Name: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 6 tbsps (30 g) cocoa powder, Dutch process; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 tsp peppermint extract; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract; 1/2 cup (100 g) peppermint chips (Andes); 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tbsp crushed candy canes for topping (optional)

If you adore the magical combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and the refreshing zing of peppermint, then you must try this Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds with a tender, chewy texture, bursting with layers of deep cocoa flavor complemented by cooling peppermint chips and a subtle hint of vanilla. They are perfect for cozy nights by the fire, festive gatherings, or anytime you crave a decadent yet lively treat that feels like a holiday celebration in each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various white bowls and plates arranged neatly, each holding a different baking ingredient. There are two bright yellow egg yolks in a small white bowl at the top left, alongside a bowl of pink and white crushed candy, and a bowl full of dark chocolate chips on the right. In the center, a large white bowl is filled with white flour, surrounded by two smaller metal baking molds filled with red syrup and a small amount of white flour. Below, a flat white plate holds three slabs of yellow butter, while a small white bowl contains brown sugar next to it. At the bottom right, another white bowl contains dark cocoa powder. The scene is decorated with red ribbons, small red and silver Christmas ornaments, two candy canes, and a small white Christmas tree on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these cookies lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen for flavor and texture. From creamy butter that keeps them tender, to Dutch-process cocoa that gives a rich chocolate depth, and peppermint extract that sparkles with festive freshness — every element plays a vital role in crafting the perfect batch.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the cookie’s soft, chewy structure; spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds a deep, intense chocolate flavor that is smoother and less acidic than natural cocoa.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents work together to produce just the right amount of tenderness and lift.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, providing richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: The perfect duo offering sweetness, moisture, and slight chewiness from the brown sugar.
Egg yolks: Give richness and help bind the dough, ensuring the cookies stay tender.
Peppermint extract: Infuses a cool, refreshing flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds warmth and complexity to flavor, rounding out the chocolate and peppermint combination.
Peppermint chips (Andes): Minty morsels that burst with cool peppermint in every bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pockets of molten chocolate that keep these cookies luscious and indulgent.
Crushed candy canes (optional): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, festive finishing touch that adds color and extra minty flair.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, so you get perfect shapes every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream everything together for about two minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that help make your cookies tender and buttery.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg yolks, peppermint extract, and vanilla bean paste or extract. Beat on medium speed for two more minutes until the batter turns pale and fluffy. This step is where the flavor foundation really begins to develop with a delightful minty warmth marrying with the sweet vanilla.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the all-important dry ingredients: the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined. Remember, be gentle — overmixing can make the cookies tough. The cocoa powder is key here, lending that unmistakable deep chocolate character.

Step 5: Fold in Peppermint and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the peppermint chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These melty pockets of mint and chocolate will really take these cookies to the next level.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Scoop the dough into 18 even balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Space each cookie about two inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. For chewy centers, opt for the shorter time; for crispier edges, leave them in slightly longer. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with irresistible cookies that balance softness and crunch.

Step 8: Cool and Add Festive Topping

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. If you want to add some extra holiday cheer, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the cookies are still warm — they’ll stick beautifully and add a colorful crunch.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, serve these cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Adding a few extra crushed peppermint pieces on the plate amps up the festive look and taste, making them irresistible to guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The creamy drinks help balance the richness of the chocolate while complementing the refreshing peppermint flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a stunning dessert platter by arranging these cookies alongside peppermint bark, mini candy canes, and chocolate-covered pretzels for a holiday-themed treat tray. You could also sandwich ice cream between two cookies for a fun peppermint-chocolate ice cream sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready whenever a chocolate-peppermint craving strikes.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls ahead of time by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a sealed container or bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month, thawing at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked warmth and softness, pop the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes their fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

While regular cocoa powder can work, Dutch-process is recommended because it has a smoother, less acidic flavor that really enhances the richness of these cookies. If you only have regular cocoa, consider adding a pinch extra baking soda to balance acidity.

Do I have to use peppermint chips or can I substitute?

Peppermint chips provide a specific minty burst that complements the chocolate, but if you can’t find them, chopped peppermint candy pieces or white chocolate chips mixed with a little peppermint extract in the dough can make good substitutes.

Why does the recipe use only egg yolks?

Egg yolks add richness and tenderness without the extra moisture or structure the whites provide. This helps create that soft, fudgy texture these cookies are known for.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, measure flour correctly, and chill the dough if it seems too soft. Using parchment paper helps keep cookies from sticking and spreading unevenly as well.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free butter and egg replacers, it’s possible though the texture and richness might differ slightly. Using vegan peppermint chips and nonsweetened cocoa powder keeps the cookie flavorful without dairy or eggs.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe because it’s one of those treats that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form. Whether for holiday celebrations, gifting, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies deliver that luscious chocolate and lively peppermint combo every single time. Once you bake them, I’m sure they’ll become a beloved staple in your cookie repertoire too!