These chewy chocolate cookies are infused with peppermint extract and loaded with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. They’re like hot chocolate in cookie form! Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, these treats combine rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch.

Servings: 20-24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract; beat until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
4. Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.