Name: Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup white granulated sugar; ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips; 1 cup Starlight mints or crushed candy canes

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 71 reviews

If you adore festive flavors with a twist, then the Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies bring together the rich, melty goodness of dark chocolate chips and the refreshing crunch of peppermint candies, creating a delightful balance of sweet and cool that’s perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday celebrations. With a tender, buttery cookie base that’s quick to prepare, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a magical treat that’ll have everyone asking for more. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be at the top of your bake list all year round.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows eight ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a small glass bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Next to it is a brown wooden bowl holding one white egg. To the right, a small white ceramic dish contains a white powder, likely baking powder. Below that is a rectangular stick of butter wrapped in orange and white paper. In the center, a white bowl holds several red and white striped peppermint candies wrapped in clear plastic. Below the candy bowl to the left, another white bowl is filled with small, dark chocolate chips. To its left, a small clear glass bowl is filled with light brown sugar. Finally, at the bottom right, a larger white bowl is full of white flour. All items are arranged in a clean, bright setting with soft lighting, and there is some space visible between each ingredient. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in making these cookies so special. From the creamy butter to the crushed peppermints, every item adds a unique touch to the flavor, texture, or appearance.

½ Cup salted butter: Softened butter provides that rich, creamy base for perfect cookie texture and flavor.

½ Cup white granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies brown to a beautiful golden color.
½ Cup light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
1 large egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together while adding richness.

1 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie — sturdy yet tender when mixed just right.
¾ Teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy center.
¾ Teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create a light and airy texture.

1 ¼ Cups dark chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate, offering that signature chocolate chip indulgence.
1 cup Starlight mints (or crushed candy canes): Adds festive crunch and refreshing peppermint flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature so the cookies bake evenly, developing a tender crumb and just the right amount of golden edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened salted butter, white granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric hand mixer on high speed, whisk these together until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugars dissolve, creating a creamy sweet base full of potential.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg

Once your butter and sugar mixture is perfectly creamed, whisk in the large egg. This step is crucial for binding the ingredients and adding a lovely richness to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gently whisk in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Blend until just combined, taking care to avoid leaving any pockets of flour. This gentle touch will help keep your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

This is the fun part! Fold in the dark chocolate chips along with the crushed Starlight mints or candy canes. These add delightful bursts of melty chocolate and cooling peppermint that make these cookies truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop generous balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake them for about 11 minutes, allowing the cookies to spread just enough and develop a light golden edge while staying soft inside.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this helps them set without breaking. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — but honestly, you might find it hard to wait that long!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe

A wooden spatula holds one round cookie with a light golden color, scattered dark chocolate chips, and white and red marshmallow bits inside it; beneath the spatula, several similar cookies rest on a dark baking tray with a worn texture showing slight browning and crumbs. The cookies have a soft, slightly cracked surface with mixed colors from the marshmallows and chocolate chips. The background features a white marbled texture seen at the edges with a couple of white and red striped candy canes and a beige cookie slightly blurred in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint pieces on top of the cookies just as they come out of the oven. This not only amps up the visual appeal but also boosts that fresh peppermint crunch with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm mug of hot chocolate, or even a peppermint mocha for a cozy treat experience. The creaminess of your beverage contrasts wonderfully with the crisp peppermint bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a holiday-themed tin or stack them with parchment paper in between for an inviting gift box. You could also create a cookie platter alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread men or sugar cookies to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days, perfect for indulging a little longer after your baking session.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for later, freeze them in a sealed container with layers separated by parchment paper. Frozen, they keep their texture and flavor for about 3 months, making it easy to enjoy peppermint goodness any time you want.

Reheating

To bring out that just-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This little trick refreshes the melt-in-your-mouth texture and reawakens the chocolate's gooey charm.

FAQs

Can I use regular candy canes instead of Starlight mints?

Absolutely! Regular candy canes work wonderfully and provide the same peppermint crunch and flavor, just be sure to crush them finely for even distribution in the dough.

Can I substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips?

Yes, milk chocolate chips are a sweeter alternative that pairs nicely with the peppermint, though dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet balance that many people prefer.

How do I keep these cookies soft and chewy?

The key is not to overbake. Bake them just until the edges are set and lightly golden, then allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring; this locks in softness.

Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?

Using both gives the perfect rise and texture—baking soda helps with spreading and browning, while baking powder adds a lightness that keeps these cookies tender.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps like using vegan butter and an egg replacer, you can definitely adapt the recipe to be vegan-friendly and still enjoy delicious Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about biting into a soft, chocolate-studded cookie infused with peppermint magic, and this Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe delivers just that experience with ease. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth, festive spirit, and irresistible flavor to every moment. So go ahead, dive into this recipe and make your kitchen smell like holiday cheer.

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need