If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate with the crisp, refreshing flavor of peppermint, these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are exactly what you need. Designed to deliver holiday cheer any time of year, these cookies strike the perfect balance between decadent and bright, making them a must-bake for festive gatherings or cozy solo snacking. From the first bite to the last crumb, you’ll enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and the invigorating peppermint kick, creating a cookie experience that’s as joyful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Harmony: Combines rich chocolate and fresh peppermint for an irresistible taste sensation.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and accessible ingredients mean you can bake up a batch anytime.
Festive Appeal: Great for holiday parties or gifting, these cookies bring seasonal warmth and cheer.
Customizable: Works wonderfully with add-ins or substitutions to suit your preferences.
Great Texture: Chewy yet soft with just the right crisp edges to satisfy every cookie lover.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together easily, each playing an essential role in creating the rich flavor, moist texture, and festive look of the Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Whether it’s the deep cocoa or the refreshing peppermint extract, every element counts toward your perfect cookie.

All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
Cocoa Powder: Provides that deep chocolate flavor that’s essential for the chocolatey goodness.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for a soft and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and a rich buttery flavor; room temperature is best for creaming.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
Peppermint Extract: Delivers that cool, refreshing peppermint flavor—don’t skip this!
Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that enhance every bite.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds crunch and a festive touch on top or mixed in.

Variations for Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

One of the best things about the Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak the flavors, swap out ingredients, or adjust textures to match your dietary preferences or simply satisfy your cravings differently.

Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and flax egg replacements to make these cookies plant-based without skimping on flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the cookies safe for sensitive diets.
White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap out cocoa powder for white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier twist.
Spicy Peppermint Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for an unexpected but delightful warmth.
Nuts and More: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and added nutty flavor.

Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to Try Now

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa flavor throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step is crucial for creating that soft and chewy texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Components

Add the egg and peppermint extract to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Candies

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout without breaking the dough down.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from breaking apart and maintains the perfect texture.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes for more even baking and enhanced flavor.
Use High-Quality Cocoa: Better cocoa powder equals richer chocolate taste—don’t settle for generic brands.
Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender, not tough.
Watch Baking Time: Remove cookies when edges are set to keep centers soft and chewy.
Crush Peppermint Candies Fresh: Crushing just before baking preserves the candy’s crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Garnishes

For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra crushed peppermint candies or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This adds both eye-catching appeal and an extra layer of flavor to impress friends and family.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a peppermint-infused coffee for a matching flavor experience that complements the cool and chocolaty notes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies tied with a festive ribbon as holiday gifts, place them on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves, or serve as part of a dessert table to entice guests with their appealing look and inviting scent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve their moistness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies or dough! Wrap baked cookies individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For dough, scoop onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to bags—bake directly from frozen adding a minute or two to baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive the soft, freshly-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract, so if you decide to use it, reduce the amount significantly—about half or less—to avoid overpowering the cookie’s flavor.

Are Chocolate Peppermint Cookies suitable for children?

Yes, these cookies are kid-friendly, though consider the peppermint’s intensity; some children might prefer a milder peppermint flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, ensuring you also check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking and using the right ratio of flour to butter helps keep cookies from spreading too thin during baking.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to achieve small but still chunky pieces for texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint, and these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies capture that magic in every bite. Whether you’re baking for holiday celebrations or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe offers effortless joy and festive flavor. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch—your taste buds will thank you!