Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the combination of peppermint and chocolate, especially around the holiday season. These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies not only provide a delightful burst of flavor but also fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that brings everyone running. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with little bursts of mint and rich chocolate that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup peppermint baking chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a lovely base for your cookies.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract and refreshing peppermint extract, filling the air with their sweet scents.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will start to come together beautifully.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and peppermint baking chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look a bit soft, but don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful smells wafting around your kitchen!
Notes or Tips
For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top before they cool completely. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars together until fluffy is key to achieving a tender cookie. Don’t rush this step! It’s also important not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; mixing just until combined will help keep your cookies soft and chewy.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking for up to three months. Just shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What if I can’t find peppermint baking chips?
No worries! You can substitute with more chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for that delightful mint flavor.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your holiday baking tradition. So gather your ingredients, warm up your oven, and let the festive baking begin!