Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Bake Time: ~10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Yield: ~24 cookies
Introduction
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with refreshing peppermint pieces throughout — a delightful holiday treat that combines deep chocolate flavor with cool mint crunch. These cookies are soft in the center with chewy edges and festive in both taste and appearance, perfect for cookie trays, parties, or cozy winter treats.
Why These Cookies Are So Loved
These cookies combine the best of chocolate and peppermint in every bite. The cocoa-rich dough provides a deep chocolate base, while peppermint pieces brighten the flavor and add a cool contrast. Melty chocolate chips lend even more decadence, making these cookies a holiday favorite for chocolate lovers and mint fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for texture)
For Mix-Ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces
- Optional: festive sanding sugar for topping
The Art of Making These Cookies
Great Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies start with a rich cocoa dough that’s soft and scoopable. Using both granulated and brown sugar creates a chewy texture, while folding in chocolate chips and peppermint pieces gives bursts of flavor and festive crunch. Chilling the dough briefly can help cookies bake up thick and chewy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
4. Add Egg & Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
If the dough feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach a softer texture.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate & Peppermint
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop & Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Optional: sprinkle a little festive sanding sugar on top for sparkle.
Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers appear slightly soft.
8. Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
These cookies are great served warm with milk or hot cocoa!
Tips for Best Results
- Use gelatin-free crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces for a crisp mint crunch.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added — overworking dough can make cookies tough.
- If peppermint pieces are large, chop them finer so they disperse evenly.
- For extra thickness, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Creative Variations
- Triple Chocolate Peppermint: add white chocolate chips along with semi-sweet and dark chips.
- Mint Mocha: add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: once cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top.
- Salted Peppermint: sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Holiday Sprinkle Top: add red and green sanding sugar before baking for festive color.
Storage & Freshness
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Conclusion
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich, festive, and full of holiday flavor — perfect for Christmas cookie trays, winter baking, or sharing with loved ones. With deep chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and melty chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
