Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Introduction

Crisp edges, soft centers, and an indulgent chocolate aroma make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies the ultimate holiday indulgence. Each bite delivers rich cocoa flavor layered with melty chocolate and a refreshing peppermint crunch that wakes up the senses. These cookies feel festive yet familiar, perfect for cozy nights or cheerful gatherings. When you bake Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, you get bold chocolate intensity balanced by cool peppermint sparkle. You’ll learn how to achieve bakery-style texture, balanced sweetness, and a flawless finish every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it blends indulgence with simplicity. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies offer a luxurious chocolate base paired with bright peppermint notes, creating a contrast that feels special without extra effort. The texture stands out too. Expect crisp, crackled tops with tender, fudgy centers that melt on your tongue. This recipe uses everyday pantry staples and comes together in under an hour, which makes it ideal for busy baking days. You can bake a batch for holiday cookie swaps, gift boxes, or late-night cravings. The peppermint adds freshness, while the double chocolate base satisfies serious chocolate lovers. These cookies also freeze beautifully, so you can plan ahead. Once you taste them warm from the oven, you’ll understand why they disappear so fast.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on quality ingredients for maximum flavor and texture. Measure carefully for best results.

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened for a creamy dough
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar for sweetness and crisp edges
3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar for moisture and chew
2 large eggs, room temperature for even mixing
1 teaspoon (5 ml) peppermint extract for cool, festive flavor
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract to round out the chocolate
2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour for structure
3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate taste
1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda for lift
1/2 teaspoon (3 g) fine sea salt to balance sweetness
1 1/2 cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips for rich pockets of chocolate
1/2 cup (75 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for crunch

Pro Tips

Perfect cookies come down to technique. Follow these tips for consistent success.

First, cream the butter and sugars thoroughly. This step traps air and creates a lighter texture. Beat until pale and fluffy, not just combined. Second, measure cocoa powder correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Packed cocoa leads to dry cookies. Third, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents excessive spreading and intensifies flavor. If your kitchen feels warm, this step matters even more. Also, fold in peppermint gently to avoid overmixing. Overworked dough loses tenderness. Finally, slightly underbake the cookies. They finish setting on the tray, which keeps centers soft and fudgy.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes and creates the base for tender cookies.

Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated and fragrant.

Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes leavening evenly and prevents clumps of cocoa.

Step 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain to keep the dough soft.

Step 6
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula. Distribute them evenly without overmixing.

Step 7
Cover the bowl and chill the dough for 30 minutes. Chilled dough holds its shape and produces thicker cookies.

Step 8
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges look set and the centers appear slightly soft. Avoid overbaking for the best texture.

Step 10
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time helps them set while staying tender.

Variations

You can customize Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to suit different preferences. For a white chocolate twist, replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chunks. The sweetness pairs beautifully with peppermint. For a gluten-free option, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results stay chewy and rich. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add extra crushed peppermint on top before baking. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish. These variations keep the core recipe intact while offering flexibility for different diets and tastes. Fans of peppermint chocolate cookies will love experimenting with these options.

Storage and Serving

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding one extra minute to the baking time. Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea for a cozy treat. They also shine on holiday dessert platters or wrapped as edible gifts. Warm them slightly before serving to revive that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy?
Yes, but keep the candy for texture. Extract adds flavor, not crunch.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough causes spreading. Chill the dough and check oven temperature.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for easy planning.

Do these cookies taste very minty?
The peppermint stays balanced and refreshing, not overpowering.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Slight reductions work, but too little sugar affects texture and spread.

Conclusion

This Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe is comfort food at its finest — rich, fudgy, and kissed with cool peppermint freshness. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to holiday gatherings, fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma, and turns simple moments into sweet memories.