If the holidays had a flavor, it would taste just like these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft, buttery, and packed with rich chocolate chips and cool peppermint crunch, they’re the perfect festive treat to brighten any cookie platter. Every bite bursts with nostalgic joy and seasonal sparkle—they look stunning with their crushed candy cane topping and taste even better than they look.

What makes these cookies special is their texture. You get crispy edges, gooey chocolate pockets, and peppermint shards that melt just enough to infuse the dough with a fresh, minty punch. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and freeze beautifully—ideal for parties, cookie swaps, or simply snacking with a warm mug of cocoa.
Can I Use Any Type of Peppermint for These Cookies?
You’ll want to use classic peppermint candy canes or starlight mints. Crush them finely so they melt into the cookie dough but still leave a satisfying crunch on top. Avoid soft peppermint puffs, which will dissolve too much and affect texture.
Ingredients for the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and that classic chewy cookie base.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A blend of the two gives depth, moisture, and perfect sweetness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to chewiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Balances the minty flavor with warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and chew.
- Baking Soda & Salt: Lifts and balances the dough.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark for the best contrast with peppermint.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds festive flair, crunch, and flavor on top and in the dough.
How To Make the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step creates the base for that soft, chewy texture.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg will help bind the dough while vanilla adds depth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Stir in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint. Don’t overmix—you want those chips and peppermint evenly spread.
Step 5: Scoop and Top
Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a few extra chocolate chips and crushed peppermint bits on top of each for a bakery-style look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers may still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Serve and Store Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best served slightly warm with melted chocolate still soft and the peppermint bits just slightly crunchy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness.
What to Serve With Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
The perfect cozy match to enhance the peppermint flavors.
Peppermint Mocha
Double up on minty goodness with a festive latte.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Make a dessert sandwich for a crowd-pleasing winter treat.
Eggnog
Balance the crisp mint with this creamy holiday classic.
Spiced Apple Cider
The warmth and spice pairs surprisingly well with the cool peppermint.
Chocolate Fondue
Dip half the cookie for a gourmet twist.
Irish Coffee
For adult gatherings, this pairing adds a rich, warm finish.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet favorites:
- Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies for a fun shortcut holiday version.
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies for chocolate lovers who want more intensity.
- Twix Cookie Cups if you love candy-bar inspired bakes.
- Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a vintage twist.
- Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie if you want a fruity, rich dessert combo.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use candy canes or classic mints? Did you add white chocolate chips or stick with dark?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
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Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are your go-to holiday cookie with a delightful twist! Perfectly chewy with rich pockets of chocolate and a refreshing burst of crushed peppermint, they balance warm and cool flavors in every bite. They’re festive, easy to make, and ideal for cookie swaps, cozy evenings, or adding some sparkle to your dessert table. Whether you need a quick dessert, an easy recipe for cookie exchanges, or a sweet snack to enjoy with hot cocoa, this is one of those must-save dessert ideas. These cookies also make a great addition to winter brunch spreads or holiday dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint.
6. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Press extra chocolate chips and peppermint on top of each cookie.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set.
9. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For best peppermint crunch, use crushed candy canes or starlight mints—not soft mints.
Slightly underbake the cookies for ultra chewy centers—they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: holiday cookies, peppermint chocolate chip cookies, easy Christmas cookie recipe
