Holiday Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie—soft, chewy, and packed with cool peppermint crunch and rich chocolatey goodness.

These cookies taste like Christmas cheer baked straight into every bite, making them a must-make treat for holiday parties, cookie boxes, and cozy nights with the family.

If there’s one cookie that instantly puts me in a festive mood, it’s these peppermint chocolate chip cookies. They’re soft, buttery, and loaded with big pockets of chocolate and little bursts of peppermint that feel like sweater weather in dessert form. My whole family loves these, and every December they magically disappear the minute they cool—my kids call them “the Christmas cookie that tastes like candy cane hot chocolate,” and honestly… they’re not wrong!

Ingredients and Why They Work

This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, using classic cookie ingredients with a holiday twist. Flour gives the cookies structure and that soft chewy bite. Baking soda and baking powder help them rise into those perfect bakery-style puffy cookies. Salt enhances the sweetness and brings out all the peppermint and chocolate flavors. Butter is the heart and soul here, giving richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sugar and brown sugar work together for sweetness, moisture, and the perfect soft-chewy middle. Vanilla adds warmth and balance to all the minty notes. Egg binds everything together and adds tenderness. Dark chocolate chips give you deep chocolate flavor in every bite. And crushed peppermint candy brings the sparkle, crunch, and holiday magic these cookies deserve.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350 and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and come off easily. Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—this gives you a smooth, even dry base so nothing clumps later.

In a second bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar and brown sugar until it’s pale and fluffy; this step is what gives your cookies their soft texture. Mix in the vanilla and egg until everything is silky and combined.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and stir until a thick dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint gently so every scoop has a little chocolate and a little crunch.

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop even rounds of dough on your baking sheet, leaving room for them to spread. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden—they’ll finish setting as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a rack to cool completely. Then try not to eat half the batch before you “officially” serve them. I struggle every time.

My Family Peppermint Cookie Tradition

Every year after Thanksgiving, my kids start asking, “Is it peppermint cookie season yet?” I grew up eating candy cane–covered everything around Christmas, and now it’s a whole vibe in our house. We throw on holiday music, “taste-test” the chocolate chips (because, you know… quality control), and turn our kitchen into a minty wonderland. These cookies always make it into our cookie tins, class parties, and Christmas movie nights. It’s the kind of recipe that just feels like home.

FAQs About Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

How do I keep the peppermint from melting?

Crush it into small but not powdery pieces—bigger bits melt less and give a better crunch.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! White chocolate goes beautifully with peppermint and gives a sweeter cookie.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen and just add an extra minute or two.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

They keep great for 3–4 days in an airtight container. The peppermint flavor even gets stronger overnight.

These cookies shine anywhere you bring them—holiday bake sales, potlucks, classroom parties, cookie boxes for neighbors, or just a quiet night baking with the kids while the tree lights glow. They make adorable gifts stacked in a clear bag with ribbon, and they pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha.

I love balancing the peppermint so it’s bold but not overwhelming, so kids and grown-ups can enjoy them without feeling like they just brushed their teeth. The combo of dark chocolate and peppermint hits that perfect holiday sweet spot, and the texture stays soft days after baking. They’re festive, fun, and totally foolproof—my kind of Christmas cookie.

If you’re ready for a cookie that tastes like the holidays in every single bite, you’re about to fall in love with these peppermint chocolate chip cookies. Happy baking!