely yours with exciting substitutions and variations!

Milk Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for luscious milk chocolate to create a sweeter cookie that both kids and adults will love.
Toffee or Pecans: Replace candy canes with crushed toffee bits or pecans for a delightful crunch and a different festive flair. The chewy texture pairs beautifully with the toffee’s buttery sweetness.
Almond Extract: Instead of vanilla, try a splash of almond extract for an unexpected nutty twist. This adds a new layer of flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate.
Gluten-Free Flour: Use gluten-free flour to cater to those with dietary restrictions, making this treat accessible without sacrificing taste or texture.
Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer and more intense chocolatey flavor, a perfect match for the refreshing peppermint essence.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon to your dough for a delightful warm flavor that enhances the holiday spirit and contrasts wonderfully with the refreshing peppermint.
Peppermint Patties: For a fun twist, chop up peppermint patties to incorporate into the dough, resulting in gooey centers filled with minty chocolate goodness.
Drizzle Variations: Experiment with different chocolate drizzles—dark chocolate or even a swirl of caramel for a sweet and salty finish that will make your cookies stand out.

With so many options to explore, creating your perfect batch of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a delicious adventure! Don’t forget to pair these delightful treats with a warm cup of hot cocoa or even crunchy Blueberry Cookies Soft for a festive cookie spread.

What to Serve with Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

The festive flavors of these cookies invite indulgence, making them perfect companions for a delightful holiday spread.

Cold Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness while adding a creaminess that complements the chewy texture.
Hot Cocoa: Rich and warm, this drink’s chocolatey flavors harmonize beautifully with the minty freshness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop it on top for a delightful hot-and-cold experience that adds a creamy contrast to each bite.
Gingerbread Bars: The spiced, molasses notes pair wonderfully, creating a flavorful holiday dessert platter.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the richness of the cookies with a light and zesty flair.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Elevate the peppermint theme by serving these cookies alongside this cozy drink, perfect for chilly evenings.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses with sweet crackers can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
Christmas Punch: A fruity, fizzy beverage adds a celebratory touch, making it an ideal compliment for holiday festivities.
Spiced Nuts: Balanced crunch and flavor will excite the palate and keep guests nibbling, even after the cookies are gone.
Chocolate Fondue: For a truly indulgent experience, invite guests to dip their cookies in a rich chocolate fondue for an interactive treat!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe candy canes for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting candy canes, look for ones that are free from cracks and have vibrant colors. This ensures a fresh taste and crunch. Dark spots or broken pieces can mean they’ve aged and may not add the best flavor to your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy for up to 4 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture, which prolongs that deliciously chewy texture!

Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Very! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before baking for the freshest flavor and texture.

Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
If your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are spreading excessively, it could be due to warm ingredients or an overmixed dough. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes before baking to maintain their shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
It’s important to note that these cookies contain common allergens like gluten and dairy. Always check for individual ingredient allergies, especially with the candy canes, as they may contain traces of allergens. If you’re baking for pets, avoid giving them cookies containing chocolate or sugar, as those can be harmful.