Name: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to Brighten Your Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Feel free to swap with gluten-free flour if needed.); 3/4 cups Dutch-processed cocoa powder (Natural cocoa powder works as a great substitute.); 1 teaspoon Baking soda (Make sure it's fresh for the best results.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt can add a lovely twist.); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.); 1 cup Brown sugar (Both light and dark brown sugar work beautifully.); 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (Coconut sugar can be a substitute for a lower glycemic index.); 2 large Eggs (Flax eggs can substitute if you're going dairy-free.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Choose pure extract for the best taste.); 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract (Feel free to omit for a classic double chocolate cookie.); 1 cup Chocolate chips (dark) (High-quality chocolate chips elevate this treat.); 1/2 cup Crushed peppermint candies (Colored sugar can work if you're out of candies.); 1 glass Glass of milk (Perfect for dipping.); 2 cups Hot cocoa (A cozy pairing for a winter treat.)

As I shuffled through my pantry last week, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint caught my eye, sending me straight into a cookie frenzy! There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, especially during the holiday season. Enter my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies—a treat that blends decadent chocolate with the uplifting aroma of peppermint, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. The best part? These cookies are super quick to whip up, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing friends at a holiday party, these cookies deliver warmth, joy, and a delightful texture that captures the spirit of celebration. Curious how to make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland? Let’s dive into this chocolatey adventure!

Why are these cookies a holiday must-have?

Irresistible combination: The fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint will have your taste buds dancing in delight.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can create a festive treat that’s ready in no time!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as thoughtful gifts. Everyone loves a sweet bite of chocolatey goodness!
Flexible Flavors: You can easily adjust the peppermint to suit your taste or even try a classic double chocolate version. If you enjoy wholesome, homemade treats, you might also like our Banana Oatmeal Cookies.
Comforting Texture: Each bite offers a fudgy, chewy experience that captures the essence of holiday coziness. Don’t forget to serve them warm with a glass of milk!

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to indulge in these festive delights!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Structure your cookies; feel free to swap with gluten-free flour if needed.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder – Provides a deep chocolate flavor; natural cocoa powder works as a great substitute.
Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Salt – Intensifies flavor; sea salt can add a lovely twist.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar – Delivers sweetness and moisture; both light and dark brown sugar work beautifully here.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and texture; you can substitute it with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; flax eggs can substitute if you’re going dairy-free.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor; choose pure extract for the best taste.
Peppermint extract – Gives a refreshing peppermint flavor; feel free to omit for a classic double chocolate cookie.
Chocolate chips (dark) – Adds richness and a gooey texture; high-quality chocolate chips elevate this treat.
Crushed peppermint candies – Provides a festive crunch; colored sugar can work if you’re out of candies.

For Serving (Optional)

Glass of milk – Perfect for dipping and enhancing the chocolate experience.
Hot cocoa – A cozy pairing to enjoy alongside your cookies for a winter treat.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent your cookies from sticking. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly baked Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, ensuring they come out warm and delightful.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This blend is essential to create a rich, chocolatey foundation for your cookies, so make sure there are no lumps. Once mixed, set this dry mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth, around 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. The mixture should appear light and fluffy, indicating that the sugars are well incorporated into the butter for those deliciously chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamy butter mixture, mixing well until fully combined. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The eggs will bind the cookie dough together while the vanilla adds a warm flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as you want your cookies to remain tender. The dough should form a thick, rich chocolate base, ready for those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips and lively peppermint pieces.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies using a spatula. This step ensures even distribution of the delicious additions throughout the cookie dough, enhancing each bite of your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with a rich chocolate flavor and a refreshing minty crunch.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps enhance the chewy texture and reduces spreading during baking. This wait is well worth it for those perfect holiday cookies that everyone will love!

Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. This spacing will allow the cookies to expand while baking, preventing them from merging into one another, ensuring that all your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies maintain their individual charm.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are firm yet the centers still appear soft. This timing produces a delightful contrast in textures, giving you that classic soft and chewy cookie experience every time you bake these festive treats.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This crucial resting period allows them to set properly, ensuring that your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies retain their perfectly chewy character while maintaining that irresistible fudgy center.

How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Fridge: If you prefer, refrigerate your cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps preserve freshness, but may also slightly alter texture after chilling.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, simply reheat chilled or thawed cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the melty chocolate chips beautifully!

Make Ahead Options

These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its rich texture and flavor. Just scoop and bake as outlined in the recipe, adjusting the baking time by 1-2 minutes if the dough is cold. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have warm, delightful cookies fresh from the oven whenever you crave a sweet treat!

