If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday treat to impress a crowd or simply indulge your own sweet tooth, these Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies are about to become your new festive obsession. Rich, fudgy chocolate pairs with the cool sparkle of peppermint and the colorful crunch of M&Ms for a cookie that’s irresistibly fun and full of winter wonder. Every bite is both nostalgic and deliciously new, making these cookies a must-bake for the season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item plays a unique role in achieving that irresistible chewy texture and classic flavor burst. Gather these essential ingredients and let’s get baking!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich base and chewy texture—room temperature is key for proper creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings in caramel notes and helps the cookies stay irresistibly moist.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ soft center.
- Peppermint extract (1½ teaspoons): Gives the cookies their signature cool, minty flavor—don’t skip or substitute!
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): The backbone of your dough, creating structure for the perfect bite.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅔ cup): For that deep, chocolatey flavor and classic color. Use a high-quality brand for best results.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them a tender crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Peppermint M&M’s (1 cup): The star of the show, adding pops of color and crunchy peppermint bursts in every bite.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Pockets of melty chocolate just take these cookies over the top.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple step guarantees even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your pans ready to go keeps the process flowing smoothly, especially once your dough is scooped and ready.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture turns fluffy and pale in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process is vital for a chewy, tender cookie and lets the sugars blend seamlessly with the butter.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Peppermint Extract
Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This makes the dough silky and cohesive. Next, pour in that lovely peppermint extract—it’s the secret to achieving that unmistakable holiday aroma and flavor unique to Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a smaller, separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps evenly distribute everything, so you’ll avoid dry patches of flour or overly dense cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dough & Add Goodies
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet, mixing gently until just combined—over-mixing can make your cookies tough. Now, fold in the peppermint M&M’s and semisweet chocolate chips, making sure you get a colorful mix in every scoop.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, watching for set edges and slightly soft centers. That’s the secret for classic, melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies! Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies
Garnishes
For that extra festive touch, press a few peppermint M&M’s into the tops of the cookies right after baking. A light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make them look like they came straight from a fancy bakery!
Side Dishes
These cookies truly shine alongside a mug of creamy hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or a simple glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, serve with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolatey notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for homemade gifts. Arrange them in a festive tin lined with parchment for cookie exchanges, or build a decadent holiday cookie board with all your seasonal favorites for an impressive party display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare ahead, freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls. Store cookies in a single layer, separated by parchment, in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For dough, scoop onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag for easy, fresh-baked treats on demand.
Reheating
Warm day-old cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked gooeyness. If heating from frozen, give them a few extra seconds or let them sit on the counter for 20–30 minutes first.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies without peppermint extract?
Peppermint extract is what gives these cookies their bright, wintry kick, but if you’re in a pinch or prefer less mint, you can reduce the amount—it’ll just be more subtle. The cookies will still be rich and chocolatey!
What if I can’t find peppermint M&M’s?
If peppermint M&M’s aren’t available, regular M&M’s or chopped peppermint candies work wonderfully. The cookies may be slightly less minty, so you might want to add a bit more peppermint extract for balance.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies are a hit at parties, so doubling the batch is a great idea. Just use a larger bowl and consider chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm to make scooping easier.
Why are my cookies more cakey than chewy?
Cakey cookies usually come from over-mixing the dough or adding too much flour. Be sure to mix until just combined and measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method for best chewy results.
How can I make the cookies extra festive for a holiday platter?
Try pressing extra M&M’s into the tops right after baking and finish with edible glitter or festive sprinkles. They’ll sparkle on the dessert table and truly embody the Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies holiday spirit!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies is pure joy, and sharing them is even better. Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or simply craving a delicious cookie with a twist, this recipe has you covered—so don’t hesitate, give them a try and make your kitchen the most magical spot on the block!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint with these scrumptious Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies. Perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup peppermint M&M’s
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the peppermint extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Cool: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, press a few M&M’s on top of the cookies right after baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
