Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies combine the classic comfort of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist that feels like a holiday hug any time of the year. The cool mint flavor dances with rich chocolate in every bite, making these treats irresistibly uplifting and fun to share.

I remember baking these for a winter gathering and watching everyone’s faces light up when they bit into the minty surprise. They quickly became a must-have during the chilly season and beyond.

Ingredients You Need

• Two and one quarter cups all-purpose flour: for a tender and sturdy cookie base choose a flour variety labeled for baking
• One teaspoon baking soda: to provide just the right lift and lightness
• One cup unsalted butter at room temperature: creates creamy richness for texture and flavor
• Three quarters cup granulated sugar: adds sweetness and a touch of crunch
• Three quarters cup packed brown sugar: brings moisture and a deep caramel note
• Two large eggs: bind everything together and add moisture
• Two teaspoons vanilla extract: for warmth and depth
• One teaspoon peppermint extract: delivers a cool and festive minty punch feel free to adjust to taste
• Two cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: for melty, chocolatey pockets that pair beautifully with the peppermint note use high quality chips for the best flavor

Detailed Cooking Directions

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This step ensures the leavening is evenly distributed to help your cookies rise properly.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes and adds air for a soft crumb.

Add Eggs and Extracts:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Follow with vanilla and peppermint extracts blending them until the batter is smooth and fragrant.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Fold In Chocolate Chips:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie a perfect chocolate burst.

Scoop and Bake:

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Bake and Cool:

Bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft and tender. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

One of my favorite ingredients in this recipe is the peppermint extract—it brings such a vibrant and refreshing kick that pairs delightfully with the chocolate. Baking these cookies always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent with loved ones, sharing stories over sweet treats.

Smart Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag and thaw at room temperature before serving. If you want to preserve the cookie dough, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient Variations

Try substituting the peppermint extract with a drop or two of spearmint if you prefer a gentler mint flavor. Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips to enhance the peppermint flavor with extra sweetness and creaminess. Add a handful of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies folded into the batter for extra crunch and holiday spirit.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with a glass of cold milk or warm peppermint hot chocolate for a dream team of seasonal flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies makes a decadent dessert. Pair with fresh mint tea or coffee to balance the sweet and refreshing profile.

These peppermint chocolate chip cookies bring together festive flavor and comforting texture with ease, making them a wonderful treat any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I intensify the peppermint flavor?

To boost the peppermint aroma, increase the peppermint extract to 1.5 teaspoons, adjusting according to your taste preference.

→ What type of chocolate chips works best?

High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide a rich contrast to the minty notes and enhance the overall flavor.

→ How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, ensuring similar texture and rise.

→ What’s the ideal baking time and temperature?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but centers remain soft for perfect texture.