Peppermint Cookies

There’s something magical about that first bite into a peppermint cookie. The soft chew, the cool tingle of crushed peppermint, and the sweet melt of white chocolate chips all come together in a single bite that feels like holiday spirit in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or just want something festive for your family, these peppermint cookies are a delightful treat that brings a cozy, wintery vibe straight to your kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a snowy December afternoon when the craving for something minty, sweet, and home-baked struck all at once. With a steaming cup of cocoa in hand and holiday music humming in the background, I whipped up a batch using leftover candy canes and a bag of white chocolate chips. It was love at first bite — and they’ve been part of our annual holiday baking tradition ever since.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Peppermint has long been a classic winter flavor, with roots tracing back to European traditions where mint was used for both medicinal and festive purposes. The pairing of peppermint and chocolate or vanilla has become a staple in American holiday baking. These cookies are a playful twist on that heritage combining nostalgic candy cane crunch with a soft, buttery cookie base, perfect for holiday gatherings or just a little seasonal indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Cookies

These cookies are more than just a pretty treat. They offer an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that are sure to charm everyone who tries them.

Versatile: Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and leftover holiday candy.

Quick and Easy: No fancy steps or chill time mix, scoop, and bake.

Customizable: Add dark chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flair.

Crowd-Pleasing: The flavor combo is universally loved, especially during the holidays.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and freeze in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Great for Leftovers: Crumble over ice cream or add to a festive dessert board.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting the perfect texture and balance of flavor in these cookies is all about a few simple tricks.

• Use room temperature butter for the smoothest dough texture.
• Slightly underbake for that soft, chewy center they’ll finish on the tray.
• Crush peppermint candies gently to avoid a powdery texture.
• Fold in chocolate chips at the end for an even distribution.
• Let cookies cool fully before storing to keep them crisp on the outside.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to whip these up just a few basics from your baking drawer.

Mixing Bowls: For blending the wet and dry ingredients separately.
Hand or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze.
Spatula: For folding in those crushed peppermint bits and chocolate chips.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies cool evenly without overbaking.

Ingredients in Peppermint Cookies

These ingredients come together in sweet harmony, balancing richness and freshness in every bite.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened). Adds richness and structure to the cookie.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Brings sweetness and that classic cookie bite.
3. Brown Sugar: ½ cup (packed). Adds moisture and a caramel note.
4. Eggs: 2 large. Binds everything together for the perfect chew.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons. Enhances all the flavors.
6. Peppermint Extract: ½ teaspoon. Gives the cookies their minty kick.
7. All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups. Provides the structure and base.
8. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and sharpness.
10. Crushed Peppermint Candies: ¾ cup. Adds a festive crunch and flavor burst.
11. White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup. Melty, creamy contrast to the mint.

Ingredient Substitutions

Running low on something? Here are a few easy swaps.

Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a natural touch.
Peppermint Extract: Try mint extract, but use less since it’s stronger.
White Chocolate Chips: Swap in semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free baking mix for a GF version.
Butter: Use vegan butter sticks for a dairy-free option.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peppermint Candies: Crushed candy canes or starlight mints are perfect for this recipe. They bring not only mint flavor but also visual appeal with their red swirl.

White Chocolate Chips: Their creamy sweetness balances the coolness of the mint and adds pockets of melty goodness.

Instructions for Making Peppermint Cookies

This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps and let the scent of peppermint fill your kitchen.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Gently fold in crushed peppermint and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are just set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Enjoy warm with hot cocoa or cool and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies have it all. The texture is soft and chewy with the occasional crunch of peppermint. The sweetness of the cookie dough is mellowed by the coolness of the mint, while the white chocolate melts just enough to keep things luscious and indulgent. Each bite is a harmony of warm and cool, soft and crisp.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A little know-how goes a long way with these festive treats.

• Use parchment to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
• Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft to scoop.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour it keeps them tender.
• Sprinkle extra white chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.

What to Avoid

Here are a few common missteps to steer clear of for cookie success.

• Overbaking: They firm up as they cool, so pull them early.
• Using peppermint oil instead of extract: It’s much stronger and can overpower.
• Not spacing cookies enough: They spread, so leave room to breathe.
• Crushing the peppermint too fine: You want bits, not dust.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 190

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The beauty of these cookies is that they’re freezer-friendly and hold up beautifully. You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat anytime.

How to Serve Peppermint Cookies

Pair them with a mug of peppermint mocha or hot chocolate for a cozy winter dessert. Serve them on a holiday cookie platter or wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or use as a base for a festive ice cream sandwich.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let a single cookie go to waste here’s how to remix the leftovers.

• Crumble into vanilla yogurt for a peppermint parfait.
• Sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff or frosting for a holiday whoopie pie.
• Chop and stir into brownie batter or fudge for a festive twist.
• Turn into cookie crumbs and use as a crust for peppermint cheesecake bars.

Additional Tips

To keep things looking picture-perfect and bakery-style, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies right before baking. And if you like a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract by just a touch a little goes a long way.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is key. Stack the cookies high on a tiered stand, or arrange in a circle on a white plate with a few mini candy canes tucked between. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Add a sprig of mint or a candy cane stir stick on the side for that extra festive flair.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast.
• Mint-Chocolate Chip: Swap white chips for mint chocolate ones.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend.
• Double Peppermint: Add a few drops more extract for extra minty punch.
• Stuffed Center: Wrap the dough around a square of white chocolate or peppermint bark before baking.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use crushed candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
Yes, crushed candy canes work great. Just avoid crushing them too finely.

Q2: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Scoop into balls, freeze, then bake directly from frozen when ready.

Q3: How do I store them?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I make these without a mixer?
Yes, but creaming butter and sugar by hand takes more elbow grease.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just mix in batches to avoid overworking the dough.

Q6: Are these spicy like peppermint bark?
Nope. They’re sweet with a subtle minty coolness, not spicy.

Q7: Can I use food coloring for more red swirls?
Sure, add a drop of red gel food coloring if you like a festive look.

Q8: Can I use milk chocolate instead of white?
Yes, but white chocolate pairs better with the mint flavor.

Q9: How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Roll the dough lightly before baking and use a scoop for even size.

Q10: Are they good for gifting?
They’re perfect for gifting! Pretty, festive, and stay soft for days.

Conclusion

There’s just something special about peppermint cookies during the holidays. They’re cheerful, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment!), these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a little holiday magic. So go ahead preheat that oven and let’s make something delicious.

Print