Few things say “holiday season” like the magical combination of chocolate and peppermint. From steaming mugs of peppermint hot chocolate to candy cane-topped brownies, this flavor duo instantly brings warmth, nostalgia, and joy to the winter months. And when it comes to baked goods, Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are truly unbeatable.
Soft, chewy, and bursting with rich cocoa flavor, these cookies are laced with refreshing peppermint essence and dotted with melty chocolate chips and crushed candy canes for that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re planning a Christmas cookie exchange, holiday dessert platter, or simply craving something cozy, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new seasonal favorite.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Peppermint Chocolate Cookies — from the perfect recipe and ingredient substitutions to storage tips, creative twists, and expert baking secrets. Ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of chocolate and mint? Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies are so beloved:
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Festive Flavor: The blend of dark cocoa and cool peppermint instantly evokes the spirit of Christmas.
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Perfect Texture: Slightly crisp edges with a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
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Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is pantry-friendly and easy to find.
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Visually Stunning: A sprinkle of crushed candy canes adds sparkle and texture.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance and baked fresh anytime.
If you’re a fan of chocolate mint desserts like peppermint bark or thin mints, these cookies will be your next obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most delicious Peppermint Chocolate Cookies:
Dry Ingredients
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and chew.
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For deep, rich chocolate flavor.
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1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
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¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
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¾ cup brown sugar – For chewiness and depth of flavor.
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¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
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1 large egg – Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Complements both cocoa and peppermint.
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1 teaspoon peppermint extract – The key to that cool, refreshing flavor.
Add-Ins
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¾ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips – Melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
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¼ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies – For crunch, color, and festive flair.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). This step incorporates air and ensures your cookies have the perfect texture.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix — this keeps your cookies tender.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Candy Canes
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes with a spatula. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Chilling prevents spreading and deepens flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft — they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top (optional). Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Baking Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
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Use high-quality cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer color and deeper chocolate flavor.
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Don’t overbake. The cookies should look slightly underdone — that’s how you get that fudgy texture.
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Adjust peppermint intensity. For a lighter flavor, use ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. For extra minty zing, add up to 1½ teaspoons.
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Crush candy canes gently. Use a ziplock bag and a rolling pin — you want small shards, not powder.
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Make them extra festive. Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a bakery-style finish.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are delicious on their own but even better when paired creatively:
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With Hot Chocolate: Dunk into peppermint or mocha hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo.
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Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
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Gift Boxes: Stack in festive tins with red ribbon for homemade holiday gifts.
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Dessert Boards: Combine with truffles, bark, and brownies for a Christmas dessert spread.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week (though best at room temp).
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Freezer (Unbaked Dough): Scoop dough balls and freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1 extra minute of baking time.
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Freezer (Baked Cookies): Once cooled, freeze in layers with parchment between cookies for up to 2 months.
Recipe Variations
1. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Add white chocolate chips in addition to dark ones for a sweeter, creamier flavor contrast.
2. Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your candy canes are gluten-free too!
3. Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Use vegan butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
4. Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients — a coffee twist that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
5. Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking to create a snowy, crackled look.
How to Make These Cookies for Christmas Gifting
Baking is one of the most heartfelt gifts you can give during the holidays. These Peppermint Chocolate Cookies are perfect for sharing because they:
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Stay fresh for days
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Travel well
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Look beautiful in packaging
Gift-Wrapping Ideas:
🎁 Stack cookies in mason jars, wrap with twine, and attach a candy cane.
🎀 Use cellophane bags with printed holiday tags and handwritten messages.
🌲 Place assorted cookies in a tin lined with parchment paper for a professional touch.
You can even include a cute tag that says:
“Baked with love and peppermint cheer!”
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugar: 16g
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Protein: 2g
(Nutrition may vary based on brands and add-ins used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I skip the peppermint extract?
Yes! If you want a simple double chocolate cookie, just omit the peppermint extract and candy canes.
2. My cookies spread too much — what went wrong?
You probably didn’t chill the dough long enough. Always refrigerate before baking!
3. Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but be cautious. Peppermint oil is much stronger — use just a few drops.
4. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container. The bread absorbs excess air and keeps cookies moist.
Why Peppermint and Chocolate Are a Match Made in Heaven
This flavor pairing is no accident. Peppermint’s cooling menthol compounds contrast with chocolate’s rich, bittersweet notes, enhancing each other beautifully. The result? A perfectly balanced bite — indulgent yet refreshing.
Historically, peppermint was used in festive candies, symbolizing winter freshness and purity. When paired with chocolate, it became a staple in Christmas treats across the U.S. and Europe. So when you bite into these cookies, you’re not just enjoying dessert — you’re tasting a piece of holiday tradition.
Expert Tips for Hosting a Peppermint-Themed Dessert Party
Want to turn your baking into a full celebration? Here’s how to create a Peppermint Dessert Bar that’ll impress guests:
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Set the Mood: Decorate with red-and-white stripes, fairy lights, and mini candy canes.
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Create a Cocoa Station: Offer hot cocoa with peppermint stirrers and whipped cream toppings.
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Serve Variety: Include Peppermint Chocolate Cookies, Peppermint Bark, and Peppermint Fudge.
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DIY Decor: Let guests dip cookies in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.
It’s a simple yet magical way to celebrate the season.
Final Thoughts: The Cookie That Defines Christmas
If you could capture the essence of the holidays in one bite, it would taste like Peppermint Chocolate Cookies — a harmony of rich cocoa, cool peppermint, and sweet nostalgia.
They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cozy nights in, or edible gifts from the heart. With their festive flavor, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, these cookies will become a cherished part of your winter baking tradition.
