Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Fudgy cookies with a cool minty kick, featuring a double dose of chocolate and crushed candy canes for festive crunch. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until creamy. Add 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract. Sift together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, then fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/3 cup crushed candy canes. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Step 5: Once completely cool, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best Chocolate Peppermint Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
