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Close-up of rich, dark cookies with a hint of red peppermint garnish

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
These double chocolate peppermint cookies are rich, chewy, and infused with crushed candy canes, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract—perfect for festive baking and holiday gatherings.
Servings

Ingredients

  • cups 16 oz bittersweet chocolate chips (no more than 61% cacao), divided
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 candy canes or 16 red-and-white striped peppermint candies, coarsely crushed

Instructions
 

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Melt the Chocolate

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of the chocolate chips in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Measure out ⅔ cup of the melted chocolate and set aside in a separate bowl for drizzling later.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until well combined and light in texture.

Incorporate Eggs and Chocolate

  1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Beat in the remaining melted chocolate until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the remaining 1½ cups of chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon.

Shape and Bake

  1. Roll one tablespoon of dough into a 1½-inch ball and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing each cookie approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are cracked but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Decorate

  1. Rewarm the reserved ⅔ cup of melted chocolate in 10-second microwave intervals until fluid and smooth. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag, snip a small corner off, and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Chill briefly, about 15–20 minutes, to allow the chocolate to set.

Notes

To prepare these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but the cookies will still retain their signature chew and rich chocolate flavor. No other modifications are required.
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