Description
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic chewy texture of chocolate chip cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a festive treat. With a balance of sweet chocolate chips and cool peppermint flavor, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
Topping (Optional)
- 0.5 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy base for your cookie dough.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, then add the pure vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly until fully combined to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough, which could result in tough cookies.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add crushed peppermint candies (optional): Lightly press the crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie dough ball if using for that extra festive crunch and minty flavor.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them firm up to the perfect chewy texture.
Notes
- Make sure to use softened butter for the best creamy texture in your cookie dough.
- Pure peppermint extract is preferred to achieve the most authentic peppermint flavor.
- The crushed peppermint candies on top are optional but add a nice festive crunch and aroma.
- Do not overmix your cookie dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
