Name: Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 1/2 cup finely crushed chocolate peppermint bark (not candy cane dust; actual bark pieces); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you’re dreaming of a holiday treat that perfectly blends rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, this Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies boast a fudgy, tender center with a crackled snowy sugar coating that hints at winter magic in every bite. The crushed chocolate peppermint bark folded inside gives an irresistible pop of texture and flavor, making these cookies not just delicious but utterly memorable. Whether you’re baking for festive gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe brings joy with every bite and fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden table with a white marbled texture dusted with flour holds various baking ingredients and tools. There is a white bowl filled with flour at the bottom right, topped closely by a metal whisk having reflective silver texture. To the left side are two whole brown eggs resting on the wood surface. At the center left is a small white bowl with dark brown cocoa powder and above it is a slightly larger white bowl containing a cracked egg with bright yellow yolk visible. Next to it is another white bowl filled with white flour. In the top right corner, a dark chocolate bar rests partly broken, showing glossy squares. Below the cracked egg bowl is a small white dish with a fine dark brown powder. A small metal saucepan filled with dark melted chocolate sits at the left above the eggs. Some chunks of dark chocolate pieces scatter around the table edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element is essential—whether it’s the burst of peppermint extract or the melty semisweet chocolate—that ensures the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and holiday cheer.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts down to create a silky chocolate base that’s rich but not overpowering.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate punch and deepens the flavor without extra sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while creating a slight crunch on the edges during baking.
Light brown sugar (packed): Introduces a hint of caramel and helps lock in moisture for a chewy texture.
Large eggs and egg yolk: Bind everything together while contributing to richness and structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its sweet, aromatic notes.
Peppermint extract: The star of the show, giving that unmistakable festive zing.
All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and helps shape the cookie’s soft but sturdy texture.
Baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that lifts the cookies just enough for a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Balances acidity and promotes even rise.
Fine salt: Enhances all flavors and prevents the sweetness from being one-dimensional.
Finely crushed chocolate peppermint bark: Adds delightful crunch and bursts of peppermint throughout.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates the first sugary coating that helps the crackled effect emerge.
Powdered sugar (for rolling): Finishes the cookies with a snowy, festive exterior and that signature crinkle pattern.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Combine Chocolate and Butter

Start by lining two sheet pans with parchment to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later. Gently melt the semisweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth, glossy blend. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.

Step 2: Mix Sugars with Cocoa, Then Add Chocolate Blend

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until evenly combined. Pour in your warm chocolate-butter mixture, stirring until the entire mixture shines with a glossy finish. This step is where flavor depths start building, combining bittersweet and sweet layers beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts

Add the two large eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the chocolaty mix. Stir until the batter loosens into a silky, even consistency. The peppermint extract brings that cool, festive touch that’s essential in this Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Peppermint Bark

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the chocolate batter, ensuring no dry streaks remain, but being careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the finely crushed chocolate peppermint bark, which adds a delightful texture and bursts of peppermint flavor in every bite. The dough should be thick yet scoopable. Let it rest on the counter for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough into generous tablespoon-sized balls—about 1.5 tablespoons each for perfect portioning. Roll each ball lightly first in granulated sugar, then transfer to powdered sugar and roll again until fully coated. This double coating is key for that iconic crackled, snowy look. Place the balls spaced apart on the lined pans to allow gentle spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 11 to 13 minutes. Watch for the tops to crack while edges set and centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of several chocolate cracked cookies cooling on a black wire rack, each cookie covered with a dusting of powdered sugar that highlights the cracks on their dark brown surface; the cookies have a soft, slightly cracked texture, and the background features a white marbled surface scattered with a bit of powdered sugar and blurry warm-toned lights, creating a cozy atmosphere. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive flourish, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint bark pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving. This adds a sparkling effect and reminds everyone of the peppermint magic inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa, a peppermint latte, or even a glass of creamy eggnog. Their fudgy texture and refreshing peppermint make them ideal companions to any cozy beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies in clear glass jars layered with festive ribbons for charming, edible gifts. Or arrange them on a holiday dessert platter surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs and red berries to elevate your festive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft centers and crisp edges. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week, perfect for nibbling through the holidays.

Freezing

To freeze, place the baked and fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This brings back their soft, melty center and revives that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

While peppermint extract is the best for this recipe’s signature flavor, you could try spearmint extract or a small amount of crushed candy canes, but keep in mind it will alter the taste and texture slightly.

Is chocolate peppermint bark necessary for the cookies?

The crushed chocolate peppermint bark adds a lovely crunch and enhanced peppermint flavor, but if you can’t find it, chopped peppermint candies can be used, though texture and melting behavior will differ.

Why do the cookies need to rest before baking?

Allowing the dough to rest helps the ingredients meld and the flour hydrate, resulting in a better texture and easier handling for rolling into sugar coatings.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for melting?

Semisweet chocolate chips are recommended for balanced sweetness, but bittersweet or dark chocolate can be used for a richer, less sweet cookie. Avoid milk chocolate as it may affect texture.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for cracked tops with edges that appear set but centers that remain soft to the touch. Overbaking will dry them out, so timing is key for that fudgy center.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to infuse your baking with holiday spirit and rich, comforting flavors. It’s one of those recipes that brings friends and family close, warms the soul, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Don’t wait for a special occasion—go ahead and bake a batch today; these cookies are worth every joyful moment they create!