The holidays are just around the corner, and there’s nothing that screams festive cheer quite like the aroma of chocolate peppermint cookies wafting through the air. Picture this: warm, gooey chocolate cookies infused with a refreshing touch of peppermint, melting in your mouth with every bite. It’s like a joyous dance party for your taste buds, celebrating all things sweet and minty!
Every year, my family gathers for our annual cookie-making extravaganza. We laugh, we argue over who gets to lick the bowl, and we inevitably end up covered in flour. These chocolate peppermint cookies have become our beloved tradition. They perfectly capture the essence of holiday spirit—cozying up next to a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa while indulging in these delightful treats.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy holiday baking marathons
- The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist
- Visually, they are festive and inviting, making them a great addition to any dessert platter
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed at Christmas gatherings or simply as an everyday treat!
One time, I brought these cookies to a holiday potluck, and let me tell you—people fought over the last crumb like it was the final cookie on Earth!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it helps create that perfect chewy consistency.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the rich cocoa.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor; don’t skip it!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in your cookies.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; use large eggs for consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; imitation vanilla doesn’t hold a candle to this!
Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way; this ingredient gives those cookies their refreshing kick.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both leaveners ensure your cookies puff up nicely while baking.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add gooeyness; feel free to mix in some white chocolate for extra flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks during baking.
Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter until it’s just liquid. Combine granulated sugar and brown sugar with melted butter until smooth.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Stir in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts to enhance flavors.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution and eliminates lumps.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix or you’ll end up with tough cookies!
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips gently so they don’t break apart; this keeps them melty when baked.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto prepared sheets. Leave space between each mound as they spread during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look firm but centers remain soft—trust me, they’ll continue cooking after removing them from oven!
Now that you’ve baked these delightful treats, let them cool slightly before devouring them! You’ll find that each bite offers an irresistible blend of fudgy goodness and minty freshness—a match made in cookie heaven!
As you share these cookies with friends or family during the holidays—or even indulge solo while binge-watching your favorite show—you’ll see why they’ve become a cherished tradition in my home. Enjoy every delectable moment!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect chocolate peppermint cookies lies in using high-quality chocolate and fresh peppermint extract
- The aroma of baking cookies fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere
- These cookies are sure to impress friends and family during the holiday season
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately before combining them for an even dough. Finally, add your chocolate chips and peppermint extract, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate if preferred. You can also adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your taste tolerance—more for a minty punch or less for a subtle hint.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, reheat them in a microwave for 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a chewy cookie texture, avoid overbaking—remove them when they look slightly underbaked
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for added flavor and texture
- Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking
The first time I made these cookies, my friends practically attacked me! Their feedback was priceless—who knew that a sprinkle of crushed candy canes could bring such joy?
FAQ
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate.
How do I achieve the perfect cookie texture?
Avoid overbaking; remove the cookies when they’re slightly underdone for chewiness.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with crushed peppermint candies or even vanilla extract for flavor.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Celebrate the holidays with these irresistible chocolate peppermint cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, each bite is enhanced by a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this recipe embodies holiday spirit in every delicious morsel.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture without overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
- Allow cooling slightly before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
