Print

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

These Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor complemented by a refreshing peppermint frosting. Made with a blend of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips, then topped with a creamy peppermint cream cheese frosting and crushed candy canes, they make the perfect festive treat for the holiday season or any time you crave a cool minty twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies

  • 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for richer taste)
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1⅓ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Peppermint Frosting

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2½ to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ⅓ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Adjust your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet evenly with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat for several minutes until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides to incorporate all ingredients fully, achieving the ideal texture for your cookies.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually fold these into the wet ingredients, gently mixing to avoid overworking the dough which keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently incorporate the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute chocolate evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Scoop and Space: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place generous mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each to allow spreading.
  7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 9 minutes. The edges should be set and the centers slightly jiggly to ensure a soft, chewy texture after cooling. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Peppermint Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and well combined. If the frosting is too soft for spreading, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  9. Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of peppermint frosting on each cookie. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and decorative sparkle.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, butter, cream cheese) for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Measure flour carefully using spoon and leveled method to avoid dry and dense cookies.
  • Do not overmix the dough to maintain soft and chewy cookie texture.
  • Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers are still slightly soft to avoid overbaking.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
  • If frosting is too soft, add powdered sugar gradually or chill before spreading.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheet to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
  • Store frosted cookies with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and keep cookies fresh.

Keywords: chocolate peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint frosting, chocolate cookies, festive treats, chewy chocolate cookies, Christmas cookies

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/easy-chocolate-peppermint-cookies-recipe/