Did you know the average holiday cookie tray disappears 25% faster when peppermint chocolate chip cookies make an appearance? (If you ask my kids, that number doubles when nobody’s watching the cooling rack.)
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that crackles with cool mint, gooey chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes—the kind of treat that makes even school night suppers feel like a celebration.
In my kitchen, these are the cookies that barely make it off the baking sheet—Ethan and Lila love crushing peppermint and “accidentally” taste-testing extra chips, while Basil the dog claims every crumb as his own.
So—what makes this recipe a must-bake for your family right now? You’ll discover:
- Bakery-style texture with pantry staple ingredients
- Festive, crowd-pleasing flavor (perfect for swaps or Tuesday treats)
- Easy steps even with tiny helpers—and forgiving enough if a little chaos joins the mix
I’ll share my favorite mix-ins, allergy swaps, and tricks for super melty middles—plus storage tips so today’s batch stays soft all week (unless they vanish first).
Ready to bake a little magic together? Let’s see why these peppermint chocolate chip cookies turn even ordinary days into moments you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Imagine biting into peppermint chocolate chip cookies where every piece is studded with gooey chocolate and just the right pop of cool mint—plus a festive crunch from crushed candy.
My own kitchen turns into a bit of a cookie heist during recipe testing. Ethan and Lila are expert chip snatchers, and Basil, our crumb-connoisseur pup, stations himself right beside the oven as soon as the first tray comes out.
These cookies are pure bakery-style magic—but you can whip up the dough with supermarket staples in under an hour.
The Delicious Details You’ll Notice First
- Melty chips and zippy peppermint in every bite (real stats: 2 full cups of chocolate chips and 6 crushed candy canes per batch means no skimping!).
- Ideal for holiday cookie swaps, last-minute classroom parties, or “just because” Tuesday treats.
- Easy, reliable, and hard to mess up—even when small hands help you decorate.
With a chewy center and shimmery sweet top, nobody guesses these started as a simple weeknight bake.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
- “Can I lick the spoon?” is standard in my house—kids love crushing the candy canes and scattering chips just like confetti.
- These cookies are a staple for gifting—wrap in cellophane or stack in pretty boxes for an instant mood-lifter.
Bring Your Own Cookie Story
Does your crew snack the chips before they hit the bowl, too? I’d love to hear your cookie adventures or see photos of your little helpers in the comments—kitchens are always warmer when we share our stories.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking a few with your morning coffee, these peppermint chocolate chip cookies make every bite a moment to remember. Expect melty chocolate, cool mint, and belly laughs around the kitchen counter—my recipe turns ordinary days into something happily memorable.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Essentials: Key Ingredients & Equipment
Core Ingredients Breakdown
When it comes to peppermint chocolate chip cookies, every stellar batch starts with good pantry basics. You’ll rely on:
- Butter (room temperature makes creaming so much easier)
- A mix of granulated and brown sugars for chew and caramel tones
- Eggs for structure and richness
- All-purpose flour—use the scoop and level method for accuracy
- Chocolate chips (I love a mix of dark and semisweet)
- Peppermint extract (natural for pure mint, imitation for a milder note—start with 1 teaspoon and taste your dough before adding more)
For a double whammy of flavor and crunch, I toss in both crushed candy canes and chocolate chips.
Need a supermarket swap? Try peppermint chocolate chips if candy canes are out of season or skip straight to chopped Andes mints for a quick fix.
Oats lend a hearty, chewy texture (think of oatmeal cookie meets holiday magic), while a spoonful of cocoa powder deepens the fudgy profile and adds beautiful rich color.
Tip to remember: “Can’t find a specialty item? Your pantry probably holds the perfect substitute!”
Equipment Tips
You don’t need fancy gadgets here—promise. Reach for these basics:
- Hand or stand mixer (for fluffy, well-creamed dough)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
Crushing candy canes? Pop them in a zip-top bag and go to town with a rolling pin or even a heavy skillet. (Ethan and Lila love this step—it sounds like holiday music to them!)
