Few things capture the magic of the season like the scent of freshly baked Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting from the oven. This Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe combines the rich sweetness of melted chocolate, the cool sparkle of peppermint, and the subtle tang of sourdough for a cookie that feels both nostalgic and new. Perfect for cookie swaps or cozy evenings by the fireplace, these Cocoa Peppermint Cookies are true Christmas Baking Chocolate favorites. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind the recipe, detailed ingredients, step-by-step baking directions, pro tips, FAQs, and creative ways to serve and gift these festive treats.
A Holiday Memory Baked In
The first time I made this Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe, snowflakes tapped against the kitchen window while carols hummed from the radio. The tree was trimmed, the lights softly twinkling, and my counter was dusted with flour and bits of peppermint candy. I wasn’t aiming for perfection that day—just a warm kitchen, a sweet aroma, and a little bit of holiday comfort. From the mixer came an unexpected delight: Cocoa Peppermint Cookies made with sourdough discard, a simple twist that turned leftover starter into the heart of my family’s new favorite cookie.
As the cookies baked, the sharp scent of peppermint mingled beautifully with the deep, melty chocolate. The tang of sourdough added a layer of richness that balanced the sweetness, making each bite taste like something both comforting and fresh. My kids hovered around the oven door, waiting impatiently for the timer’s ding. That aroma—warm cocoa, cool mint, and browned butter—still floods my memory each December.
Every holiday since, this Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe has become a baking tradition in our home. We cue up our favorite festive playlist, pour mugs of cocoa, and bake batch after batch of Cocoa Peppermint Cookies to share with neighbors and friends. There’s something so nostalgic about the process—the rhythmic stirring, the shine of melted chocolate chips, the laughter filling the room. Each cookie holds a little story, a shared emotion, a reminder that the best Christmas moments are built from simple pleasures like flour, sugar, peppermint, and love.
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Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for the Holidays
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These sourdough peppermint chocolate chip cookies combine tangy sourdough discard with rich cocoa, melty chocolate chips, and cool peppermint for a festive holiday treat. Soft and chewy with crisp edges, they bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes and can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days. Perfect for sharing at cookie swaps or gifting, this easy baking recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
3. Mix in sourdough discard, then add eggs one at a time until incorporated.
4. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts and mix until combined.
5. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
7. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes or peppermint bark.
8. Chill dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best results.
9. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze dough balls for later baking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: peppermint chocolate cookies recipe, cocoa peppermint cookies, christmas baking chocolate, sourdough cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate holiday cookies, homemade holiday cookies
Why Sourdough Makes These Cookies Special
Sourdough brings a truly unique charm to this recipe. The live culture in a sourdough starter or discard introduces gentle acidity and complexity that elevate even the simplest bake. In these Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, that subtle tang balances the cooling sweetness of peppermint and the richness of cocoa, creating a depth of flavor you won’t find in a standard cookie.
The science behind it is as delightful as its taste. Sourdough discard contains natural yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which tenderize the dough and add a slightly chewy, soft texture that remains moist for days. This makes sourdough the secret ingredient to consistently irresistible Cocoa Peppermint Cookies.
Additionally, the use of discard reduces waste—a gift to both the planet and the baker’s conscience. It’s a way of transforming something that might otherwise be thrown out into a festive Christmas Baking Chocolate masterpiece. The blend of sourdough’s tang, crisp chocolate chips, and refreshing peppermint pays homage to tradition while feeling innovative and new. With every bite, you taste not just sweetness, but a story of care and creativity—perfect for celebrating the heartwarming spirit of the holidays.
The Recipe – Making Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin baking, gather all your ingredients so the process flows smoothly. The beauty of this Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe lies in its balance of familiar pantry staples with the unique touch of sourdough starter and peppermint flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup | 227 g |
| Brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup | 150 g |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 100 g |
| Sourdough discard (unfed starter) | ½ cup | 120 g |
| Large eggs | 2 | — |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| Peppermint extract | ½ teaspoon | 2.5 ml |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups | 280 g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¼ cup | 25 g |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | 4 g |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 3 g |
| Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips | 1½ cups | 270 g |
| Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark | ½ cup | 60 g |
Optional Swaps:
- Substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet if you prefer a more intense Christmas Baking Chocolate flavor.
- Swap crushed candy canes for peppermint bark pieces for a chunkier, more colorful finish.
