This recipe combines the classic cookie we all know and love with a refreshing peppermint twist. Loaded with rich chocolate chips, minty creme de menthe chips, and a medley of nuts, these cookies are a true treat for any winter celebration. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties or adding to a Christmas cookie tray—and they disappear almost as fast as they cool. Make these cookies once, and they’re sure to become a holiday tradition!
Ingredients for Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (1 stick or 115 grams)
- 1/2 cup cane sugar (100 grams)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 to 5 drops peppermint oil, or to taste
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (15 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 grams)
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (130 grams)
- 3/4 cup Andes creme de menthe chips (130 grams)
- 1 cup mixed toasted pecans, sliced almonds, and chopped walnuts (120 grams)
How to Make Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cane sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint oil until well incorporated.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
Mix dry into wet ingredients
Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring until fully blended.
Add chips and nuts
Fold in the chocolate chips, creme de menthe chips, and the mixed nuts.
Form the dough balls
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or about 1 ounce/30 grams per ball), portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Chill the dough
Cover the cookie dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Optional freezing step
You can transfer the chilled dough balls to a resealable plastic freezer bag and freeze them. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls for about 20 minutes before proceeding.
Prepare to bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the chilled cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart.
Bake the cookies
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and crispy.
Optional substitution
For extra peppermint flavor, you can substitute crushed hard peppermint candies for the peppermint oil. Crush them finely and measure along with the nuts before mixing into the dough.
These Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration in every bite. With the rich combination of chocolate, nuts, and refreshing peppermint, they’re the perfect sweet treat to share during the holidays. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or save some dough for a quick bake later, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Don’t forget to enjoy them with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for the ultimate seasonal indulgence!
