Name: Irresistibly Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract; 2 large Large Eggs; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies

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The holidays have a way of filling our homes with warmth and cherished memories, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies? As the delightful scent of chocolate mingles with the refreshing hint of peppermint wafts through the kitchen, I find myself transported back to moments of laughter and joy shared with family. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a festive experience that combines the comforting flavors of soft and chewy chocolate with a merry pop of peppermint.

Perfectly baked in just 25 minutes, they quickly become an irresistible companion to hot cocoa or a warming cup of tea after a cold day. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your holiday gatherings or simply craving a homemade indulgence, this recipe checks all the boxes. Join me in making these irresistible cookies and create memories that will linger long after the last bite!

Why Love These Decadent Peppermint Cookies?

Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to win your heart and palate!

Irresistible aroma: The moment you mix chocolate with peppermint, your kitchen transforms into a festive haven.

Quick to make: In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a batch of soft, chewy cookies ready to be enjoyed.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies impress friends and family alike, becoming the highlight of any dessert table.

Versatile delight: Enjoy them on their own or paired with hot cocoa for a cozy treat that evokes holiday cheer.

Easily customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts or mix in your favorite nuts for an added twist. Try it alongside our Decadent Chocolate Covered treats for a truly festive experience!

Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to gather your ingredients and dive into the festive spirit of baking these Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps in browning; coconut sugar can offer a less refined alternative.
Brown Sugar – Enhances chewiness and moisture; feel free to interchange between light and dark brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to flavor; almond extract can be a delightful twist.
Peppermint Extract – Delivers the signature minty essence; use peppermint oil for a more intense kick.
Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and aids leavening; consider flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives texture and structure; swap whole wheat flour for a healthier choice, adjusting liquid as needed.
Baking Soda – Aiding in leavening, baking powder may be an alternative with adjusted measurements.
Salt – Balances the sweetness; essential unless using salted butter.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and texture; use dark, milk, or white chocolate per your preference.
Crushed Peppermint Candies – Offers a festive touch; can be replaced with crushed candy canes or omitted altogether.

Get ready to create a festive masterpiece that fills your home with warmth and joy!

How to Make Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Extracts and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts next. Then, beat in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring everything is well combined and smooth.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re evenly mixed.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined—try not to over-mix to keep the cookies soft!
Fold in Extras: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for that festive flair.
Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for lightly golden edges and set centers.
Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Finish with Peppermint: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on warm cookies before serving.

Optional: Serve with hot cocoa for a lovely holiday treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Peppermint Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened but not melted; this creates the perfect creamy base for your cookies.
Mixing Technique: Avoid over-mixing the dough after adding flour; this helps maintain the soft and chewy texture of your decadent peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
Salt Adjustments: If using salted butter, reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to prevent overly salty cookies.
Cookie Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough balls, ensuring even baking and a consistent treat that everyone will enjoy.
Extra Festiveness: Reserve some crushed peppermint candies to sprinkle on top of warm cookies, adding a beautiful and festive finish just before serving.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them perfectly soft and chewy while maintaining their delightful peppermint flavor.

Fridge: These cookies can be refrigerated for up to 10 days in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh, and the chilled version offers a delicious twist on texture.

Freezer: Freeze your peppermint chocolate chip cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper for easy access.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds. Reheating enhances their soft and chewy texture, making them as delightful as fresh-baked!

What to Serve with Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Pair these festive delights with goodies that enhance their minty goodness and chocolatey richness for a celebration of flavors.

Hot Cocoa: Enjoy a warm cup of rich hot cocoa, its creaminess magnifying the soft textures of the cookies—perfect for chilly nights.
Dairy-Free Milk: A chilled glass of almond or oat milk provides a refreshing contrast, complementing the sweet peppermint flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some vanilla ice cream on the side; the cool creaminess melts into the warm cookies for a heavenly balance.
Mint Tea: The subtle mintiness of peppermint tea enhances the cookies, making it an elegant pairing that warms your soul.
Chocolate Spritzers: A fizzy chocolate soda or spritzer adds an exciting twist, elevating your cookie experience into a playful treat.
Fruit Salad: Brighten the plate with a vibrant fruit salad, contrasting the rich flavors and making for a refreshing palate cleanse.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For an indulgent twist, serve with dollops of cream cheese frosting—its tanginess pairs beautifully with the sweet cookies.
Mixed Nuts: Offer a bowl of spiced or roasted mixed nuts for a crunchy texture, adding a savory contrast to these sweet treats.
Peppermint Bark: Create a theme with peppermint bark, its chocolatey layers echoing the flavors of your cookies and bringing festive cheer.

Make Ahead Options

These Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is ideal because it helps the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the dough fresh! When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough directly onto the baking sheets and follow the usual baking instructions. Just remember, chilled dough may need an extra minute or two in the oven. With these make ahead options, you’ll have delectable cookies ready to delight your friends and family with minimal effort!

Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for a twist on this festive classic!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious option that caters to gluten sensitivities. Just make sure the blend is a 1-to-1 replacement for best results.
Nutty Bliss: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, balancing the softness of the cookie with a nutty flavor that enhances your cookie experience.
Minty Matcha: For a vibrant twist, incorporate a teaspoon of matcha powder into the dry ingredients, adding a unique earthiness to the otherwise sweet and minty profile.
Spiced Twist: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spiciness, elevating the holiday spirit even more.
Chocolate Overload: Use chocolate chunks instead of chips for a gooey, melty texture that takes every bite to the next level. The extra chocolate creates a rich and indulgent experience.
Peppermint Patties: Stuff each cookie ball with a mini peppermint patty before baking for a fun surprise that intensifies the peppermint flavor with a creamy center.
Reduced Sugar: For a lighter version, reduce the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup and rely on the candy canes for extra sweetness—they’re naturally sweet and add more peppermint essence!
Coconut Delight: Incorporate sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair, complementing the peppermint beautifully while adding a lovely chewiness.

Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely use pure peppermint extract for the best flavor! If you want a more intense taste, you can try peppermint oil, but remember to use it sparingly—just a few drops, as it’s much stronger. This way, your cookies will have just the right amount of festive zing!

How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
Storing your cookies is a breeze! Keep your Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for 10 days. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before enjoying for the perfect texture!

Can these cookies be frozen? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, place them in an airtight freezer bag or container, separating each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will be good for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds—this step will remind you of the fresh-baked goodness!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very often, this can happen if your dough is too warm or if you’ve over-mixed it. To remedy this, I recommend chilling the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheets. This helps the cookies maintain their shape. Also, ensure you’re using measured flour; too little can cause excess spreading!

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version. If you’d like to make these cookies vegan, simply swap the large eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. These adaptations maintain the delicious flavor and texture while accommodating different dietary needs!