Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the combination of cool peppermint and rich chocolate in a chewy, delightful treat. This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings together the perfect balance of refreshing minty crunch and gooey chocolate goodness in each bite. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that surprises your palate with bursts of crushed candy cane and molten dark chocolate, all wrapped up in an irresistibly cozy texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a festive treat any time of the year, these cookies will surely become a favorite to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and festive flair. From creamy butter that yields tenderness to the crushed candy canes that add sparkle and crunch, these essentials are simple yet impressive.

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature): Butter brings richness and softness, helping create tender cookies with golden edges.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor for chewy, luscious bites.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This helps balance sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie surface.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): The egg binds the ingredients together and aids with leavening for perfect rise.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while remaining soft inside.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Salt cuts through the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips: Dark chocolate delivers intense cocoa flavor and melts into dreamy pockets of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed in small pieces): Peppermint candy pieces add festive crunch, brightness, and a contagious holiday spirit.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Begin by creaming together the cool, room temperature butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, helping create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in your room temperature egg along with the fragrant vanilla extract. Stir just until combined and make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so every bit of buttery goodness is incorporated evenly. This ensures the dough holds together smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix In Add-ins

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until almost combined. The magic happens when you fold in chopped dark chocolate and the crushed candy cane pieces. These add wonderful texture and flavor variations that make these cookies stand out.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 2-tablespoon balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then chill the dough in the freezer for at least 3 to 4 hours until frozen solid. This chilling step is key—it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, preventing spreading and ensuring a perfect bite.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place frozen dough balls spaced nicely apart on the baking sheet and bake for 9 to 10 minutes. The cookies will look pale and slightly underbaked when you pull them out, but don’t worry—they will finish baking as they cool and become perfectly soft and chewy.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings and Cool

Once out of the oven, press a few extra candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips on top of each cookie for that extra wow factor and festive sparkle. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying to allow them to set up perfectly.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle with a few whole mini candy canes around the plate. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely green contrast and a hint of aromatic freshness that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a mug of rich hot chocolate for dipping. For a more grown-up twist, try serving them alongside peppermint-spiked coffee or creamy eggnog. The contrast of warm beverages with the cool peppermint notes in the cookies is simply divine.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter interspersed with candy cane sticks or edible glitter for holiday parties. You can also layer them between sheets of wax paper in a decorative tin as a thoughtful, homemade gift. Another fun idea is to crumble some on top of soft serve ice cream for an exciting texture and flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cookies left after the party (though it’s hard to resist eating them all at once), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without losing their delightful peppermint crunch.

Freezing

The beauty of this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how well the dough freezes. Store the chilled cookie dough balls in an airtight container or zipped bag in the freezer for up to one month. Just keep in mind that the candy canes may begin to melt and blend into the dough after this time, so enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This way, the chocolate softens just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling without drying out the cookie.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract will give you that minty flavor, but keep in mind you will miss out on the delightful crunch and texture that crushed candy canes bring. For the full festive effect, using both is ideal.

How do I measure flour correctly for this recipe?

For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour and keeps your cookies tender.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough is a crucial step. It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and deepens the flavor. Plus, frozen dough is easier to handle and creates thicker, chewier cookies.

Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate?

Yes, but dark chocolate pairs best with the peppermint flavor, providing a lovely contrast. Milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and less intense but still delicious.

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

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Aim for small, irregular pieces rather than a fine powder to get that wonderful crunch and visual sparkle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday hug, this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is it. With its tender crumb, bursts of rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint crunch, these cookies will brighten your kitchen and your spirits. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your ingredients and bake a batch today to share this joyful treat with friends and family.

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