Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine classic chocolate chip cookies with refreshing peppermint candy canes for a festive twist. Soft, chewy, and bursting with melty dark chocolate and crunchy peppermint pieces, these cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet treat with a minty boost.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 39 minutes
- Yield: 27 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 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 in small pieces, plus more for topping)
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This aerates the dough for soft cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract just until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt, mixing until almost combined. Then gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and crushed candy cane pieces, making sure not to overmix.
- Form and Chill Dough Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons per cookie, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the dough balls in the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours or until frozen solid. For best flavor, chill overnight.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Arrange the frozen cookie dough balls spaced at least 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-10 minutes. The cookies will appear pale and slightly underbaked when removed.
- Add Toppings and Cool: Immediately press additional crushed candy cane pieces and chocolate chips onto the tops of the warm cookies. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before removing.
- Store Properly: Store leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Unbaked frozen dough balls can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month; after this, the candy canes may start to melt and lose their texture in the dough.
Notes
- Measuring Flour: For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly to avoid packing and excess flour.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling solidifies the butter and prevents spreading, leading to thicker cookies and enhanced flavors.
- Topping: Adding extra candy cane and chocolate chips right after baking ensures a pretty presentation and extra flavor.
- Storage: To maintain freshness, avoid storing the cookies near moisture or heat sources.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and egg blends well and creates a smooth dough texture.
Keywords: peppermint chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, chocolate chip cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking