Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat

The aroma of freshly baked cookies, especially during the holiday season, is truly magical. And what better way to evoke that festive spirit than with these irresistible Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies? These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite. The perfect balance of crisp edges, chewy centers, and the delightful combination of rich chocolate chips and refreshing peppermint creates an unforgettable cookie experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cookie, the cool peppermint notes cutting through the sweetness of the chocolate and the brown sugar – pure holiday bliss! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare yourself for a flurry of compliments and requests for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is a winner for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The instructions are clear and concise, guiding you through each step with ease. You won’t find any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here. The result? Perfectly delicious cookies every single time, without the stress and fuss.

Secondly, these cookies are incredibly versatile. The basic recipe provides a delicious foundation that can be easily customized to your liking. Want to add a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast? Go for it! Prefer a different type of chocolate? Feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your signature Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie. This adaptability makes this recipe perfect for experimenting and discovering your preferred flavor profile.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are undeniably delicious. The combination of creamy butter, rich brown sugar, and decadent chocolate chips creates a cookie base that is simply irresistible. The addition of crushed candy canes introduces a refreshing peppermint flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmony of taste that is both unique and unforgettable. The cookies achieve the perfect balance of chewy and crisp, offering a satisfying textural experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness and ease of preparation, there are many compelling reasons to make these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re a perfect holiday treat, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. The vibrant red and white specks of crushed candy canes add a festive touch, making these cookies visually appealing as well as incredibly tasty. This recipe is an excellent opportunity to involve your loved ones in the baking process, creating lasting memories in the kitchen while enjoying the delightful aroma of peppermint and chocolate filling your home.

Furthermore, these cookies make fantastic gifts. Imagine the joy on someone’s face when they receive a jar filled with these festive treats. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, teacher gifts, or simply to share with your neighbors. The delightful peppermint and chocolate combination is sure to brighten anyone’s day. And because they freeze well, you can easily make a large batch and enjoy them throughout the holiday season (or beyond!).

Last but not least, these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a great opportunity to practice your baking skills. They’re a fantastic recipe for honing your techniques, from creaming butter and sugar to achieving the perfect bake. The detailed instructions and tips provided in this recipe will guide you every step of the way, helping you build your confidence in the kitchen. Once you master these cookies, you’ll be ready to tackle even more complex baking challenges!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you embark on this delicious journey of making Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and utensils. Having everything prepared beforehand will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.

• Primary Ingredients:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – This is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy cookie dough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The structural component of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Creates a light and airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The classic cookie addition for extra chocolatey goodness.
• 1 cup crushed candy canes – The star ingredient that provides that festive peppermint punch! (Reserve some for garnish)
• Secondary Ingredients (Optional):
• Sea salt – A pinch adds a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
• Different types of chocolate chips – Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
• Extra peppermint extract – For an even more intense peppermint flavor.
• Utensils:
• Large mixing bowls (at least two)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) – Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
• Whisk – For combining dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cookie scoops or spoons – For consistent cookie size.
• Wire rack – For cooling the cookies.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these amazing Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Remember, precision is key in baking, so follow these instructions carefully for optimal results.

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. **Don’t skip this step!**
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer comes in handy! Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies. **Beat for at least 3-5 minutes until light and airy.**
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. **Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.**
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients to avoid lumps, ensuring that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. **Don’t over-whisk; just until combined.**
5. Gradually Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. **Be careful not to overmix!** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until there are no visible streaks of flour.
6. Add Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Be gentle to avoid breaking the candy canes too much. **Remember to reserve some crushed candy canes for garnish!**
7. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. This allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much. **Aim for about 2 inches between each cookie.**
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on your cookies. **Start checking for doneness at 9 minutes.**
9. Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cooled, garnish with extra crushed candy canes if desired. **Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!**

Tips and Variations

While this recipe provides a fantastic base for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, feel free to experiment and personalize them to your taste. Here are a few tips and variations to enhance your baking experience:

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies with crisp edges, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Use Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or peppermint for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Avoid Overbaking: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the minimum baking time.
• Properly Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. This is vital for proper creaming and achieving a light and fluffy dough.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While indulging in these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful treat, it’s also helpful to be aware of their nutritional value. A single cookie (approximately 30g) contains approximately:

(Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and measurements. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your recipe adjustments.)

• Calories: 150-180
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Sugar: 10-15g

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Butter: Provides flavor and richness; source of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a richer flavor compared to white sugar.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add richness and nutrients.
• Chocolate Chips: Source of antioxidants (flavonoids) and a mood booster.
• Peppermint: Can aid digestion and has refreshing properties.

FAQs

Conclusion

These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The perfect blend of sweet chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and the satisfying chewiness makes them irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, guaranteeing delicious results. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a batch of these festive treats that will delight everyone who tries them. Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us in the comments below! And if you love holiday baking, check out our other recipes, like these Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies for a different festive flavor! Happy baking!

Share this recipe with your friends and family on social media using #PeppermintChocolateChipCookies. We can’t wait to see your creations!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Festive and delicious peppermint chocolate chip cookies, perfect for the holidays! These cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Baking Sheets
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2.25 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Crushed Candy Canes (reserve some for garnish)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
• Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
• Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with extra crushed candy canes (optional).

Notes

For extra peppermint flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keyword chocolate chip, Christmas, cookies, easy, holiday, peppermint, recipe