Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

There’s something magical about chocolate and peppermint coming together, especially during the holiday season. These double chocolate peppermint cookies combine rich, dark cocoa flavor with the cool tingle of peppermint in every bite. With soft, chewy centers and melted chocolate throughout, they’re the kind of cookie you find yourself reaching for over and over again.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips for the Best Cookies
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Perfect for Christmas cookie swaps, cozy winter nights, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is quick, festive, and packed with flavor. The best part? You don’t even have to chill the dough.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love These Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Easy and Quick to Make

These cookies come together in under 30 minutes, with no chill time required. That means you can whip them up on a whim for unexpected guests or when a chocolate craving strikes.

Chocolate Meets Peppermint Perfection

Dark cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips make these rich and indulgent, while peppermint extract and peppermint chips add a refreshing bite that’s never overpowering.

Great Texture in Every Bite

You’ll get perfectly chewy centers with lightly crisp edges. The peppermint chips melt just enough to create little pockets of minty sweetness throughout the dough.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full Ingredient List

• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons (30 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• ½ cup (100 g) peppermint chips (like Andes)
• ¼ cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes (optional, for topping)

Notes on Ingredient Quality

Use Dutch-process cocoa for a smooth, deep chocolate flavor. Softened unsalted butter helps create a soft texture without overly greasy results. For best flavor, use high-quality vanilla paste and peppermint extract. If using candy canes, crush them just before sprinkling so they stay crisp.

Easy Substitutions

• Swap peppermint chips for white chocolate or more semi-sweet chips.
• Use a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend if needed.
• For a less intense peppermint flavor, reduce the extract to ½ teaspoon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla. Beat again until the mixture is pale and airy, about 2 more minutes.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Fold in the peppermint chips and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop the dough into 18 balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you prefer them.
9. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Optional: sprinkle crushed candy canes over the warm cookies for a festive touch.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Pro Tips for Success

• Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it with a knife. Too much flour will make the cookies dry.
• Don’t skip the creaming step. Beating the butter and sugars properly helps with the cookies’ rise and texture.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and even baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking leads to dry cookies. They should look slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven.
• Too much peppermint extract can overpower the flavor. Stick with the suggested amount for a balanced taste.
• If the dough seems too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before scooping.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

• Make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before baking.
• Freeze unbaked dough balls for later. Just add 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time straight from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

What to Pair With

• Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a cozy winter treat.
• Add these to a holiday cookie box alongside gingerbread or shortbread.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Styling and Gifting

• Use crushed candy canes for a snowy, festive look.
• Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifting.

Beverage Pairings

• Peppermint hot chocolate or espresso drinks complement the flavor.
• For adults, try serving with a glass of red wine like Merlot or a peppermint martini.

Storage and Reheating

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating Tips

To bring back that just-baked texture, microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. If you’re reheating several, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fun Variations to Try

Add a Flavor Twist

• Mix in espresso powder for a mocha peppermint version.
• Add orange zest for a chocolate-orange holiday combo.

Make Them Holiday-Themed

• Add green and red holiday sprinkles before baking.
• Swap candy cane topping for crushed peppermint bark.

Try More Holiday Cookies

If you're building a festive cookie tray, try these other recipes:

• Easy Grinch Cookies (made with cake mix)
• Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies

You’ll find all of these and more on my Pinterest boards at Bake with Lina on Pinterest. Follow along for more festive baking inspiration.

Final Thoughts

If you love a cookie that feels festive and indulgent without being fussy, these double chocolate peppermint cookies will become your new winter favorite. They’re easy to make, pack big flavor, and bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

Let me know in the comments if you try them, and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram. Happy baking!

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