Name: The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened; 3/4 cup dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated white sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 26 reviews

If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly melds rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors, you have to try The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a soft and chewy texture that feels like a cozy holiday hug, loaded with deep cocoa goodness and topped with a dreamy peppermint buttercream frosting crowned with crushed candy canes. They are absolutely irresistible and guaranteed to become a favorite at every seasonal celebration or any time you want to add a bit of magic to your cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view shows eight white bowls and one small wooden dish arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top left is filled with white powdered sugar, next to it on the right is a smaller white bowl with broken pieces of pink and white crushed candy canes. Below, there is a white bowl filled with light beige flour in the center. To the right of the flour, three pale yellow softened butter sticks rest side by side. On the bottom left, there is a white bowl with fine white sugar. Near the center bottom, a tiny white bowl holds brown vanilla extract. Next to it on the right is a small dark bottle labeled peppermint extract. To the left of the vanilla, a white bowl is filled with dark brown cocoa powder. In the bottom right corner, a white bowl contains light brown soft brown sugar. At the center, a small round wooden dish holds two white piles of baking agents. A beige cloth rests in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint starts with simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a crucial role: the cocoa powder brings that rich chocolaty depth, while peppermint extract adds a festive brightness, and the crushed candy canes give a delightful crunch and sparkle.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundational ingredient giving your cookies structure and softness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender chewiness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for perfect texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
2/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder: Provides that rich, deep chocolate taste and luscious color.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moistness and richness for soft cookies.
3/4 cup dark brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and chewy texture.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star that adds that crisp, holiday peppermint freshness.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the buttercream frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s flavor just like in the cookies.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting): Ensures peppermint flavor throughout every bite.
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
1/3 cup crushed candy canes: Adds colorful, crunchy, peppermint-topped goodness.

How to Make The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and Dutch cocoa powder. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa, which sets the stage for flawless cookie texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process helps create the ultimate soft and chewy texture by incorporating air and blending the sugars well with the fat.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract with the butter and sugars mixture. These ingredients bring moisture, structure, and that signature holiday peppermint flavor we all adore in The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mixing by hand avoids overworking the dough, resulting in cookies that are tender without being tough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll into balls with your hands. Space them about two inches apart on the parchment paper to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set but the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

Beat the softened butter with vanilla and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on medium speed to create that perfectly sweet and fluffy buttercream. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag, then delicately pipe swirls onto each cooled cookie and finish by sprinkling crushed candy canes on top for that festive crunch.

How to Serve The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

The image shows two round dark brown chocolate cookies with a thick, soft texture. Each cookie is topped with one smooth, thick layer of white frosting swirled into a circular pattern. On top of the frosting, small rough pieces of red and white crushed candy cane are sprinkled. One cookie in the front has a large bite taken out, showing the soft inside. Near the cookies on the white marbled surface, there are more crushed candy pieces and part of a red and white candy cane. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with crushed candy cane pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a special touch, you can sprinkle an extra pinch of finely crushed candy canes just before serving to keep the peppermint flavor front and center. A light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate can also make these cookies truly dazzling at holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a classic mug of creamy eggnog. For those who prefer something lighter, a glass of cold milk is the timeless companion that brings out the rich cocoa flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter layered with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for holiday cheer. You can also stack a few on a dessert stand, alternating layers with thin peppermint bark slices for an impressive, themed dessert display. Gift them in a decorated tin or clear box for a delightful homemade holiday present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they maintain their moisture and softness without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Finished cookies with frosting can also be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a container once set, staying fresh for about 2 weeks.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the buttercream frosting and warms the chocolate, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but Dutch process will give the cookies a milder, less acidic chocolate flavor and a darker color that enhances the festive look.

How strong is the peppermint flavor in this recipe?

The peppermint extract is balanced to provide a refreshing accent without overpowering the chocolate. If you prefer a stronger peppermint kick, you can add a little more to the frosting or dough according to your taste.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To adapt this recipe, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a flax or chia egg. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the cookies will still capture that delicious chocolate and peppermint essence.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for the topping?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass. Be careful not to crush into powder to maintain that satisfying crunch on top.

Can I skip the frosting and still enjoy these cookies?

Absolutely! The cookies themselves are deliciously chocolatey and peppermint-infused. The frosting just adds an extra layer of indulgence and festive appeal, but these cookies shine on their own as well.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely believe that once you try The Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe, it will become your go-to for holidays and anytime you crave a sweet peppermint chocolate treat. The combination of textures and flavors is truly special, making each bite feel like a warm celebration. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake up some joyful memories!