Name: Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (60 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (substitute 1/4 cup special dark cocoa if preferred); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips; White chocolate, melted (quantity as needed for dipping); Crushed peppermint candies (for sprinkling on dipped cookies)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 61 reviews

If you adore the festive touch of peppermint combined with rich chocolate, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect harmony of fudgy cocoa goodness mingled with a refreshing peppermint zing, all wrapped up in a crisp-yet-chewy cookie and finished off with a luscious white chocolate dip sprinkled with crushed peppermint. Whether you’re baking for holiday celebrations or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe brings that warm, cozy feeling with every delightful bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate dough mixed with many small, dark chocolate chips resting mostly on the surface in the center. The dough has a rough, chunky texture and fills half of the bowl. A wooden spoon lies flat on the white marbled surface to the left, while to the right, two silver beaters covered with bits of dough and some white measuring spoons sit scattered. The bright white marbled surface and soft lighting give a clean and fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating the perfect batch of Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each play a special role. From the buttery richness to the peppermint punch and that touch of cocoa magic, each component ensures your cookies come out deliciously tender, flavorful, and festive.

Unsalted butter (1 cup): Room temperature butter creates a creamy base for rich flavor and perfect texture.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps with the crisp edges everyone loves.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Packed brown sugar gives those lovely chewy centers and a hint of caramel flavor.
Large eggs (2): Eggs bind everything together and add moisture for soft cookies.
Vanilla extract (2 1/2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor, balancing the bittersweet cocoa.
Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): This is the star that brings that refreshing holiday spirit into each cookie.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Ensures structure without weighing down the dough.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Goes for a deep chocolate punch; using a special dark cocoa powder can intensify that taste.
Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise just right, giving a perfect texture.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Works alongside baking soda to keep the cookies light and airy.
Sea salt or kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets, adding bursts of chocolate happiness.
White chocolate for dipping: Creates the decadent dipping layer that pairs perfectly with peppermint sprinkles.
Crushed peppermint candies: Adds delightful crunch and a festive, minty finish.

How to Make Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper which ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze – a small step that makes the whole process smoother.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, lovingly cream together the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb and perfectly textured cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix these in until everything is smooth and beautifully blended, setting the stage for those signature flavors to shine through.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa, essential for consistent texture and rich chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so gentle is best. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for those melty chocolate bites we all crave.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and helping the flavors develop even further.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop dough onto the prepared pans. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for edges to become slightly crisp while the centers stay soft. This bake time hits the perfect balance between chewy and crisp.

Step 8: Cool and Dip

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cool. Once cooled, dip each cookie halfway in melted white chocolate and immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for that iconic finish.

How to Serve Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round chocolate cookies, each partially dipped in a smooth white coating that covers about half of their surface. The dipped half is sprinkled with small, crushed pieces of red and white peppermint candy, adding texture and color contrast. The cookies have a cracked, slightly rough texture on the chocolate side, while the white coating is glossy and smooth. They are arranged closely on a white marbled surface with extra peppermint pieces scattered around, creating a festive and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding crushed peppermint candies on the dipped white chocolate creates eye-catching texture and flavor contrast. You might also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra snowy look that truly dazzles on any dessert tray.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, a fresh mint tea complements the peppermint notes beautifully without overpowering the chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe in a holiday-themed tin or a decorative plate lined with festive napkins. You can also stack and tie them with a red ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them fresh with the perfect balance of softness and crispness while preserving their peppermint-infused magic.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag in a single layer. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature. For the best flavor, dip in white chocolate and add crushed peppermint fresh after thawing.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, making each bite irresistibly melty and cozy.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure peppermint extract?

Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the amount to your taste since peppermint extracts can vary in strength. Start with less and add more if you want a stronger peppermint punch.

What kind of white chocolate works best for dipping?

High-quality white chocolate or white chocolate melts work best because they melt smoothly and harden nicely with a glossy finish, perfect for holding crushed peppermint candies in place.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies have a delightful balance: crisp edges with a soft, fudgy center. The chilling step and precise baking time help achieve this perfect texture combo.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup; just be sure the blend contains some xanthan gum for structure so the cookies keep their perfect texture.

How do I crush peppermint candies for topping?

Place peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Aim for a mix of small pieces and slightly larger chunks for the best texture on top of the cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing your favorite cookies, and this Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe ticks every box for festive, delicious treats that bring a smile to everyone’s face. From the rich cocoa to the bright peppermint finish, these cookies truly capture the spirit of the season and make any occasion feel special. I can’t wait for you to try making them and see how they light up your kitchen and your taste buds!