What to Serve with Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Delight in the perfect harmony of flavors and textures as you create a memorable meal featuring these irresistible cookies.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: The warmth and creaminess of hot cocoa enhance the chocolatey experience while adding a cozy touch. A sprinkle of extra peppermint on top mirrors the cookie flavors beautifully, making for a festive drink.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies for a classic pairing. The ice cream’s coolness offsets the warm, fudgy cookie, creating a mouthwatering contrast you won’t forget.
Peppermint Tea: Enjoy a warm cup of peppermint tea to refresh your palate. The fragrant notes of peppermint resonate with the cookies, enhancing the overall enjoyment of this holiday treat.
Nutty Biscotti: Serve with crunchy nutty biscotti for an elegant gourmet touch. The crunchy texture offers a satisfying contrast while the bites of nutty goodness beautifully balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy complement to the rich chocolate. Their tangy sweetness works harmoniously with the cookie’s minty flavor, creating a delightful dessert spread at your holiday gathering.
Fresh Fruit Platter: Include a colorful fruit platter featuring strawberries, oranges, and blueberries. Their natural sweetness and refreshing juiciness cleanse the palate after each chocolatey bite.
Whipped Cream Topping: For a fun and festive twist, add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Not only does it create a luscious experience, but you can also infuse it with peppermint for an extra layer of flavor.
Milk or Almond Milk: A classic glass of milk or almond milk is simply perfect for dipping. The smooth texture complements the rich, gooey cookies, making each bite an indulgent moment.
Spiced Almonds: Offer a bowl of spiced almonds for a crunchy, salty snack option. Their roasted flavor provides a savory balance to the sweet, decadent cookies, rounding out the dessert experience.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Customization Ideas

Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into these cookies for a delightful twist!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a rich, dairy-free version that’s just as decadent.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
Nutty Flavor: Include crushed walnuts or pecans instead of peppermint candies for a delightful nutty crunch. This adds a cozy warmth to your holiday spread.
Zesty Twist: Grate some orange zest into the dough for a beautiful citrusy flavor that complements the chocolate and mint wonderfully.
Peppermint Omission: For classic double chocolate cookies, simply leave out the peppermint extract and crushed candies for a sweet, luscious treat.
Spicy Kick: For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough to elevate the flavor profile.
Mix-In Madness: Enhance flavors by folding in dried cherries or cranberries for a festive fruity bite. The sweet tartness pairs well with chocolate!
Chocolate Variety: Feel free to mix different types of chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate—for a triple chocolate experience!

Looking to expand your cookie repertoire? You might also enjoy our rich and delightful Roll Sugar Cookies or the wholesome goodness of Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Happy baking!

Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes improves texture and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring perfect cookies.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor that elevates your Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies to decadent heights.
Peppermint Adjustments: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract; start with less and add gradually for a personalized minty kick.
Watch the Bake Time: For soft, chewy cookies, slightly underbake them. Aim for soft centers that can continue to cook on the baking sheet.
Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture, especially if you like them soft and chewy!

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Choosing the right peppermint extract is crucial for the flavor of your cookies. Look for pure peppermint extract, which provides a more genuine mint flavor compared to imitation extracts. Additionally, check the bottle for any added sugars or artificial ingredients; a simple ingredient list is often a good sign of quality.

How should I store leftover Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Very easy! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to maintain their chewy texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container with them. This will help retain moisture and keep your cookies delicious!

Can I freeze Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Absolutely! Freezing your cookies is a fantastic way to preserve them. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or a freezer bag, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or leave at room temperature for a couple of hours.

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to several factors, but don’t worry; here’s how you can fix it! First, make sure your butter wasn’t too warm when mixing; it should be softened, not melted. If this happens again, try chilling the dough longer before baking or adding a tablespoon or two more flour to regain some structure in your dough. This will create a thicker batter, helping those cookies maintain their shape.

Are these cookies safe for pets?
Definitely not! While these Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are delightful for humans, chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Be sure to keep these festive treats out of reach from your furry friends. If you’re baking for pets, consider making a separate, pet-safe snack instead!

Can I adjust the level of peppermint flavor in the cookies?
Oh, for sure! Adjusting the peppermint extract to suit your taste is easy. If you prefer a milder mint flavor, start with half the recommended amount and gradually add more, tasting as you go. This way, you can customize the mintiness to your preference, ensuring each batch is perfectly tailored to your palate!