- Add a small handful of white chocolate chips for extra holiday flair.
These ingredients blend to create the perfect Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe: bold, minty sweetness with rich cocoa notes and the distinct texture that only sourdough can provide.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Results
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Have a stand mixer or handheld mixer ready—this will help achieve the perfect creamy butter-sugar base typical of great Christmas Baking Chocolate treats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of your mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes on medium speed. This crucial step traps air, creating cookies that stay soft in the center even after cooling.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the sourdough discard, then the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The sourdough discard will loosen the dough slightly while adding depth—key to the signature texture of these Cocoa Peppermint Cookies.
Step 4: Whisk and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Peppermint
Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. Reserve a handful to press on top before baking for festive sparkle.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Refrigerate the dough for 30–60 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and enhance flavor depth.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and space 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers still soft.
Pro Tip: Remove cookies slightly underbaked; they’ll finish cooking on the tray for perfectly gooey centers.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to racks. While warm, add extra crushed candy cane or chocolate bits.
Step 9: Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, store in airtight containers for up to five days. Freeze unbaked dough for freshly baked Cocoa Peppermint Cookies anytime.
- Stand mixer: ensures smooth dough.
- Cookie scoop: gives uniform size.
- Cooling racks: preserves chewy texture.
Pro Baker Tips:
- Brush warm cookies with a light sugar glaze then add peppermint dust for sparkle.
- Add molasses for softer centers.
- Warm chocolate chips slightly before mixing for an amplified Christmas Baking Chocolate aroma.
Serving & Storing Cocoa Peppermint Cookies
How to Serve These Christmas Baking Chocolate Favorites
Once your Cocoa Peppermint Cookies have cooled and the chocolate chips have set, it’s time to serve and enjoy. These Chocolate Holiday Cookies vanish quickly, so display them with care and charm.
Serve slightly warm to refresh their aroma. They pair beautifully with rich cocoa, coffee, or a chilled glass of milk. For festive gatherings, present your Christmas Baking Chocolate favorites on a platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow.” Pair them with other classics like shortbread or ginger snaps for variety.
To delight guests, layer Chocolate Holiday Cookies in glass jars or tie them with red ribbon for easy gifting. Try sandwiching peppermint ice cream between two cookies for an elegant frozen treat.
Every bite brings together rich chocolate, cool mint, and the comforting tang of sourdough—a flavor balance that defines holiday indulgence.
Storing and Gifting Homemade Holiday Cookies
Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies stay moist longer than other Homemade Holiday Cookies, thanks to the natural hydration from sourdough discard. Keep them between parchment layers in airtight containers for up to five days or freeze for future baking.
For long-term storage, freeze baked cookies first on a sheet tray before sealing in bags, or freeze scooped dough balls to bake later. Reheat finished cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 minutes to revive their aroma and texture.
When gifting, place stacks of Cocoa Peppermint Cookies in decorative tins or glass jars. Add ribbons and handwritten tags mentioning their festive Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe. These Homemade Holiday Cookies make meaningful presents for neighbors and family.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies without sourdough starter?
Yes. Replace sourdough discard with ½ cup of plain yogurt or buttermilk. The Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe will remain soft and delicious, though slightly less tangy.
2. How do I adjust sweetness or peppermint intensity?
Reduce granulated sugar by 2 tablespoons for less sweetness. For gentler mint, use ¼ teaspoon extract; for stronger flavor, add extra crushed candy cane.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze dough balls flat on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes for fresh Christmas Baking Chocolate treats anytime.
4. What’s the best chocolate to use?
Dark or semi-sweet chips maintain balance with peppermint. Add white chocolate or bark pieces for decorative Chocolate Holiday Cookies.
5. How long do these cookies last?
In airtight containers, Homemade Holiday Cookies stay fresh for five days or frozen for three months.
Bringing the Holiday Spirit Together
Baking Sourdough Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for the Holidays is much more than following steps—it’s about creating sensory memories that blend chocolate warmth, peppermint freshness, and the comforting tang of sourdough.
Whether gifting tins of Cocoa Peppermint Cookies, arranging trays of Chocolate Holiday Cookies, or savoring one quietly by the fireplace, each bite becomes an act of sharing. Let this Peppermint Chocolate Cookies Recipe become your cherished Christmas Baking Chocolate tradition that fills your home with love, laughter, and irresistible Homemade Holiday Cookies.