“Crushing candy canes for cookies is the ultimate stress-buster—plus, it’s a kid-friendly task that turns dessert into a shared moment.”
Ingredient Substitutions & Allergy Swaps
Want your peppermint chocolate chip cookies safe for every table? Here are easy swaps:
- Nut-free: Nearly all ingredients are naturally nut-free, just check your chocolate chip packaging!
- Gluten-free: Use a reliable GF blend and visit my Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for tested results.
- Dairy-free: Sub the butter for vegan baking sticks or coconut oil.
Curious about food labels or want to nerd out on what counts as a home-baked cookie? See the official FDA labeling
If you love baking that welcomes everyone, this section is your toolkit—bake, swap, and share with confidence!
Picture this: Flour-dusted kids giggling beside you, crushed peppermint swirling into dough, and the scent of mint and chocolate announcing, “Cookies are ready!” With these essentials, your peppermint chocolate chip cookies will be a sweet family memory in the making.
Step-By-Step Instructions: Making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Mixing & Dough Prep
Ready to make peppermint chocolate chip cookies your whole kitchen will rave about?
Start by creaming your butter and sugars (that’s both brown and white) until the mixture looks airy and pale—think of it as cookie batter turning into soft clouds.
This step creates tender, bakery-style cookies every time.
Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract—pause and take a sniff as that peppermint scent fills the air.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Mix until just combined—when you add flour, salt, and baking soda, don’t overwork it.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes; too much mixing can make your cookies tough.
When Ethan helps, his favorite job is “hiding” extra chips inside the dough—double the surprise, double the gooeyness.
Picture this: Ribbons of chocolate and pops of mint shining through every scoop.
Shaping & Chilling the Dough
For chewy cookies with crackly tops, scoop your dough into heaping tablespoon rounds.
Chill for 15–30 minutes—this makes the cookies bake up thick and soft instead of flat.
Honestly, if you skip this step, expect cookies to spread more and lose some chew—learned that one after Basil stole a test batch straight off the rack.
Tips for shaping:
- Use a cookie scoop for equal sizes (hello, bakery look!).
- Roll slightly and flatten if you want classic, even cookies.
Baking & Cooling
Preheat to 350°F (177°C).
Space cookies on your sheet (about 2 inches apart) and bake for 10–12 minutes for chewy centers or up to 14 minutes for crisper edges.
Try my favorite trick: Underbake by one minute, then let cookies rest on the sheet—it makes for extra gooey middles.
Let the cookies cool for 2-3 minutes before you even think about moving them.
Lila once dove in too soon—half the cookie in her hand, half still on the tray (don’t worry, she didn’t mind).
Pro-Tips & Kid Helpers
Kids love:
- Crushing candy canes in a zipper bag with a rolling pin (warning: it gets loud and silly).
- Scooping dough balls (with clean hands, of course).
- Sprinkling extra crushed peppermint or chips on top right before/after baking.
Encourage your helpers to design custom tops—the more color and sparkle, the better!
Want more cookie how-tos? Visit my Peppermint Cookies Recipe for videos and kid-friendly tips.
For cookies with a melty, minty middle and festive crunch, mixing gently, chilling the dough, and getting the whole family involved makes baking—like sharing—so much sweeter.
Finished Cookie Closeup
The Best Chocolate + Peppermint Combinations (Recipe Variations)
If you’re wild for peppermint chocolate chip cookies, you’re about to find your new favorite. Choosing the right combo makes all the difference—from classic bakes to no-fuss recipes, there’s a cookie for every mood and moment.
Picture this: a warm cookie studded with melting chips, a crunch of peppermint, and that signature fresh, tingly aroma.
Classic, Chewy, and Double Chocolate
Let’s try the three most-requested styles at my house:
- Classic: Straight-up dough with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes for a crisp edge and soft middle.
