Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

There’s something magical about the holidays – the twinkling lights, the cozy gatherings, and of course, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air. This year, ditch the stress and embrace the joy with our Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a festive comfort-food favorite, designed to bring cheer and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort.

As Sophie, the dedicated recipe developer behind Sweet Craft Recipes, I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe. After testing these cookies more than 9 times, I can confidently say this is the simplest, most reliable way to achieve perfectly soft, chewy chocolate cookies studded with vibrant peppermint and luscious white chocolate chips. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family gathering, holiday party, or simply a cozy night in.

Why These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Are a Must-Bake This Season

What makes these particular chocolate peppermint cookies stand out from the rest? It boils down to a blend of ease, incredible flavor, and the proven expertise that goes into every Sweet Craft Recipes creation.

At Sweet Craft Recipes, we believe in Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). That’s why I, Sophie, personally developed and tested this recipe over nine times to ensure it’s foolproof. Each test involved meticulous adjustments to ingredient ratios, baking times, and mixing methods to guarantee you get the best possible results. You can trust that this recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s meticulously optimized for home bakers like you. My goal was to create a cookie that delivers on flavor and texture every single time, even for beginner bakers.

The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

There’s an undeniable warmth that comes from a homemade cookie, and these chocolate peppermint cookies deliver that cozy comfort in spades. The rich chocolate base, the cool burst of peppermint, and the creamy white chocolate create a symphony of flavors that evoke cherished holiday memories. They’re the perfect treat to share, offering a delightful hug in every bite, making them a true comfort-food favorite.

Effortless Elegance with a Cake Mix Shortcut

Who says baking has to be complicated? Our recipe cleverly uses a chocolate cake mix as its base, transforming a simple pantry staple into something extraordinary. This shortcut significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture, making these the ideal cookies for busy home cooks who want to impress. It’s the secret to those perfectly soft, chewy centers and slightly crispy edges without all the fuss.

Perfect for Family Gatherings (Yields up to 24 Cookies!)

Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a large holiday bash, these cookies are designed to scale. This recipe yields approximately 24 small cookies, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of leftovers (if they last that long!). The simple preparation means you can easily double the batch for even bigger events.

Festive Flavors That Spark Joy

The combination of decadent chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and sweet white chocolate is quintessentially festive. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an edible celebration of the season, sure to bring smiles and compliments from everyone who tries them. They embody the spirit of the holidays, making them a wonderful addition to any festive spread.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfection

Before you dive into the mixing bowl, let’s ensure you have all the key players ready. High-quality ingredients are the foundation of exceptional cookies!

• 1/2 cup (111g) salted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for creaming properly with sugar, creating air pockets that lead to a light, fluffy texture. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients.
• 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that desirable crisp-chewy texture.
• 2 eggs: Act as a binder, adding moisture and richness to the dough. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal emulsification.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully. Use good quality pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• 1 15.5 oz box (432g) chocolate cake mix: The star shortcut! Any standard chocolate cake mix will work, but a darker fudge or devil’s food variety will intensify the chocolate flavor.
• 3/4 cup (114g) all-purpose flour: Helps give the cookies structure and chewiness, balancing the cake mix. Don’t skip this, even with cake mix.
• 1 cup (168g) crushed Bob’s Sweet Stripes peppermints, plus extra for garnish: These candies are perfect for their vibrant color and refreshing flavor. Crushing them adds a wonderful textural element.
• 3/4 cup (150g) white chocolate chips, divided: For mixing into the dough and for that elegant drizzle on top. High-quality white chocolate melts smoothly and tastes divine.

Step-by-Step Baking: How to Make Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ready to create some holiday magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delectable chocolate peppermint cookies in no time!

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350° F (180°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Line a large baking sheet (or two, if you plan to bake in batches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes visibly light in color and has a fluffy, airy texture. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ softness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s thoroughly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, add the entire box of chocolate cake mix and the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until a soft, uniform cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no streaks of dry ingredients remain.

Step 5: Fold in Peppermints and White Chocolate

This is where the festive flavors truly come alive! Gently fold in the crushed peppermint pieces and 1/2 cup (100g) of the white chocolate chips into the dough. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Arrange Dough

Using your preferred cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop the dough into balls and arrange them onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

• For small cookies (our recommended size): Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough (a #50 scoop).
• For medium cookies: Use 3 tablespoons of dough.
• For large cookies: Use 1/3 cup of dough.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350° F (180° C), adjusting the baking time based on cookie size:

• Small cookies (1 1/2 tbsp): Bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Medium cookies (3 tbsp): Bake for 9-11 minutes.
• Large cookies (1/3 cup): Bake for 13-15 minutes.
  The cookies are ready when they have spread slightly, puffed up in the center, and the edges are just set but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake!

Step 8: Cool Your Creations

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking pan. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool, achieving that perfect chewy texture. Attempting to move them too soon can cause them to break.

Step 9: Melt Remaining White Chocolate

While your cookies are cooling, prepare the white chocolate drizzle. Place the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of white chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat it, as white chocolate can seize.

Step 10: Drizzle and Garnish

Transfer the melted white chocolate into a small zip-top bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag (just a few millimeters!) and drizzle the melted chocolate artistically over the cooled cookies. For an extra festive touch, immediately sprinkle with some extra crushed peppermints before the chocolate sets.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely (you can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for a few minutes). Then, gather your loved ones and enjoy these absolutely delightful Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!

Sophie’s Expert Tips for Cookie Success (Tested 9+ Times!)

Through extensive testing for Sweet Craft Recipes, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips to ensure your Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies turn out perfectly every single time.

1. Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This cannot be stressed enough! Softened butter and room temperature eggs emulsify much better, resulting in a smoother, more uniform dough and ultimately, a better-textured cookie. If your eggs are cold, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour and cake mix, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, chewier cookies rather than soft, tender ones.
3. Perfect Peppermint Crushing: For the best crushed peppermints, place them in a sturdy freezer bag (like a Ziploc bag) and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them. Aim for a mix of fine dust and small pieces for both flavor and texture. Avoid crushing them into a powder if you want a textural crunch.
4. Consider Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly required for this easy recipe, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour can enhance the flavors and help prevent excessive spreading, especially if your kitchen is warm.
5. Achieving the Perfect Drizzle: When melting white chocolate, heat slowly and stir frequently. If your chocolate seems too thick for drizzling, add 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening and stir until smooth. The small snip on the zip-top bag corner is crucial for fine, elegant lines.
6. Storage Secrets: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
7. Sizing Matters for Bake Time: As noted in the instructions, cookie size significantly impacts bake time. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which ensures all cookies on the tray bake evenly. Underbaking slightly will result in a chewier cookie, while fully baked cookies will be firmer.

Variations to Spark Your Creativity

These Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are fantastic as is, but don’t shy away from personalizing them!

• Different Cake Mix Flavors: While chocolate is classic, imagine the possibilities! Try a red velvet cake mix for a subtle hint of cocoa and a beautiful red hue, or a spice cake mix for a more complex, warm holiday flavor profile.
• Double Chocolate Peppermint: Substitute a portion of the white chocolate chips in the dough with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an even more intense chocolate experience.
• Peppermint Bark Cookies: Instead of crushed peppermints, fold in store-bought peppermint bark pieces for an extra layer of chocolate and mint goodness.
• Holiday Sprinkles: After drizzling with white chocolate, add a festive sprinkle mix before it sets for extra visual appeal, especially for kids!
• Mint Extract Boost: For an even stronger mint flavor, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract to the wet ingredients along with the vanilla. Be cautious, as peppermint extract can be quite potent!

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can elevate the experience even further.

• Classic Milk Pairing: A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential companion for any chocolate cookie.
• Hot Beverages: Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a soothing peppermint tea for an extra layer of minty comfort.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange them on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. Their vibrant colors make them a beautiful addition.
• Homemade Gifts: Package a stack of these cookies in a decorative tin or bag as a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Everyone appreciates a delicious, handmade treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you might have a few questions as you bake, so here are answers to common queries about these festive treats.

Can I make these chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you prefer, scoop the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How should I store these Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?

Once completely cooled, store your chocolate peppermint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing to prevent condensation.

What kind of peppermints should I use for crushing?

For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using hard peppermint candies like Bob’s Sweet Stripes or classic candy canes. Avoid softer peppermints as they can become sticky or melt unevenly during baking. A food processor or a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin works perfectly for crushing!

Can I use a different type of chocolate cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with different chocolate cake mix varieties! A devil’s food cake mix will give a richer, darker chocolate flavor, while a German chocolate mix might add subtle coconut notes. Just ensure it’s a standard 15.25 oz – 18.25 oz (432g – 517g) box for consistent results.

My cookies are spreading too much. What went wrong?

Over-spreading can happen for a few reasons. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Too much melted butter can lead to flat cookies. Also, make sure your flour is measured correctly (spooned into the cup and leveled, not scooped directly). Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading, especially in warmer kitchens.

Can I substitute the white chocolate?

Certainly! If white chocolate isn’t your preference, you can drizzle with melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate. You could also skip the drizzle entirely and simply dust with powdered sugar, or add more crushed peppermints directly to the warm cookies after baking for extra crunch.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on approximately 24 small cookies (1.5 tbsp dough size), with 1 cookie per serving. This is calculated using common ingredient values and may vary based on specific brands used.

• Calories: 127 kcal
• Fat: 7 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Saturated Fat: 4 g

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

Beyond Peppermint: Discover More Cookie Favorites from Sweet Craft Recipes

Loved the ease and deliciousness of these chocolate peppermint cookies? At Sweet Craft Recipes, we’re passionate about bringing you tried-and-true recipes that delight. If you’re looking to expand your cookie repertoire, I personally recommend exploring some of our other top-rated creations.

If you’re craving a rich, decadent treat, you absolutely must try our irresistible Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies Recipe. For those who adore unique textures and flavors, our cult-classic Pistachio NYC Cookies Recipe is a game-changer that redefines indulgence. And if you’re looking for another fun, surprise-filled cookie, our Creme Egg Stuffed Cookies Recipe are simply divine. For a comforting classic with a twist, dive into our Peanut Butter Nutella Cookie Recipe – a guaranteed family favorite. And for the ultimate white chocolate lover, our White Chocolate Stuffed Cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience you won’t forget. Each recipe, like these chocolate peppermint cookies, has been thoroughly tested by me, Sophie, to ensure you get perfect results every time.

Embrace the Joy of Baking This Season!

As the holiday season draws near, let these Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies be your go-to recipe for spreading joy. They embody everything we love about festive baking: delightful flavors, beautiful presentation, and a process so simple it feels like magic. With Sophie’s extensive testing and expert tips, you’re not just baking cookies; you’re creating cherished memories and truly irresistible treats.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and get ready to fill your home with the enchanting aroma of chocolate and peppermint. Bake a batch today and discover why these are destined to become a new favorite holiday tradition at your family gatherings! Happy baking from Sweet Craft Recipes!

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