Name: Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ oz (100g) pure white chocolate, chopped; ¼ tsp pure peppermint extract; ¾ cup (105g) all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup (28g) cocoa powder (preferably unsweetened); ¾ tsp baking powder; 1 large egg; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; ½ tsp pure vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling); ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for rolling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 72 reviews

If you're ready to fall in love with your cookie jar all over again, this Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture rich, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies bursting with festive peppermint chips that melt perfectly in your mouth. They’re chewy on the inside with that beautiful cracked, powdered sugar-dusted exterior that looks like a winter wonderland treat. This recipe is not only a delightful twist on classic crinkles but also a celebration of cozy flavors that instantly lift your spirits.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a collection of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There are seven glass bowls filled with different items: one with white flour, one with white granulated sugar, another with cocoa powder, one with white powdery salt and baking soda, and one with small cubes of pale yellow butter. In the middle of the setup lies a single white egg. A whole bar of pale yellow white chocolate is also placed on the surface, along with two small glass containers holding dark brown and black liquids, likely vanilla and another flavoring. The arrangement displays all the ingredients neatly, ready for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it's the deep cocoa flavor, the refreshing peppermint zing, or the tender, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Pure white chocolate (3 ½ oz or 100g): The base for homemade peppermint chips adding creamy sweetness and festive flair.

Pure peppermint extract (¼ tsp): Just a touch to infuse that cool, minty aroma which brightens every bite.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup or 105g): Provides structure and keeps your cookies perfectly tender.
Cocoa powder (⅓ cup or 28g): Offers rich chocolatey depth—don’t skip on using good quality for the best flavor.

Baking powder (¾ tsp): Adds a gentle lift, helping the cookies crack beautifully on top.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough and brings moisture for a soft, cakey texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup or 100g): Sweetens the dough and helps create that lovely chewy bite.

Pure vanilla extract (½ tsp): Balances the chocolate and peppermint with warm, mellow notes.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors for maximum taste impact.
Unsalted butter (⅓ cup or 75g, melted and cooled): Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.

Additional granulated sugar (¼ cup or 50g): For rolling the dough balls, creating a sweet outer shimmer.
Powdered sugar (½ cup or 60g): The classic final coating that gives the cookies their signature crackled look.

How to Make Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Create the Peppermint Chips

Start by melting the white chocolate gently, either in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler to avoid burning it. Stir in peppermint extract to give those little chips their signature minty punch. Pour this mixture onto parchment paper and chill until firm. Once set, chop the peppermint-infused chocolate into tiny chips that’ll nestle perfectly inside your cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder to ensure they combine evenly. This step is crucial for evenly distributed flavor and texture in your dough, meaning every bite of your Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe will have that perfect balance of chocolate and lift.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Combine

In another bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and thicker, which helps create that tender, airy crumb. Then stir in the melted butter, making sure it has cooled so you don’t scramble the egg. Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients gently, and finally, fold in the peppermint chips. The dough will be soft and sticky—this is exactly what you want!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours. This step enhances the flavors and firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle during shaping. It also helps achieve those signature crinkle cracks as the chilled dough expands in the oven.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Use a 1 oz cookie scoop for consistent sizing, roll the dough into balls, then roll them first in granulated sugar and then generously coat with powdered sugar. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the surface cracks but the centers remain soft and chewy. Let them cool on the trays to set perfectly.

How to Serve Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round chocolate cookies dusted with white powdered sugar that has cracked in places, revealing dark brown chocolate beneath. Each cookie has irregular patches of white spots on the surface, and some have pieces of white chocolate embedded on top. The cookies are laid out on a white marbled textured surface, with a light brown edge visible at the bottom right corner. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with a contrast between the powdery white sugar and the dark chocolate cookie base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a dusting of additional powdered sugar right before serving for an extra festive touch. It enhances the peppermint theme visually and adds a little extra crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk, but why not make it peppermint milk by adding a drop of peppermint extract? For adults, they also pair delightfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa, which complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe on a platter lined with colorful holiday napkins or parchment paper for an inviting look. You can also stack them in clear jars or tie them up in cellophane bags with a ribbon for an adorable gift. A festive plate surrounded by pine branches and ornaments turns cookies into a centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay chewy and prevents the peppermint chips from drying out. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or even the fridge is fine, though the cookies might firm up slightly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you want a peppermint treat, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven to revive that soft texture.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their warmth or that fresh-baked softness, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the chocolate and makes the peppermint chips melty and delicious again, as if you've just pulled them from the oven fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought peppermint chips instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade peppermint chips infuse more intense flavor and a nice texture, store-bought peppermint chips work just fine and save some prep time without sacrificing too much taste.

Why do the cookies need to be rolled in both granulated and powdered sugar?

The granulated sugar gives the dough a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior, while the powdered sugar delivers that iconic crinkle look as it cracks during baking. Together, they create the perfect combination of texture and appearance.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is preferred here for its rich flavor and texture. Margarine or oil will change the taste and might alter the cookie’s softness and how they crack, so it's best to stick with real unsalted butter for this recipe.

How can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To veganize the Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe, you can use a flax egg or another egg replacement, dairy-free butter, and dairy-free white chocolate. Keep in mind texture may differ slightly but they will still be delightful!

What if I don’t have peppermint extract on hand?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you could try using a small amount of crushed peppermint candies folded into the dough for a similar effect, though it won’t replace the pure peppermint flavor completely.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy chocolate crinkle cookie with little bursts of peppermint magic tucked inside, and this Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that joy. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a festive treat, this recipe will become a staple you reach for again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these happy bites with your favorite people!

Peppermint Chip Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need