Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies blend the delightful flavors of mint and chocolate for a delicious treat that warms the heart. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet indulgence. With a soft, chewy texture and a burst of peppermint, they bring joy and comfort with every bite. Whether you enjoy them on your own or share them with friends and family, these cookies promise to please everyone.
Why We Love This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’ll love Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for many reasons. First, the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste experience that stands out. This duo often reminds us of the festive season, making it a great treat for holiday gatherings. The cookies are easy to make and require common ingredients, so you won’t need to hunt for anything special. Moreover, the chewy texture balances perfectly with the chocolate chips, resulting in a cookie that melts beautifully in your mouth. This recipe is also versatile; you can easily adapt it to fit your personal preferences, whether you like more minty flavor or additional chocolate. Lastly, these cookies are perfect for gift-giving; many people appreciate homemade treats, especially ones that taste as good as these.
Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful experience that can enhance any gathering. These cookies are perfect on their own, warm out of the oven, or cooled for a classic treat. To elevate your serving experience, consider placing a stack of cookies on a festive plate, accompanied by a glass of milk or hot chocolate. This combination refreshes the traditional milk and cookies pairing, especially when you enjoy the rich chocolate and refreshing mint together. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top before serving can create an appealing display. For a fun twist, you can sandwich two cookies with a layer of peppermint-flavored cream cheese frosting. This makes for a visually appealing, indulgent treat that is sure to impress your guests. You can also portion the cookies into festive bags or boxes for easy giving, making them a thoughtful gift idea during the holidays or any occasion.
Expert Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
To ensure your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, always use softened butter; this helps create a creamy texture that makes the cookies light and airy. If you forget to take out the butter in advance, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds—just be careful not to melt it. For the best flavor, opt for pure peppermint extract rather than imitation. This simple change can elevate the taste significantly. You may also consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps to prevent spreading and allows the flavors to meld together better, resulting in a richer taste. Monitor your baking time closely; every oven is different. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden brown, as they will continue to cook slightly while cooling on the baking sheet. Finally, experiment with the amount of chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to customize the cookies according to your taste.
How to Store Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies properly ensures they remain fresh and delicious. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. Once cooled, you can place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This container will keep them soft and chewy for up to one week. If you prefer them even fresher, you can freeze the cookies. To do this, layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Label the container with the date, and the cookies can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.
Variations of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can customize Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in several delightful ways. One popular variation is to use different types of chocolate chips. Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even mint-flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist. Mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans can also add flavor and texture. For a richer mint taste, increase the amount of peppermint extract. If you want a different texture, consider making peppermint chocolate chip bars instead of drop cookies. Follow the same base recipe but spread the dough in a greased baking dish and adjust the baking time. Shaping the cookies into festive holiday shapes using cookie cutters can add a fun and playful element, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Another option includes adding a layer of peppermint bark on top of the cookies once they come out of the oven for an appealing visual effect and an extra minty crunch.
FAQ about Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
You might wonder about some common questions regarding Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. First, can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, then cover and refrigerate it for up to three days. This allows you to bake fresh cookies anytime. If you’re curious about the taste, how minty are these cookies? The amount of peppermint extract you choose will define how strong the mint flavor is. If you prefer a milder taste, start with less and adjust to your liking. Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candies? Yes, you can easily omit the crushed candies and rely solely on the extract for flavor. Lastly, what should I pair these cookies with? They’re fantastic with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Enjoy your baking adventure with these delightful cookies!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened butter for a creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract Opt for pure peppermint extract for best flavor.
- 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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