Name: Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 270 g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour; 80 g (1 cup) cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 300 g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar; 120 g (1 cup) confectioners’ sugar; 4 eggs; 160 g (⅔ cup) vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 5 candy canes, crushed (about 75 g)

Chocolate peppermint surprise cookies capture the magical essence of winter’s most delightful flavor combination.

Sweet and rich chocolate intertwines with cool, crisp peppermint notes in a delectable dance of taste sensations.

These decadent treats promise a burst of unexpected joy with every single bite.

Soft, tender cookies conceal an inner layer of creamy surprise that melts beautifully on your tongue.

Festive and indulgent, these cookies convert ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a harmonious symphony of comforting warmth and refreshing coolness.

Baking enthusiasts and sweet tooth lovers alike will find pure delight in crafting these irresistible confections.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A soft, fine flour that provides structure and tenderness to the cookies.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and ensures a soft, tender cookie texture.
Cocoa Powder: Gives a rich, deep chocolate flavor to the cookies.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm background flavor to the cookies.
Peppermint Extract: Provides a cool, refreshing mint flavor that complements the chocolate.
Confectioners' Sugar: Used for rolling the cookies, creating a beautiful snowy white coating.

Festive Add-Ins:

Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint candies that add a festive crunch and extra mint flavor to the cookies.

Bake Surprise Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Gather Dry Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Cocoa powder

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor Enhancers

Slowly add eggs to the sugar mixture, one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts for a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Merge Ingredient Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix until just combined, allowing some flour streaks to remain. Avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Introduce Festive Crunch

Sprinkle crushed candy canes into the dough. Stir until evenly distributed for a delightful minty surprise in every bite.

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for 2 hours or overnight. This helps intensify flavors and improves cookie texture.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.

Step 8: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop chilled dough using a cookie scoop. Roll each dough ball generously in confectioners’ sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11 minutes. Cookies will appear soft but will firm up while cooling.

Bonus Tip: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from oven to complete the setting process.

Crush Perfectly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush candy canes into fine, consistent pieces for even distribution in the dough.
Chill for Success: Refrigerating the dough overnight enhances flavor complexity and prevents cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookie dough balls generously in confectioners' sugar for a beautiful crackled exterior and extra sweetness.
Baking Precision: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking; they should look slightly underbaked to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
Storage Wisdom: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to preserve their moisture and prevent sticking.

Store Peppermint Cookies Properly

Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
Freezing Method: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Reheating Tip: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture and revive the peppermint flavor. Enjoy them slightly warm for a delightful treat that tastes just like fresh-baked cookies.

Serve Peppermint Cookies With These

Pair with Cool Mint Cocoa: Create a heavenly match by serving these chocolate peppermint cookies alongside a steaming mug of rich mint hot chocolate. The mint-chocolate flavor profile will enhance the cookie's delightful taste and create a cozy winter treat.
Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve the warm, freshly baked cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth texture of the ice cream perfectly balances the cookie's rich chocolate and crisp peppermint notes.
Match with Peppermint Mocha Latte: Brew a homemade peppermint mocha latte to accompany these cookies. The espresso's boldness will cut through the sweetness, while the additional peppermint flavor creates a harmonious and indulgent dessert experience.
Serve with Festive Champagne: For an elegant touch, pair these cookies with a chilled glass of sparkling champagne or prosecco. The bubbles and light sweetness will complement the cookie's rich chocolate and peppermint essence, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising rich chocolate and peppermint flavors.
Dark Chocolate Mint Cookies: Replace cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate and add extra mint extract for an intense, sophisticated chocolate-mint experience that feels more gourmet.
Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Rounds: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a compassionate cookie option.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Mint Treats: Reduce granulated sugar, incorporate stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free candy cane alternatives to craft a more health-conscious cookie that still delivers bold flavor profiles.

What’s Cool About Peppermint Cookies

Indulge in Decadent Holiday Flavors: These chocolate peppermint cookies burst with rich cocoa and cool peppermint, creating a festive taste explosion that captures the essence of winter celebrations.
Achieve Bakery-Quality Texture: The chilled dough technique ensures perfectly crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, while the coating of confectioners' sugar adds a delightful crackly exterior that makes each bite irresistible.
Master Effortless Gourmet Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create impressive cookies that look and taste like they came from a professional pastry shop, making holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable.
Customize Your Festive Treat: The crushed candy canes provide a playful crunch and festive look, allowing you to personalize the cookies and create a stunning dessert that doubles as a beautiful holiday gift or party centerpiece.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Try This Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Surprise Cookies Recipe