Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 large eggs; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 large eggs

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 5: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are just set. Avoid over-baking to keep the cookies soft.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra peppermint flavor, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies before baking.

Use peppermint baking chips instead of crushed candies for a chewier texture inside.

Substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spreading and intensify flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but the peppermint extract is key to giving these cookies their distinctive refreshing flavor. You can substitute vanilla if you prefer a classic chocolate chip cookie taste.

How do I prevent the peppermint candies from melting too much?

Crushing the peppermint candies into small pieces helps them blend into the dough, but you can add some larger pieces on top just before baking. The baking time is short enough to keep some crunch while distributing the mint flavor.