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To make the perfect peppermint chocolate chip cookies, you need the right mix of ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus more for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies a holiday delight. The butter adds richness, while brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Eggs help bind everything together, giving the cookies their perfect texture. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt ensures a nice rise and balance in flavor. Chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy touch, while crushed peppermint candies give that festive crunch and refreshing flavor. Be sure to have a bit extra for garnish to make them look special! Gather these ingredients, and you are ready for a fun baking session. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick and makes clean-up easier. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. This keeps the cookies soft and chewy. Now, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Mix gently to ensure the chocolate and peppermint are evenly spread throughout the dough. The peppermint adds a nice crunch and festive flair. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra crushed peppermint candies on top of each dough ball for a bit more color and fun. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers stay soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful smell as they cool! To get that perfect cookie texture, start with soft butter. Leave it out for about an hour before baking. This makes it easy to cream with the sugars. Mix the butter with both sugars until fluffy. This step is key for light cookies. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract. Mix gently to keep the dough light. To boost the flavor of your cookies, try adding a few drops of peppermint extract. This gives an extra kick of minty taste. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. These small changes can make your cookies special. Just remember to use these extras in moderation. Watch out for common mistakes. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour disappears. Also, don't underbake them. The edges should be golden, but the center should still be soft. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them set up nicely. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture. Don't Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape. Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: For the best flavor, use fresh and high-quality peppermint candies. Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and vibrant color. {{image_2}} You can change the chocolate chips in your cookies. Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. White chocolate chips add sweetness and a fun twist. You can even mix different types for a unique flavor. An assortment of chocolates makes the cookies exciting. Consider adding nuts or other candies. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. You can also mix in M&M's or toffee bits for a sweet surprise. Each addition brings new flavors and textures to your cookies, making them fun to eat. If you need gluten-free cookies, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free treat, swap the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. Make sure to check that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free and dairy-free. These options keep the joy of baking alive for everyone. Store your peppermint chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. This way, they stay soft and tasty for about a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, try not to stack them. Use parchment paper between layers. For long-term storage, freezing is the best option. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, move the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want some, just thaw them at room temperature. To keep your cookies fresh, use parchment paper when stacking. This prevents sticking and helps maintain texture. Seal the container tightly to keep air out. You can also add a slice of bread in the container. This helps to keep the cookies soft by adding moisture. To make your cookies softer, start by using room temperature butter. It helps create a creamy texture. You can also add a bit more brown sugar. Brown sugar keeps cookies moist. Avoid overbaking. Take cookies out when they are lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool. Yes, you can use peppermint extract. It gives a strong flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon for each cup of flour. If you choose extract, cut back on the other sugars slightly. This keeps the balance right. You can still add some crushed candies for texture. If your dough is too sticky, add flour slowly. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix it in well. If you chilled the dough, it might help, too. Just wrap it in plastic and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle. These cookies last about one week at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. If you see any signs of mold or they smell off, throw them away. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving. This recipe guides you through making delicious cookies with simple steps. You learned about the key ingredients, like butter, sugar, and chocolate chips. We also covered mixing techniques, baking tips, and how to store your cookies. When you follow these steps, you can enjoy tasty cookies any time. Keep experimenting with flavors for unique treats. Happy baking!

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delicious cookies with a festive peppermint twist, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.5 cup granulated 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 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus more for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Optionally, sprinkle a few additional crushed peppermint candies on top of each dough ball for added festive flair.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but soft.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve on a festive plate and garnish with extra crushed peppermint candies for a colorful and inviting look. Consider wrapping a few in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon as a delightful gift!
Keyword chocolate chip, cookies, holiday, peppermint