- Oat-Stuffed: Adds oats and chopped chocolate for a chewier bite and rustic, hearty texture.
- Double Chocolate: Incorporates cocoa powder and double the chips for extra richness—my Ethan will do anything to steal these off the cooling rack.
Swapping chocolate chips for chopped baking chocolate means gooier pools. Need even more depth? Just add a spoonful of extra cocoa.
Mix-Based and No-Bake Shortcuts
Pressed for time or baking with kids? You’re not alone.
- Mix-Based: Use chocolate chip cookie mix, peppermint extract, and a handful of peppermint chips or bark—easy, quick, and delicious.
- No-Bake: My favorite recipe No-Bake Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies requires just 10 minutes and is perfect for little hands.
“A swirl of peppermint and chocolate makes even weekday baking magical.”
Festive Twists for Holidays & Gifting
Want bakery-worthy or Instagram-ready? Try these:
- Drizzle or dip in white chocolate
- Sprinkle with crushed candy or red-green nonpareils
- Sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff or ganache
I’m always adding a few Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies or White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to my cookie trays—they’re showstoppers and kid-approved.
The secret? Find one style you love, then invite the family to personalize it. That’s where memories (and new traditions) are baked.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Tips, Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
Mastering Texture and Flavor
Ready to bake the perfect peppermint chocolate chip cookies? Start with Emma’s signature move: toss in a handful more chocolate chips than you think you need. More chips = more melty pockets.
Finding your ideal peppermint balance is key. If peppermint extract makes you nervous, begin with ½ teaspoon and taste the dough. Too minty? Fold in a little extra sugar or chocolate to mellow the flavor—it’s not the end of the world if a splash slips!
Trust me, the best batches use real chocolate—I love chopping up a good bar, but premium chips work if you’re in a rush. Just picture those gooey chocolate puddles with every bite.
Quotable tip: “When in doubt, more chips and a little less peppermint go a long way.”
Storage & Freshness
Want to keep your cookies soft and fresh all week? Slide a slice of bread or a wedge of apple into your airtight container. This simple trick keeps cookies bakery-soft for up to three days.
Thinking ahead? Both dough and baked peppermint chocolate chip cookies freeze beautifully:
- Freeze scooped dough balls: Lay them on a tray, freeze, then stash in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2 minutes to the time.
- Freeze finished cookies: Cool completely, layer with wax paper, and store in airtight tins.
If your cookies feel dry or lose their minty aroma, you’re not alone—storing with fruit works, as does gently reheating for five seconds in the microwave.
For more answers on solving cookie storage headaches, check my full Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.
Quotable tip: “Your freezer is your secret stash for sudden cookie cravings.”
Gifting & Sharing
Cookies aren’t just for eating—they’re little gifts of joy. Package cooled peppermint chocolate chip cookies in clear cellophane bags, festive tins, or tie stacks with string and a handwritten tag.
I always keep a batch tucked in the freezer for last-minute teacher gifts or surprise neighbor visits. Who wouldn’t want homemade cookies at their door?
Quotable tip: “Cookies travel best when wrapped in love (and a little bubble wrap never hurts).”
For perfect peppermint chocolate chip cookies that taste fresh, freeze well, and bring big smiles, trust your senses, use more chips than you think, and share the goodness. Your kitchen is about to smell like the holidays—no specialty store required.
Flavor Pairing Ideas for Your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s just something magical about the way peppermint chocolate chip cookies meet a cold glass of milk—or the happy dance my kids do when they dunk theirs.
If you love the classic “milk and cookies” combo, try switching it up with:
- Ice-cold regular milk for a clean, creamy backdrop
- Rich chocolate milk (Ethan’s top pick—seriously chocolatey!)
- Chilled oat or almond milk for a subtle, nutty note and a plant-based option
“Cookies and milk are the friendship bracelets of dessert—one is nice, but both together feel like a celebration.”
