Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies 🍪🍬 – Festive & Delicious 🎄

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with these delightful Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies! This festive treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate with refreshing bursts of peppermint, making it an irresistible dessert perfect for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a holiday favorite, and for good reason! The combination of creamy chocolate chunks and peppermint is a match made in heaven, delivering an unforgettable burst of flavor with each bite. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in with a warm treat, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Their vibrant flavors, punctuated with peppermint goodness, make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Context/Background

Peppermint chocolate treats have long been associated with the holiday season, bringing warmth and comfort during the colder months. The tradition of incorporating peppermint into desserts can be traced back to festive celebrations where the refreshing mint flavors were used to enhance rich, chocolatey desserts.

This recipe takes the classic chocolate chip cookie and elevates it with chunks of peppermint-infused chocolate, creating a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite. Perfecting the balance between sweet and minty, it’s a sure-fire way to sweeten up any festive occasion.

Recipe Details

Serves: 24

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, or chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the salt, peppermint extract, and eggs, one at a time, until combined.
4. Gradually add in the flour mixture; beat until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake until cookies are golden around the edges and set in the center, about 10 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a more uniform dough.
• Do not overmix once the flour is added to maintain a tender cookie texture.
• Use a gentle hand when folding in the chocolate and peppermint to avoid crushing them further.
• If using a convection oven, reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for the perfect winter treat. They also make an excellent addition to a cookie platter for festive gatherings or can be beautifully wrapped as holiday gifts.

Storage and Leftovers

Store your Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer shelf life, freeze the cookies for up to three months, making sure they’re well wrapped to preserve their flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their dessert table. The blend of chocolate and peppermint is not only satisfying but also brings a piece of the holiday spirit into every bite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a delightful addition to any cookie collection.

Recipe Notes

• For a more intense mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract by half a teaspoon.
• Feel free to experiment with white chocolate or mint chocolate chips for a twist.
• If you don’t have peppermint candies, crushed candy canes make an excellent substitute.