Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic charm of chocolate chip cookies with a festive twist. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, only to discover bursts of peppermint and the rich flavor of dark and white chocolate chips. It’s a match made in heaven, especially during the holidays! These cookies are perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying on a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re whipping them up for guests or a sweet surprise for yourself, baking cookies is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. The fresh hints of peppermint really enhance the experience, making each bite feel festive and special. Ready to get baking? Let’s explore how to create these scrumptious Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Why This Recipe Works
A balance of flavors
This recipe truly shines because of the delightful blend of dark and white chocolate chips paired with crushed candy canes. The sweetness of the chocolate harmoniously balances with the refreshing minty notes, creating a flavor interplay that’s simply irresistible. Not to mention, the bright red and white candy canes add a visual appeal that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Textural delight
Now, let’s talk about texture. Chilling the dough is a key step that ensures these cookies will hold their beautiful shape. When they bake, they develop a lovely crunch on the outside while remaining chewy and soft on the inside. This contrast makes each cookie a well-rounded bite of happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Festive flavor
These cookies exude festive flavor, making them a holiday favorite that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The distinct peppermint flavor is refreshing, yet comforting, capturing the spirit of the season perfectly. Imagine sharing these at a holiday party or giving them as gifts—your friends and family will adore them!
Simple process
What’s more, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, which means both seasoned bakers and beginners will find success. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering batch of cookies to enjoy.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed firmly
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (204 g)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dark or regular chocolate chips
- 5 candy canes, crushed (about ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
First things first, we’ll start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This crucial step adds air into the batter and helps create that tender texture we’re aiming for.
Incorporating the Egg and Vanilla
Next, let’s add a splash of vanilla extract and toss in the egg. Beat the mixture briefly, just until the egg is fully combined. It should only take about 20 seconds. Remember, overmixing here could lead to cookies that are less soft, which is the opposite of what we want.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and baking soda. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are well mixed before we incorporate them into the dough. This step plays an important role in achieving cookies that bake evenly.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually fold in the dry mixture into the wet batter. It’s important to mix until just combined. Too much stirring can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid. Be gentle and patient—your effort will pay off!
Adding Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to add in the fun part—stirring in the white chocolate chips, dark or regular chocolate chips, and the crushed candy canes. The mixture should become a festive and colorful blend, full of sweetness and minty goodness.
Chilling the Dough
Cover the bowl with the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can keep it sealed tightly for up to 3 days. Just a tip: if the dough has been chilled longer than 2 hours, allow it to sit out for about 10-15 minutes before baking.
Baking the Cookies
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough into balls or use a cookie scoop to drop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly soft but slightly firm around the edges.
Shaping the Cookies
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, grab a round cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter to gently reshape them into perfect circles. This trick helps with presentation, making these treats look irresistible. Just be careful—avoid overbaking, and err on the side of slightly underdone.
Cooling the Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. This cooling period is essential as it allows them to set up beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm cookies with a refreshing glass of milk or a cozy hot cocoa for a perfect treat.
- For an indulgent dessert, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- To ensure the best results, make certain all ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; trust me, it’s crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Variations
- For a fun twist, swap out the white chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- If you love mint, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for an additional minty kick.
Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the types of chocolate chips you use, based on what you enjoy most. -
What can I substitute for butter?
You can easily substitute margarine or a plant-based butter alternative, if needed. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before you bake the cookies. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Keep an eye out for slightly golden edges. They will continue cooking while cooling on the baking sheet. -
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should yield similar delicious results in this recipe.
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just a holiday favorite; they bring joy to any occasion! With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re bound to be a hit at gatherings or as a cozy snack at home. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and bake a batch that’s sure to warm hearts and homes alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies combine the classic chocolate chip flavor with refreshing peppermint, offering a perfect treat for the holiday season and gatherings.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed firmly
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (204 g)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup dark or regular chocolate chips
- 5 candy canes, crushed (about ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and egg; mix briefly until combined.
- Whisk together flour, sea salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold dry mixture into wet batter until just combined.
- Stir in white and dark chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- Gently reshape cookies with a cutter immediately after baking.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a rack.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 15
