Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Delight to Savor

Few things can compete with the joy of freshly baked cookies. Now imagine adding the cool, minty freshness of peppermint to your favorite chocolate chip cookies—what you get is a magical combination perfect for the holiday season. Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers, combining the comforting flavors of chocolate with the festive flair of candy canes. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a way to make memories. Imagine cozying up by the fire with a warm batch of cookies fresh out of the oven. The aroma of peppermint and chocolate fills the air, and you can’t help but feel a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Whether it’s during the holidays or a random Tuesday evening, these cookies bring people together.

The Ingredients That Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Special

Every ingredient in this recipe works together to create cookies that are chewy, crispy, minty, and chocolaty all at once. Here’s what you’ll need:

Category	Ingredient	Quantity
Refrigerated	Large egg	1
Baking & Spices	All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups
	Baking soda	1 tsp
	Light brown sugar (packed)	1 cup
	Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
	Fine sea salt	1 tsp
	Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Dairy	Unsalted butter	12 tbsp
Desserts	Dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips	3/4 cup
	Candy canes (crushed)	1/4 cup

Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the perfect cookie. The butter and sugars give them their signature chewiness, while the peppermint flavor comes from the crushed candy canes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preparing Your Workspace

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
• Crush your candy canes into small pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin.

2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 12 tbsp of unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
2. Add 1 large egg and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until well combined.

3. Adding the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1 tsp of fine sea salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

4. Folding in the Goodies

1. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes. The chocolate provides a rich, decadent flavor, while the peppermint adds a refreshing burst.

5. Shaping the Cookies

1. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few more crushed candy cane pieces on top of each cookie.

6. Baking the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but slightly soft.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Baking the Best Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, so take them out when they’re slightly underdone for a perfectly soft texture.
• Crush Candy Canes Finely: Larger chunks can melt unevenly and create sticky spots in the cookies.

What Makes These Cookies Stand Out?

1. A Festive Twist

The addition of candy canes takes ordinary chocolate chip cookies to a whole new level, making them perfect for the holidays or any celebration.

2. Balance of Flavors

These cookies offer a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, ensuring every bite is a delight.

3. Texture Perfection

Chewy centers, crispy edges, and bursts of peppermint crunch make these cookies an irresistible treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per cookie (based on a batch of 24):

• Calories: 145
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Sugar: 10 g

Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs About Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?
Yes! If you don’t have candy canes, add 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract to the dough for the same minty flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

3. What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate is ideal for these cookies because its richness balances the sweetness of the candy canes. However, you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer.

4. How do I store these cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

6. How do I keep the candy canes from sticking?
Dust the crushed candy canes with a bit of flour before adding them to the dough to prevent sticking.

Conclusion: Bake a Batch Today

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to bring joy and flavor to any occasion. With their festive look, delightful flavor, and chewy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of baking your very own batch.

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