Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (Printable Version)

Soft, chocolatey cookies brightened with peppermint and crushed candy, quick to prepare and perfect for holiday sharing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

→ Mix-ins

10 - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, plus extra for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
06 - Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - If desired, sprinkle extra crushed peppermint over the dough balls.
09 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers remain soft.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • You can pretend you made them just for the holidays, but they disappear just as fast in July.
  • The mix of cool peppermint and pools of melted chocolate is utterly irresistible—in fact, I regretted not doubling the batch the first time.
02 -
  • If you bake until they look fully done, they’ll be crunchy later—take them out earlier than you think.
  • Chilling the dough before baking makes the peppermint sharper and the shape picture-perfect.
03 -
  • Use room temperature butter to ensure even creaming and soft, thick cookies.
  • Sprinkle a light pinch of flaky salt on hot cookies out of the oven for an unforgettable finish.