There’s something truly magical about baking peppermint chocolate chip cookies, especially during the holiday season. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats with my mom. The scent of melting chocolate mingled with the refreshing aroma of peppermint filled our kitchen, and it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. Nothing brings a family together quite like the joy of baking, right? I love how these cookies combine the rich, gooey chocolate chips with a burst of peppermint that dances on your taste buds. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, so you can make a batch in no time! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these peppermint chocolate chip cookies are a holiday staple in my house.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your peppermint chocolate chip cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
1 cup sugar – Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
1 cup packed brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar gives the cookies a lovely depth of flavor.
2 large eggs – These help bind everything together, creating a chewy texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract – This adds a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure.
1 tsp baking soda – This is your leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1 tsp salt – A little salt helps to balance the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips – Use semi-sweet or dark for a rich, chocolatey taste.
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – These give the cookies that refreshing burst of peppermint flavor that makes them special!

Having everything prepped and measured will make your baking process smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment of this delicious adventure!

How to Prepare Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial! You want that oven nice and hot when you pop your cookies in, so they bake evenly and turn out perfectly chewy and golden. While the oven warms up, you can start mixing all those delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, grab your softened unsalted butter, sugar, and packed brown sugar. You’ll want to cream these together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon works too if you’re feeling strong! You’re looking for a light and airy texture here—this is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next up, add in those two large eggs and your vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This part is fun because you can really see the mixture come together! Just make sure there are no visible streaks of egg left; it should look beautifully blended.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise just right. Plus, it keeps your cookie dough from getting lumpy!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix! You want to keep that tender texture, so stop mixing as soon as you no longer see any flour.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

Now for the fun part! Fold in your cup of chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candies. I usually use a spatula for this to ensure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the dough. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is what makes these cookies so special!

Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread out—about two inches apart should do. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps them set up perfectly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll want to make sure they’ve cooled down before you dive into that first warm, gooey cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies are not just any cookies; they bring a special kind of joy that makes them perfect for the holiday season and beyond! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time. Perfect for when you need a last-minute treat!
Festive Flavor: The delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that captures the essence of the holidays.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a great way to spread joy! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Endless Customization: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate, or even add in some nuts for extra crunch.
Guaranteed Smiles: There’s something special about enjoying a warm cookie straight from the oven, and I promise these will bring smiles all around!

Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll become a cherished favorite that you’ll want to make year after year!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying peppermint chocolate chip cookies, it’s always good to know a bit about what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each cookie, based on typical ingredients used:

Calories: Approximately 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and measurements you choose while baking. Enjoying these cookies in moderation makes for a delightful treat without the guilt!

Tips for Success

To ensure your peppermint chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some of my best tips and tricks. Trust me, these little details can make a big difference!

Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and gives them a chewier texture. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge while your oven preheats!
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want the edges to be golden but the centers should look a little soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you pull them out!
Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate chips make a big impact on the flavor. I always recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re short on any ingredients, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil for a different flavor, or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to make them vegan. Just keep in mind that these swaps may slightly change the texture.
Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of cookies that will impress everyone. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions I often hear about making peppermint chocolate chip cookies. Let’s clear up any confusion!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Absolutely! While semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips are my favorites for that rich flavor, you can swap them for white chocolate chips or even milk chocolate, depending on your taste. Feel free to experiment!
How do I make these cookies more pepperminty? If you really love peppermint, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough, in addition to the crushed peppermint candies. Just be careful not to overdo it—a little goes a long way!
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to cover it well. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough directly onto your baking sheet.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to soft butter or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, as this can help them hold their shape better.
How do I store leftover cookies? To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re well wrapped!

These tips should help you navigate any questions you have while making your peppermint chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy the baking process!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked a delicious batch of peppermint chocolate chip cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week, but I promise they won’t last that long in my house!

If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), here’s a little tip for reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a warm cookie again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will warm them up nicely and bring that gooey chocolate back to life!

Alternatively, you can use the microwave for a quick fix. Just heat them for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a rubbery cookie!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the magic of your peppermint chocolate chip cookies for days to come. Enjoy every last crumb!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked your delightful peppermint chocolate chip cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate the experience! These cookies are perfect on their own, but pairing them with the right treats and beverages can take your enjoyment to the next level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

Hot Cocoa: You can’t go wrong with a cozy mug of hot cocoa! The rich, chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with the peppermint in the cookies. For an extra twist, try adding a splash of peppermint schnapps for a festive kick!
Eggnog: If it’s the holiday season, a glass of eggnog is a classic pairing. The creamy, spiced flavor complements the minty cookies perfectly, making it a treat to sip while enjoying your baked goods.
Milk: A good old glass of cold milk always makes for a comforting pairing with cookies. It helps balance the sweetness and adds a nostalgic touch that’s hard to beat!
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess is a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey cookies, and the combination of flavors is pure bliss!
Fruit Platter: If you’re looking to balance out the sweet, consider a platter of fresh fruit. Slices of crisp apples, juicy strawberries, or even some tangy citrus can provide a refreshing bite alongside your cookies.

Whatever you choose, these peppermint chocolate chip cookies are sure to shine in the spotlight. Enjoy sharing them with loved ones and creating sweet memories around the table!

For more delicious recipes and ideas, check out my Pinterest page!