Drink Pairings for Grown-Up Cookie Breaks
Make your peppermint chocolate chip cookies feel extra special by serving them alongside cozy drinks like:
- Steamy hot cocoa for pure winter nostalgia
- Peppermint mochas—the ultimate grown-up treat when you add a swirl of whipped cream
- Bold after-dinner coffee for an easy, elegant dessert moment
Pro tip: Dunk a cookie right into your coffee or cocoa and marvel at that melty, minty swirl.
Creative Platter and Party Pairings
When it’s time to wow your bake sale table or make a holiday cookie platter, mix things up!
- Pair peppermint chocolate chip cookies with:
- Traditional chocolate chip cookies
- Sugar cookies or ginger snaps
- Emma’s Oreo peppermint cookies for a double-mint party
- Stack, arrange, or spiral them for a cookie centerpiece that feels bakery-worthy
“Picture this: a plate of peppermint chocolate chip cookies with a mug of cocoa—smiles guaranteed at the next family night.”
Quick Tip for Leftovers
Don’t toss broken cookies! Try:
- Crushing them as a sundae topper
- Mixing cookie chunks into vanilla ice cream for homemade mint-chocolate chip magic
No one in my house has complained about too many cookies—especially when they become a dreamy dessert mix-in.
Sharing these cookies (or a tip for pairing them) can make any kitchen moment feel festive and fun. The next time you bake, experiment with your favorite pairings and share your combos in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for the next tasty family tradition!
Ready to Create Your Sweetest Kitchen Memories?
Baking peppermint chocolate chip cookies isn’t just about the sugar and chips—it’s about laughter, simple joy, and sharing something homemade with your favorite people. Craving melty chocolate and cool peppermint? You’re just a mixing bowl away.
Let’s make your next batch unforgettable!
Here’s how you can bring the magic to life:
- Gather your crew—invite little helpers to crush candy canes or scoop the dough.
- Personalize your cookies: Toss in oats, switch up chocolates, or sprinkle with extra peppermint for your own signature touch.
- Share the joy—deliver a batch to a neighbor, tuck some into a lunchbox, or snap a photo for the comments (I can’t wait to see!).
- Keep things easy—use pantry staples and simple swaps for any dietary needs, so everyone gets a bite.
When you bring out a tray of homemade peppermint chocolate chip cookies, you’re serving up smiles and stories—one warm, gooey cookie at a time.
Who will you bake these for first? Warm the oven, bring on the sprinkles, and let your kitchen become the heart of new cookie traditions—because every batch is a little celebration waiting to happen.
*”Cookies bake best with laughter in the kitchen—so make it messy and make it yours!”*
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bite into these peppermint chocolate chip cookies and you’ll get gooey chocolate, cool mint, and a festive candy crunch in every bite. My kids—and even our dog, Basil—circle the oven for these bakery-style classics. Ever wonder if you can bake holiday joy, any night of the week? You just did!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes (stand or hand mixer both work).
- Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt (add oats and cocoa powder now if using).
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes with a spatula (Ethan loves sneaking in extra chips here).
- Scoop dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
- Chill the dough balls on the baking sheets in the fridge for 15–30 minutes (this step keeps cookies thick and chewy).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers look just a little soft (if you love gooey middles, underbake by 1 minute).
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—taste-testing is absolutely encouraged!
Nutritional values
Servings: 36 cookies ServingCalories:160kcalTotal Fat:7gTotal Carbohydrate:23gDietary Fiber: 1gSugars: 13gProtein:2g
Note
- Want a double chocolate peppermint cookie? Add that cocoa powder and swap half the chips for chopped chocolate bars.
- “A swirl of peppermint and chocolate makes even weekday baking magical.”
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to stay soft, or freeze dough balls for fresh-baked treats anytime.
- Picture this: little hands crushing candy canes, laughter echoing, and your kitchen filled with the scent of mint and chocolate.
- Share your own family baking stories or cookie tweaks in the comments—my kitchen is always warmer with your memories!
