Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies

Name: Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1 cup Sugar; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 2 1/3 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1/2 cup Butter (for frosting, softened); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened); 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract; Crushed Candy Canes; Optional: Candy Cane Peppermint Butter Mints

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 27, 2025

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Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies taste like a holiday dream come true! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy chocolate cookie topped with a creamy peppermint frosting. It’s a blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint that captures the joys of the season in each delicious bite. Baking these cookies becomes not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a chance to gather with family and friends, sharing laughs and creating memories in the kitchen.

The beauty is in their simplicity. Even if you’re a novice baker, this recipe is easy to follow with ingredients that you likely have on hand. Plus, they look festive and inviting, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies. You’ll soon find yourself snacking on them while listening to your favorite holiday tunes!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in the fabulous interplay between chocolate and peppermint. These two flavors create a delightful balance, truly capturing the holiday spirit. The rich chocolate flavors are perfectly complemented by the cool, refreshing peppermint, establishing a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

What’s even better is the creamy frosting that you get to slather on top of each cookie. The frost adds a luxurious texture, making each cookie feel special. Using both butter and cream cheese in the frosting elevates the taste well beyond the average cookie, turning it into a decadent treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are exceptionally attractive, with their vibrant frosting and festive candy cane topping. They evoke the joyful spirit of the holidays, making them a celebratory addition to any event. There’s something about their look that grabs attention and creates excitement in the room!

Plus, they are super easy to make! You won’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Most home bakers typically have what they need to whip these cookies up, so gathering supplies won’t stress you out.

Another fun aspect is how versatile the cookies are. Feel free to get creative! You can explore different toppings or variations in flavors, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences or holiday themes.

Ingredients

1 cup Butter (softened)
1 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2 1/3 cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Butter (for frosting, softened)
8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
3 cups Powdered Sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Crushed Candy Canes
Optional: Candy Cane Peppermint Butter Mints

Preparing the Dough for Cookies

Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. You’ll want to do this for about 4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets mixed well.

Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your buttery mixture. Mix it all up for an additional minute until everything is well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Now, sift together 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 1/3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Time to fold in the treats! Gently stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for that chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, place the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Keep each scoop about two inches apart. If you prefer flatter cookies, simply press the dough lightly before baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes. Be cautious not to overbake them; they will continue cooking a bit while cooling on the baking sheet. Once baked, let them cool completely.

Making the Peppermint Frosting

Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Beat this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it reaches a light, fluffy texture.

Add Sugar and Peppermint Flavor

Slowly add in the 3 cups of powdered sugar, starting with 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Taste and adjust by adding more peppermint extract to get your preferred flavor. Beat it for another minute until everything is nice and smooth.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to frost them! Generously spread the peppermint frosting atop each cookie, making them look and taste incredible.

Top with Crushed Candy Canes

Finish off these beauties by sprinkling crushed candy canes over the frosted cookies. This adds a festive crunch and a delightful pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies alongside a steaming cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy experience. They also look fantastic on a festive platter at your holiday gatherings, complementing any other sweet treats you may offer.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure all your ingredients—particularly the butter and cream cheese—are at room temperature. This helps them mix more thoroughly.

Remember, avoid baking longer than necessary. You want that lovely soft and chewy texture to stay intact!

Variations

Feel free to swap the crushed candy canes for chopped nuts or other holiday-themed candies for a fun twist.

You can also experiment with different flavored extracts like vanilla or almond in the frosting to change things up and explore unique flavor profiles.

Storage Tips

Store your Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the cookies without frosting, then ice them when you’re ready to serve.

Pairing Ideas

Enhance the experience by pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. The combination is indulgent and absolutely worth trying!

Another excellent pairing is a glass of cold milk, which beautifully complements the rich chocolate flavors of the cookies.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How can I make the frosting more pepperminty?
Simply add more peppermint extract into the frosting until you hit your desired level of flavor.

3. Can I skip the crushed candy canes?
Of course! The cookies are delightful on their own without the candy cane topping.

4. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

5. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, although the texture may differ somewhat.

Baking these Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies is a joy and a treat in itself. So whether you’re planning a holiday party or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Happy baking!