Name: Deliciously Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour); 1/3 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process cocoa recommended); 1 cup sugar (brown sugar adds moisture); 0.5 cups butter (softened; can substitute with coconut oil); 1 large egg (room temperature preferred); 1 teaspoon baking powder (can replace with baking soda); 1 cup chocolate peppermint bark (can swap with white or dark chocolate); 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (can substitute with crushed nuts)

As I sat sipping my hot cocoa, the scent of the holidays wafted through the air, instantly sparking a craving for something sweet. What could be better than the joyful combination of chocolate and peppermint? That’s when the idea for these Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies came to life! Infused with creamy Ghirardelli peppermint bark and topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they capture the essence of festive cheer. Not only are these cookies a delightful crowd-pleaser, but they’re also a breeze to whip up—perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Ready to embrace the magic of this season? Let’s get baking!

Why are these cookies a holiday must-have?

Irresistible Flavor: Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie where rich chocolate mingles with refreshing peppermint—this treat truly embodies the flavors of the season!

Easy Baking: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these delights. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, they’re perfect for anyone, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them at your holiday gatherings, and watch them disappear. They’re ideal for festive parties or as homemade gifts—everyone loves a personal touch!

Versatile Variations: Feeling adventurous? Swap out the Ghirardelli peppermint bark for milk or dark chocolate to suit your taste, or try different toppings like toffee bits or caramel squares.

Quick Treat: Bake these cookies in just 12 minutes! They’re the perfect last-minute solution for unexpected guests or a sweet midnight snack alongside your favorite hot cocoa.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Base structure for the cookie; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; using Dutch-process cocoa will give a deeper color and taste.
• Sugar – Sweetness balance; brown sugar can add moisture and chewiness.
• Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Egg – Binds ingredients for a chewy texture; ensure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing.
• Baking Powder – Leavening agent for rising; can be replaced with baking soda in a pinch.

For the Peppermint Flavor
• Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Provides bursts of peppermint flavor and chocolate; swap with white or dark chocolate if desired.
• Crushed Candy Canes – Used as a topping for decoration and extra peppermint flavor; substitute with crushed nuts for a different twist.

These are the essential ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! Enjoy the process of holiday baking, and don’t forget to savor the delightful aroma that fills your home.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Peppermint Cookie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper—this will make for easy cookie removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir the mixture well until everything is evenly blended, creating a rich cocoa color. This step is crucial for ensuring that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add one room-temperature egg and beat until well combined. This will add essential moisture and richness to your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, contributing to their delightful chewiness.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a tender texture. The batter will start to come together in a thick, luscious dough, perfect for enveloping your peppermint treats.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped Ghirardelli peppermint bark into the cookie dough. This decadent addition will provide bursts of peppermint flavor and chocolate in every bite. Make sure to distribute the chunks evenly throughout the dough for a consistently delightful experience.

Step 6: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. This will allow the cookies to spread evenly without merging into each other during baking. Aim for about 12 cookies per baking sheet to ensure they bake thoroughly.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. Watch for the edges to become firm while the centers remain slightly soft. This will give you that perfect chewy texture that defines your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, ensuring an irresistible holiday treat.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, promptly sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they are still warm. This not only adds a festive flair but also enhances the peppermint flavor. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for letting the flavors mature and the texture set up perfectly. The aroma of chocolate and peppermint will fill your kitchen, setting the mood for a wonderful holiday season!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Customizations

Feel free to explore these variations and make this recipe your own—each twist will enhance the holiday spirit!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to create a cookie everyone can enjoy without sacrifice.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter for a deliciously dairy-free treat.
Different Chocolates: Experiment with white or dark chocolate instead of Ghirardelli peppermint bark for a unique flavor profile.
Nutty Crunch: Replace crushed candy canes with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookie.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract in addition to the chocolate peppermint bark to amplify that holiday flavor.
Coffee Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients for a delightful mocha twist.
Salted Caramel: Toss in some caramel chocolate squares for a sweet surprise with hints of salty goodness.
Spicy Heat: For those who crave a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist on the classic cookie.

Looking for more chocolatey inspiration? Don’t miss our delightful Chocolate Babka Decadent recipe or the ever-popular Hot Chocolate Cookies to keep that holiday spirit going!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.

Fridge: For extended freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to seal them tightly to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezer: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Dough Storage: If you want to save time, scoop cookie dough into balls and freeze for about 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time for your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the dough’s freshness and prevent drying. Additionally, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; just remember to place the dough balls on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, take them directly from the freezer, bake for an extra few minutes, and you’ll have fresh, warm cookies—just as delightful as when made from scratch!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Cookie

Consistency Check: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size, leading to even baking. This helps you avoid some cookies being over or under-baked.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This keeps your Chocolate Peppermint Cookies tender and chewy.
Perfect Timing: Bake for 12-14 minutes; the cookies should be firm at the edges but soft in the center. This is key for that delightful chewiness.
Flavor Boost: Let the cookies cool slightly before serving. This enhances the peppermint aroma, elevating your holiday treat experience.
Freezing Tips: To freeze, scoop dough into balls and freeze for 30 minutes before bagging. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What to Serve with Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cookies opens the door to creating the perfect festive spread for your holiday gatherings.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa pairs harmoniously with the peppermint flavors, enhancing the cookies’ delightful taste.
Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of citrus fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
Chewy Caramel Brownies: For the double chocolate lover in your life, these fudgy brownies offer another layer of sweetness to your dessert table.
Spiced Holiday Tea: A cup of warm spiced tea complements the cookies’ flavors, creating a cozy setting perfect for entertaining loved ones.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that takes the cookies to a whole new level of indulgence.
Candied Nuts: Crunchy candied nuts provide a delightful textural contrast, adding elegance and a fun twist that guests will love.
French Macarons: Adorn your dessert platter with colorful macarons to impress your guests with variation and flair, making your holiday spread visually stunning.
Festive Milk: Serve these cookies with flavored milk, such as chocolate or peppermint, for a fun and nostalgic treat that everyone will enjoy.
Gingerbread Coffee: A warm mug of gingerbread-flavored coffee encompasses the holiday spirit and pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and peppermint of the cookies.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe FAQs

How can I select the best chocolate peppermint bark?
Absolutely! When choosing chocolate peppermint bark, look for brands that use high-quality chocolate and natural peppermint oil. Ghirardelli’s peppermint bark is a wonderful option because it’s creamy and flavorful. Ensure there are no dark spots or signs of discoloration on the bark, which may indicate poor quality.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
For maximum freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be sure to wrap them well to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.

How do I freeze Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookie dough?
To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into the preheated oven while adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies come out too dry, it’s likely due to overmixing the dough or baking them for too long. Be sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on the baking time—12-14 minutes should do it. They should be firm on the edges yet soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the other ingredients, particularly the baking powder, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry.

How long will the peppermint flavor last if I make them ahead of time?
If you make the cookies ahead of time, the peppermint flavor will remain delightful! The cookies can keep their flavor up to a week in an airtight container. For intensified freshness, it’s best to consume them within 3-4 days, as the peppermint aroma will be most vibrant during that time.