Nothing captures the magic of the holiday season quite like the combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and loaded with melty chocolate chunks and crunchy peppermint candy pieces. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet, chocolaty, and refreshing mint flavor.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, gifting homemade treats, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these festive cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Soft and chewy centers with crisp edges
– Packed with chocolate chunks and peppermint candy
– Perfect for holiday baking and gift boxes
– Easy to make with pantry staples
– Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
– 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
– ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
– Extra crushed peppermint for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. Sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint while the cookies are still warm, if desired.
Tips
– Don’t overbake—the cookies will continue to set as they cool.
– Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
– Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
– Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint tea. They also make wonderful holiday gifts when packaged in decorative tins or festive cookie boxes.
These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite holiday tradition. With soft centers, gooey chocolate, and refreshing peppermint in every bite, they’re the perfect treat for celebrating the season.