Description
Delight in these festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine classic chocolate chips with crunchy peppermint candies for a perfect holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and bursting with minty chocolate flavor, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aerates the dough for a tender texture.
- Add extracts and eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract for flavor. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them and create a smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dark chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies ensuring even distribution throughout the dough without breaking the candies too much.
- Portion dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: 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 and chewy.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps cookies set perfectly.
Notes
- For extra minty flavor, add a few drops of additional peppermint extract.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best mixing results.
- Crushing peppermint candies coarsely keeps a nice crunchy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint chocolate chip cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, festive cookies, mint chocolate chip cookies
