Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Minty

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Chef Josie

When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies. These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together two of the best flavors, rich chocolate and cool peppermint, to create a festive treat that everyone will love.

Soft, chewy, and bursting with crushed candy canes and melty chocolate chips, they’re the perfect addition to your Christmas baking lineup. Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert platter, baking for a cookie swap, or just craving a cozy winter treat, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

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Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Festive flavor: Classic chocolate chip cookies meet peppermint crunch.
• Soft and chewy: Perfect texture with gooey chocolate and crisp edges.
• Simple ingredients: No chilling required; mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Beautifully festive: Crushed candy canes add color and sparkle.
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars: Beat together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and extracts: Mix in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
5. Fold in mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
6. Scoop and shape: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.
8. Top and cool: Immediately sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint for a festive finish.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use peppermint extract, not mint extract, for that classic candy cane flavor.
• Don’t overbake; cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
• For extra chocolate richness, use chunks or a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.
• Let cookies cool completely before stacking to avoid sticking.
• Store in airtight containers to keep peppermint pieces crisp.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies make the perfect treat for every Christmas occasion, from cookie exchanges to after-dinner desserts.

Delicious Variations:

• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap dark chips for white chocolate chips.
• Mint Chip Version: Add crushed mint candies or Andes mints instead of candy canes.
• Frozen Dessert Idea: Sandwich two cookies with peppermint ice cream for a fun Christmas ice cream sandwich.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well up to 1 week.
• Freeze Dough: Scoop and freeze dough balls; bake from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of chocolatey sweetness and refreshing mint flavor. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely irresistible, ideal for Christmas parties, cookie platters, or simply enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa.

Once you bake them, they’ll quickly become a holiday favorite that you’ll return to year after year.

FAQs

1. Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes! Both work beautifully and give that festive peppermint crunch.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Not necessary, these cookies bake perfectly soft without chilling.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.

4. Why did my candy canes melt into the cookies?
That’s normal for some brands; add a few crushed pieces on top after baking for the perfect look.

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