Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (The Ultimate Christmas Treat!)
If you could capture the essence of Christmas in a single bite, it would be these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. As seen in the photos, these are not your average flat, crispy cookies. They are thick, soft-baked, and absolutely loaded with festive mix-ins. We combine the richness of dark chocolate, the creaminess of white chocolate, and the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes for a flavor profile that is both rich and bright.
The texture here is everything. The base is a classic buttery vanilla dough that stays soft in the center while getting just slightly crisp on the edges. When you take a bite, you get the snap of the chocolate chips followed by the sticky, chewy pockets of melted peppermint candy. It is the perfect cookie to leave out for Santa (or keep all to yourself).
Secrets to the Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why It Works
This recipe works because of the “double chocolate balance.” The dark chocolate provides a bitter counterpoint to the sweet dough, while the white chocolate adds a milky creaminess that mimics the flavor of hot cocoa. Visually, the “confetti effect” of the crushed candy canes makes them look festive without needing messy frosting or sprinkles. The candy canes also add a unique “sticky crunch” texture that you can’t get from peppermint extract alone.
A specific technique visible in the photo is the “clustered top.” By reserving a few chocolate chips and candy pieces to press onto the top of the dough balls before baking, you ensure every cookie looks professional and appetizing, with the ingredients clearly visible on the surface.
Chef’s Tips
- Crushing the Canes: Don’t pulverize your candy canes into dust. You want small, distinct chunks like the ones shown in the image. Place them in a ziplock bag and gently whack them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
- Parchment Paper is Mandatory: The sugar in the candy canes will melt and caramelize on the hot pan. If you don’t use parchment paper or a silicone mat, the cookies will stick aggressively to the baking sheet.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep them soft and chewy like the photo, pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will finish cooking on the hot baking sheet as they cool.
Serve these warm with a glass of milk or pack them in tins for the ultimate holiday food gift.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of white bread in the container to keep them soft. You can also freeze the baked cookies or the raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
Substitutions
Candy Canes: If you can't find candy canes, you can use store-bought "peppermint crunch" baking bits or crushed starlight mints. Chocolate: Feel free to use milk chocolate chips instead of dark if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Extract: For an extra minty kick, add 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract to the dough along with the vanilla.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature
1/3 cup, packed
1/2 cup
1 large, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp
1 1/2 cups, spooned and leveled
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
3/4 cup
3/4 cup
5, crushed into small chunks (or 1/3 cup peppermint crunch)
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (essential for the sticky candy).
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix on low speed just until streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes by hand using a spatula.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop) and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Optional: Press a few extra chocolate chips and candy pieces on top for looks.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes (the candy canes need time to set up), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies (The Ultimate Christmas Treat!)
If you could capture the essence of Christmas in a single bite, it would be these Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. As seen in the photos, these are not your a
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (essential for the sticky candy).
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Mix on low speed just until streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes by hand using a spatula.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (or use a cookie scoop) and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Optional: Press a few extra chocolate chips and candy pieces on top for looks.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes (the candy canes need time to set up), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Baking Sheets
- Ziplock Bag & Rolling Pin
Recipe Tags
Welcome to Cozy Bites Kitchen
At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
LEARN MORE
