Easy Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat
These Easy Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are the perfect festive treat to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season. Combining rich chocolate chunks with refreshing peppermint, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The soft, chewy texture with crisp edges makes them irresistible, while the festive red and white peppermint pieces add a pop of holiday cheer.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking for a cookie exchange, or simply craving a cozy winter treat, these peppermint chocolate chunk cookies are sure to impress. They’re quick to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and the aroma of peppermint and chocolate filling your kitchen is simply magical. Plus, they make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in pretty tins or cellophane bags.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint with a hint of vanilla. The dark chocolate chunks provide depth while the peppermint adds a cool, festive note.
- Texture: Soft and chewy centers with slightly crisp edges, studded with melty chocolate chunks and crunchy peppermint pieces for delightful contrast.
- Aroma: The warm scent of baking cookies with minty freshness and chocolatey richness will fill your kitchen with holiday spirit.
- Visual Appeal: Festive red and white peppermint pieces peek through golden brown cookies, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginner bakers – simple techniques with guaranteed delicious results.
- Special Equipment: Just basic baking tools – mixing bowls, baking sheets, and an oven.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies
The combination of chocolate and peppermint in these cookies creates a classic holiday flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The rich chocolate chunks melt into gooey pockets while the peppermint provides a refreshing contrast, making each bite perfectly balanced. These cookies are soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape, with just the right amount of chewiness that cookie lovers adore.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. With just 15 minutes of prep time and common ingredients, you can have a batch of these festive cookies ready in no time. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require chilling, making them perfect for last-minute baking sessions when holiday cravings strike or unexpected guests arrive.
Nutritionally, these peppermint chocolate cookies offer some surprising benefits. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants, while peppermint may help with digestion. Of course, they’re still a treat, but using quality ingredients means you can enjoy them guilt-free in moderation. The recipe can also be easily adapted for various dietary needs with simple substitutions.
These cookies shine brightest when shared. Their festive appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor make them ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts. Package them in decorative tins with a holiday ribbon for a personal touch that shows you care. They’re also perfect for leaving out for Santa with a glass of cold milk!
Cost-effective and accessible, this recipe uses pantry staples with just a few seasonal additions. The peppermint candies are widely available during the holidays, and the chocolate chunks can be customized based on what you have on hand. This makes them an affordable yet impressive holiday baking project that won’t break the bank.
The Recipe
Easy Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Serves: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or wooden spoon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Additional crushed peppermint for topping (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint if desired.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
- For extra minty flavor, increase peppermint extract to 3/4 teaspoon.
- White chocolate chunks can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months – just scoop and freeze, then bake as needed.
