The scent of peppermint and chocolate wafts through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy winter nights spent by the fireplace. As the holidays approach, I can’t help but crave the joy of baking, and these Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese have become my go-to recipe. With a delightful soft and chewy texture, they combine smooth white chocolate chunks and rich dark chocolate with the refreshing crunch of candy canes, making them the ultimate holiday treat. What I love most is their quick prep time—30 minutes from start to finish—and their freezer-friendly nature, perfect for those impromptu cookie exchanges or festive gatherings. Are you ready to fill your home with the aroma of these delightful cookies? Let’s get baking!
Why Should You Bake These Cookies?
Delightful flavors: The fusion of peppermint and chocolate creates a magical taste experience that perfectly embodies the holiday spirit.
Quick and easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a fresh batch of cookies without spending all day in the kitchen.
Freezer-friendly: Prepare cookie dough in advance, and simply pop it in the oven straight from the freezer when the craving strikes—ideal for surprise guests!
Irresistible texture: Each bite offers a soft and chewy experience, combined with crunchy candy cane pieces that elevate the flavor profile.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies make a fantastic contribution to cookie exchanges or holiday parties, bringing smiles and joy to friends and family.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these festive treats.
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick / 4 oz) – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz) – Keeps cookies soft and adds a slight tang; must also be at room temperature.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and structure; no substitutions needed for this recipe.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup) – Adds moisture and deeper caramel flavors to your cookies.
- Eggs (2) – Acts as a binding agent; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances overall flavor; stick to the suggested amount for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour (2¾ cups) – Provides necessary structure; essential for achieving that chewy cookie texture.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Serves as a leavening agent for a light and puffy cookie.
- Cream of Tartar (¼ teaspoon) – Stabilizes the dough and contributes to a tender texture.
- Fine Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
For the Chocolate and Crunch
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate (4 oz, chopped) – Adds richness and a classic chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
- White Chocolate (4 oz, chopped) – Offers sweetness and a beautiful contrast in flavor; don’t skip this!
- Candy Canes (4) – Brings a festive crunch and peppermint flavor; can be substituted with peppermint extract if desired.
Now that you have the ingredients ready, it’s time to transform your kitchen into a festive haven with the enchanting aroma of Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven warms up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures the perfect baking environment for your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Take the candy canes and place them into a ziplock bag. Use a rolling pin to gently crush the canes into small pieces, creating a festive crunch for your cookies. Aim for a mix of fine bits and larger chunks to add texture and visual appeal as you prepare your holiday treats.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies have that soft, chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor. The batter should appear smooth and creamy, reflecting the rich combination of ingredients at play.
Step 5: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and salt, which are essential for achieving the perfect balance in your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies’ flavor and texture.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should remain soft and slightly sticky. At this stage, you can already start to imagine the delightful aroma of peppermint and chocolate taking over your kitchen!
Step 7: Fold in Chocolates and Candy Canes
Gently fold in the chopped semi-sweet and white chocolates along with the crushed candy canes using a spatula. Aim for an even distribution to ensure that each cookie features a delightful hint of peppermint and melty chocolate in every bite, making them truly irresistible.
Step 8: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons in size), portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each scoop for the cookies to spread. This step helps maintain uniformity and ensures that your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be puffy and lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center. This balance is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps them set and makes transferring them to a wire rack easier. For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for a festive finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Alternatively, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. To maintain quality, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake, cool, and enjoy delightful, freshly made cookies that taste just as good as if they were made from scratch on the spot!
What to Serve with Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
The aroma of freshly baked cookies can set the perfect mood for any gathering, and these festive delights pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that elevate your holiday experience.
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Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa not only complements the peppermint flavor but also provides a cozy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce creates a delightful blend of temperatures and flavors, making your cookies an indulgent dessert.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing each bite perfectly.
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Spiced Coffee: A warm spiced latte with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the festive vibe while harmonizing with the cookies’ flavors.
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Milk: The classic pairing of a cold glass of milk brings out the sweet notes of the cookies while adding a light creaminess to each bite.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites, especially those with a berry topping, provide a rich and creamy counterpart to the chewy, minty cookies.
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Holiday Punch: A refreshing holiday punch with citrus and cranberries can brighten up your dessert spread and serve as a sparkling counterpoint to the cookies.
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Chocolate Truffles: Rich, homemade chocolate truffles can take your dessert table to the next level, offering a luscious chocolate experience alongside the peppermint cookies.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these festive cookies with your personal touches!
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Extra Chocolate: Swap white chocolate with additional semi-sweet chocolate for a more decadent treat. The rich chocolate flavor will make every bite even more indulgent.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture. A nutty crunch rounds out the soft cookie and introduces a delightful contrast.
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Candy Cane Substitute: Use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes for a different kind of crunch. The smaller pieces can create an intense peppermint experience in each delightful morsel.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a hearty alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the chewy goodness of these holiday delights!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an unexpected heat. It adds an exciting twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Low-Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute or coconut sugar for a lighter option. This maintains the delightful sweetness while reducing the calorie count.
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Minty Freshness: Increase the peppermint flavor by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. The aroma of mint will instantly uplift your holiday spirit!
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a festive finish, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. It adds a beautiful and delicious touch, perfect for impressing your guests at cookie exchanges.
With endless possibilities, let your creativity run wild! And if you’re looking for more cookie ideas, you might enjoy these Oreo Cheesecake Cookies or the chewy goodness of Twix Cookies Chewy. Each option promises to delight your taste buds!
Storage Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for enjoying at a moment’s notice.
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled cookie, place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer by adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing, as residual heat can create moisture and affect texture. This extra step helps maintain the chewy perfection of each cookie!
Helpful Tricks for Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smooth dough and tender cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined to keep your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and chewy.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie size and even baking, a cookie scoop is a handy tool; it makes preparing the dough quick and easy.
- Cool on Wire Racks: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their ideal texture; otherwise, they may become soggy.
- Batch Baking: If not baking immediately, chill the dough or freeze the individual cookie dough balls for later use; just bake straight from the freezer!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely use unsalted butter! It provides the richness and moisture needed for a chewy cookie. Just make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
How do I store my Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, place them in the fridge for about a week, just be sure they’re well wrapped to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra minute to your baking time for the best results.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, it often means the dough was too warm or not chilled enough. I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking and also ensuring all your ingredients are at the correct temperatures to maintain the perfect texture.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
It’s best to keep these cookies away from pets, especially dogs, as chocolate can be harmful to them. Always store your finished cookies safely out of reach to avoid any mishaps!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Your Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies should be puffy and lightly golden around the edges after 12-14 minutes in the oven. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so it’s okay if they appear a bit soft in the center when you take them out; that’s what makes them chewy and delicious!
Chewy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies to Delight Your Senses
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the candy canes in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine bits and larger chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and cream cheese with granulated and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped semi-sweet and white chocolates along with the crushed candy canes.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until puffy and lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.