Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Name: Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup salted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup salted butter (softened, for frosting); 2½ to 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); ⅓ teaspoon peppermint extract; Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 6, 2025

Delicious easy chocolate peppermint cookies on a rustic table

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are a festive treat that perfectly combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint. With a gooey center and slightly crisp edges, these cookies are utterly irresistible, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma of cocoa and mint. This recipe is not only simple but also captures the spirit of the holiday season, making it perfect for parties or cozy evenings at home. Plus, with minimal ingredients, whipping up a batch is a breeze!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are ideal for bringing joy during holiday gatherings or just satisfying a sweet tooth on a chilly afternoon. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes them a delightful addition to your dessert spread. They’re quick to prepare and versatile enough to suit any occasion—from festive celebrations to cozy family nights. You’ll appreciate how easy they are to make, and their unique flavors will have everyone coming back for more!

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

Embracing the essence of winter, this recipe highlights vibrant peppermint and rich chocolate, ingredients that bring warmth and joy during the colder months. The deep, dark cocoa powder adds a luscious shade of brown while the crushed candy canes offer a delightful pop of color that screams holiday cheer. Fresh peppermint extract elevates the dish with its invigorating aroma, filling your kitchen with a festive feel. Using seasonal ingredients not only enhances flavor but also supports sustainable practices by keeping your cooking local and fresh.

What You’ll Need

2⅓ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup salted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup salted butter (softened, for frosting)
2½ to 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
⅓ teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully textured cookie that is both soft and chewy. If you’re looking for dietary substitutions, consider using gluten-free flour or a dairy-free butter alternative to suit your needs!

How to Make This Recipe

Preheat the Oven

Set the scene for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Create the base: In a large bowl, toss in the salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy, creamy, and smells like cookie magic. Don’t forget to scrape the sides so every bit of goodness is mixed in!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Blend in the wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract. Mix just until everything comes together into a glossy, smooth batter.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix the powders: In another bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being gentle to avoid overworking the dough.

Add Chocolate Chips

Indulge with chocolate: Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips so each cookie is full of melty chocolate pockets.

Scoop and Bake

Shape and bake: Scoop generous portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space for each cookie to spread as it bakes. Bake for about 9 minutes; the edges should be set while the centers may still jiggle slightly. Allow them to rest for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

Whip up the frosting: While the cookies cool, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and salted butter together until silky and smooth. Add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it feels too soft to spread, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Frost and Garnish

Put on the finishing touches: Once your cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive crunch and extra sparkle. Because holiday cookies should always look as good as they taste!

Essential Tools

Mixing Bowls
Electric Mixer
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Cookie Scoops

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable, ensuring perfect results every time.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the cookie dough and freeze it for later use. Simply scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to two months. For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Perfect Pairings

Pair these Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a light peppermint tea to complement their rich flavors. For an indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the creamy texture to balance the cookie’s richness. Visually, the contrast of the white ice cream against the chocolate cookies creates an inviting presentation perfect for holiday gatherings!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry: If your dough feels crumbly, add a splash of milk until it softens.
Chocolate Coating Breaks: Always ensure melted chocolate is smooth and warm for a perfect drizzle.
Unevenly Shaped Balls: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and even baking.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
Texture Trick: For an extra chewy cookie, slightly underbake them, allowing them to continue firming up on the cooling rack.
Visual Appeal: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the frosting for an elegant presentation.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Mint Chocolate Swirl: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the frosting for a fun twist!
Nutty Surprise: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

This recipe contains gluten and dairy; however, you can easily adapt it for different dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour and a dairy-free butter alternative to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months in an airtight container.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a deeper flavor and pair nicely with the peppermint.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and opt for vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use peppermint essential oil or finely crushed peppermint candy for similar flavor.

How long should I bake the cookies?

Bake them for about 9 minutes or until the edges are set and centers still look a bit soft. They will continue to cook on the cooling rack.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! We’d love to hear how your baking experience goes, so feel free to share your creations or tag us on social media. For more sweet holiday treats, explore our dessert recipes!