What’s the holiday season without the perfect batch of cookies to warm your heart and brighten your festivities? These Easy Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. With a buttery base, melty chocolate, and refreshing pops of crushed candy canes, this recipe brings all the festive vibes.

Whether you’re baking for family, a cookie exchange, or just yourself, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Let’s get started on crafting a sweet holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: Peppermint and chocolate make the perfect holiday pairing.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master these cookies.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp edges, soft centers, and melty chocolate chips make every bite irresistible.
• Customizable: Add more chocolate or adjust the peppermint for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Easy Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

For the Cookie Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	12 tablespoons (168 g)
Light brown sugar (packed)	1 cup (200 g)
Granulated sugar	¼ cup (50 g)
Large egg (room temp)	1
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour	2¼ cups (270 g)
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Fine sea salt	1 teaspoon
Dark chocolate chips	¾ cup (90 g)
Crushed candy canes	¼ cup (40 g)

For Decoration

Ingredient	Purpose
Additional chocolate chips	For topping
Extra candy cane pieces	For topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
2. Use a hand or stand mixer to cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

2. Mix in Wet Ingredients

1. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
2. Mix on low speed until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
3. Mix until almost fully combined (the dough will look slightly dry but will come together).

4. Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint

1. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula.
2. Ensure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop, Chill, and Bake

5. Scoop and Chill the Dough

1. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls.
2. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 3-4 hours. For best results, chill overnight.

6. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the dough chills.

7. Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange the frozen cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 9-10 minutes. The cookies will look slightly pale and underbaked but will continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Decorate and Cool

1. While the cookies are still warm, press a few extra chocolate chips and candy cane pieces onto the tops for a festive look.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling enhances the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies from the oven when they still look underdone to ensure soft, chewy centers.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Dark chocolate bars chopped into chunks melt better than store-bought chips.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Style: Serve with a glass of cold milk.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Add them to a festive spread with other seasonal treats like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• Gift-Worthy: Package them in holiday tins or cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with a scoop of peppermint ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

Storage Method	Duration
At room temperature (baked)	2-3 days in an airtight container
Freezer (cookie dough balls)	Up to 1 month

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Total Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	1g

FAQs About Easy Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes! Substitute ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for crushed candy canes to infuse peppermint flavor.

2. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

Use a tablespoon to portion the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, then roll them by hand.

3. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with peppermint for a sweeter flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the candy canes from melting?

Freeze the dough before baking, and avoid overmixing the candy cane pieces to keep them intact.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.

6. Can I skip chilling the dough?

Chilling is essential for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, chill the dough for at least 1 hour.

Creative Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the baked cookies for extra decadence.
• Minty Marshmallow: Place a mini marshmallow on each cookie during the last 2 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
• Festive Colors: Use red and green sprinkles instead of candy canes for a fun twist.
• Nutty Peppermint: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Conclusion: A Holiday Classic to Savor

These Easy Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of holiday flavors in a single, irresistible treat. They’re the perfect addition to your baking lineup, whether you’re spreading holiday cheer or enjoying a cozy evening at home.

So, grab your apron, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your kitchen. Once you try these festive delights, you’ll want to make them every year!

Print