Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies – Easy Christmas Recipe
Few things say Christmas quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. And when you add the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint, you get a holiday treat that’s pure magic — Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
These cookies are the ultimate winter indulgence: chewy, buttery, filled with gooey chocolate chips, and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for that festive crunch. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, Santa’s cookie plate, or simply enjoying by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
This easy Christmas recipe requires simple ingredients, one bowl, and about 20 minutes total. Whether you’re an experienced baker or making your first batch of holiday cookies, these peppermint-infused delights are foolproof — and unforgettable.
🍪 Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Festive Flavor: The mix of peppermint and chocolate instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy in the center, slightly crisp around the edges.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry staples — nothing fancy required.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to make, decorate, and, of course, eat!
- Gift-Ready: Beautifully festive with red-and-white peppermint pieces.
🎄 Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus more for topping)
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined. - Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. - Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes
Stir in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed candy canes. - Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. - Add Peppermint Topping
While still warm, sprinkle a little extra crushed candy cane on top for color and crunch. - Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are golden.
- Sprinkle extra crushed candy cane on top while warm and cool on a wire rack.
Notes
🍫 Tips for Perfect Peppermint Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are soft — they’ll finish baking as they cool.
- Crush Candy Canes Gently: You want small bits, not peppermint dust.
- Chill Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Switch Chips: Try white chocolate or dark chocolate for a gourmet twist.
- Make Ahead: Freeze dough balls up to 2 months in advance for easy holiday baking.
🎁 Gift and Presentation Ideas
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies look just as good as they taste — perfect for gifting!
- Cookie Boxes: Line with parchment and add a festive ribbon.
- Mason Jars: Stack cookies and tie with red-and-white twine.
- Cookie Tins: Pair with a peppermint hot cocoa mix for a complete holiday treat box.
Attach a little note that says:
“Baked with love and a touch of peppermint cheer!”
🌈 Fun Variations
- Double Chocolate Peppermint: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base.
- Peppermint Bark Cookies: Drizzle melted white chocolate and top with crushed peppermint bark.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
🍪 Storing and Freezing
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
🎅 The Ultimate Christmas Cookie
If you only bake one cookie this Christmas, make it this one. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of cozy nostalgia and festive sparkle. Every bite brings a burst of cool peppermint against rich, melty chocolate — a combo that never gets old.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd, making gifts for friends, or treating yourself after wrapping presents, these cookies are guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite.
So, preheat your oven, grab some candy canes, and let the Christmas baking magic begin!
