Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. These delightful cookies combine the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the refreshing taste of crushed candy canes. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them at home, these cookies will surely bring joy to any occasion. Their soft and chewy texture makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and chocolate creates a unique taste that captures the spirit of the holidays.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up without fuss.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share with friends, family, or coworkers; they make a great gift!
• Versatile Enjoyment: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The delightful mix of textures and flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove your cookies after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect cookie consistency.

Ingredients

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are as festive as they are delicious. Loaded with dark chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, these holiday cookies are as soft and chewy as your favorite chocolate chip cookie!

Ingredients:
– 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cool room temperature)
– 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg (room temperature)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (See notes below for measuring)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate bar or chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
– 1/4 cup candy canes (crushed in small pieces, plus more for topping)

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda until almost combined. Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

Scoop dough into balls using about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours until frozen solid; overnight is recommended for best flavor!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C). Bake frozen cookies spaced at least 2 inches apart for about 9-10 minutes. They should look pale but slightly underbaked when you pull them out since they will firm up while cooling.

Step 6: Decorate with Extra Candies

Press additional candy cane pieces and dark chocolate chips onto the tops of each cookie before cooling. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!

Step 7: Store Leftover Cookies

Store any leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can keep frozen cookie dough balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to one month; after that time, candy canes may melt into the dough.

Now you’re ready to delight your guests with these amazing peppermint chocolate chip cookies!

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your peppermint chocolate chip cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness and add a relaxing touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Brownies: Pair your cookies with fudgy brownies for an indulgent treat.
• Fruit Tarts: Fresh fruit tarts offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Mini Cheesecakes: The creamy texture of mini cheesecakes makes them an excellent companion.

Gift-Worthy Packaging

• Cute Boxes: Place cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
• Cellophane Bags: Wrap cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a charming presentation.

How to Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating the perfect peppermint chocolate chip cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some key tips to ensure your cookies come out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring thicker, chewy cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary.
• Add Toppings After Baking: Press additional candy cane pieces on top immediately after baking for visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

To complement your peppermint chocolate chip cookies, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance your dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs well with warm cookies for a classic treat.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves into melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
3. Whipped Cream: Serve with dollops of whipped cream for added richness.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness while adding freshness.
5. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast.
6. Nut Mixes: Spiced or sweet nut mixes provide crunch and texture alongside your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peppermint chocolate chip cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use butter at cool room temperature for fluffy results.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the flavors develop and keeps cookies from spreading too much. Don’t skip this crucial step; aim for at least 3-4 hours in the freezer.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Not adjusting baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and pull them out when they look pale but set; they’ll firm up while cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for about a week.

Freezing Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen, stored in a single layer with parchment paper between them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm individual cookies on low power for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding peppermint chocolate chip cookies.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free peppermint chocolate chip cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I add nuts to these peppermint chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

How can I customize my peppermint chocolate chip cookies?

Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed candy canes or even add your favorite extracts like almond or mint for extra flavor.

What if I don’t have candy canes?

You can use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes. Add about half a teaspoon to the dough for a minty flavor without the crunch.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint chocolate chip cookies are not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. With their soft texture and delightful minty flavor, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!