There’s nothing quite like the holiday season to bring out a burst of creativity in the kitchen. The moment I unwrapped the vibrant red and white candy canes, a wave of nostalgia swept over me, reminding me of cozy nights spent baking with family. It was during one of those moments that I had the delightful idea to merge rich chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint—thus, Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies were born!
Imagine pulling a tray of these festive treats from the oven, the sweet aroma wafting through your home, instantly lifting spirits and evoking joyful memories. With each bite, the velvety dark chocolate mingles with the invigorating hints of candy cane, making them not just another cookie, but a delightful experience perfect for gatherings or simply indulging after a long day.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, these cookies offer an easy and delicious way to embrace the holiday cheer. Let’s dive in and create some magic together!
Why are Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies a Must-Try?
Delightful Flavor: The harmonious blend of rich dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste that dances on your palate.
Festive Appeal: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies add a pop of color and surprise to your dessert table.
Easy to Bake: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping these up in no time, even if you’re a beginner!
Chill & Bake: The chilling time allows flavors to meld beautifully, saving you from the usual cookie rush.
Crowd Favorite: They’re loved by kids and adults alike, making them an instant hit at any party or gathering.
Indulge in joy and nostalgia with every bite of these cookies; they’re not just treats; they’re warm memories waiting to be baked!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
• Get ready to create magic in your kitchen with these delightful ingredients!
For the Dough
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter – bring richness and a tender texture to your cookies.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – adds warmth and a hint of molasses flavor that perfectly complements chocolate.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness that balances the rich flavors.
- 1 large egg – binds everything together, ensuring your cookies are moist and chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for your cookies, giving them structure and a delightful bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps your cookies rise beautifully, creating that perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt – a pinch is essential to elevate the sweet flavors and create balance.
For the Mix-Ins
- 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips – for rich chocolaty bites that melt in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup candy canes, crushed into small pieces – these add a festive crunch and a refreshing peppermint flavor, making your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies extra special!
Get ready to indulge and share this delightful treat with family and friends this holiday season!
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Cream Together
Start by creaming the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for the cookies’ texture! -
Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Add in the large egg and the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt until nearly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. -
Add Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and crushed candy cane pieces until just combined. This will give your cookies their delightful peppermint crunch and rich chocolate flavor. -
Scoop Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them out, as they will spread when baking. -
Chill the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or until the cookies are frozen solid. Chilling the dough helps enhance the flavors and maintain better shape when baking. -
Preheat and Bake
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the frozen cookie dough for 9-10 minutes, ensuring they’re spaced at least 2 inches apart. They should look pale and slightly underbaked. -
Finish & Cool
As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips on top. Allow the tray to cool completely on a wire rack before removing the cookies.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
Feel free to play around with these delightful options to make your cookies truly your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a similar texture and taste.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil in place of butter and flax eggs to create a plant-based version of these festive treats.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch that complements the chocolate and peppermint.
- Double Chocolate: Swap in white chocolate chips for the dark chocolate, giving a sweet twist that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Heated Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a surprising kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppermint.
- Seasonal Joy: Incorporate dried cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest for a unique fruity flavor that evokes holiday cheer.
- Candy Cane Swirl: Instead of folding crushed candy canes, layer the dough with candy cane pieces to create a striking visual effect inside the cookies.
- Minty Freshness: Boost the peppermint flavor by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough; just be careful not to overpower the other elements.
Don’t be shy; each variation beckons a cozy moment waiting to happen, filling your home with scents of warmth and joy!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps achieve optimal creaming, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling time! It allows the flavors to deepen and helps maintain the shape of your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies while baking.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They may look underbaked at first but will firm up perfectly while cooling.
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Customize Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types or add nuts for extra texture. Just remember to maintain the focus on the peppermint flavor!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped individually in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for a quick treat whenever you’re craving these festive cookies!
Reheating: If you have leftover baked cookies, reheat them in a warm oven (300°F/150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the steps to mix everything and scoop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Instead of freezing them, cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate the unbaked dough. When ready to bake, if they’ve been chilled, just preheat your oven and bake them directly from the fridge for about 9-10 minutes. To maintain their delicious quality, avoid overmixing the dough and ensure those candy cane pieces are fresh for that festive crunch. Enjoy the convenience of homemade cookies with lesser effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?
Imagine a cozy gathering where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy chocolate with a hint of peppermint pairs perfectly, creating a delightful holiday drink to complement your cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts well with the cookies’ warmth, allowing the chocolate and peppermint flavors to shine together harmoniously.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges offer a refreshing burst of flavor and color, balancing the richness of your cookies in a vibrant way.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies adds a luscious sweetness that beautifully enhances the chocolate and peppermint combination.
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Gingerbread Cupcakes: These spiced treats add a lovely festive touch and contrast beautifully with the cool peppermint of your cookies, making for a delightful dessert table.
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Eggnog: This classic holiday drink’s creamy and nutty flavors blend wonderfully, creating a nostalgic pairing that enhances the festive spirit.
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Chocolate Fondue: Invite bold flavors to the party by dipping pieces of your cookies in rich, melted chocolate, creating a decadent experience that’s simply irresistible.
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Meringue Kisses: These airy, light candies provide a textural contrast and mild sweetness, making for an enchanting combination alongside your luxurious cookies.
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Cranberry Sparkler: A bubbly drink made with cranberry juice and sparkling water refreshes your palate, adding a lively touch to the cookie experience.
Enjoy inviting friends and family to indulge in a memorable sweet moment with these delightful pairings!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of candy canes should I use?
Absolutely! For that perfect peppermint punch, use regular peppermint candy canes. You can crush them into small pieces for an enjoyable crunch, but feel free to try flavored candy canes as well for a fun twist!
How long can I store the baked cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresher longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the unbaked cookie dough! Wrap each dough ball tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. The cookie dough will be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough onto a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies are spreading excessively, it could be due to overly warm dough or not enough chilling time. The next time, ensure your dough is well-chilled for at least 3-4 hours, and if needed, pop it back into the fridge for a bit before baking.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to avoid giving these cookies to pets. Ingredients like chocolate and candy canes (due to xylitol or excessive sugar) can be harmful to them. Always keep treats like these (especially those with chocolate) hidden away from curious furry friends!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Of course! I often recommend dark chocolate for its rich flavor, but you can switch it up with milk chocolate or even white chocolate. Just remember to maintain the ratio; around 3/4 cup should do the trick, and you can mix different types for a delightful taste!
Irresistible Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies to Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt gradually until nearly mixed, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped dark chocolate and crushed candy cane pieces until combined.
- Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using 2 tablespoon-sized balls.
- Chill the cookies in the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or until frozen solid.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the frozen cookie dough for 9-10 minutes.
- Once baked, press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips on top and cool completely on a wire rack.