Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve ever craved cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate, you’ve come to the right place. These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies hit the sweet spot between classic comfort and a hint of festive fun with peppermint candies. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a holiday treat, or a simple snack, this recipe is designed to be foolproof, fast, and irresistibly delicious. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you’ll have cookies that look bakery-made and taste even better.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: From mixing to baking in under 30 minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus chocolate and peppermint for a little extra magic.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Holidays, parties, or a cozy night in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate—everyone will love them.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of semi-sweet, white chocolate, and peppermint makes these cookies unforgettable.

This recipe stands out because it balances chewy centers with slightly crisp edges while delivering a playful, seasonal twist. Baking these cookies is as satisfying as eating them—perfect for creating memories in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Mix-Ins:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for a festive touch)

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this aerates the dough for tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and prevents clumps.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. Aim for even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 7: Portion the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their chewy texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve warm with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for maximum enjoyment.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warm.

Helpful Notes

• Soft vs. Crisp: Bake a minute less for extra-soft cookies, or a minute longer for slightly crisp edges.
• Mix-Ins: Swap peppermint for nuts, dried fruit, or extra chocolate chips.
• Chilling Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping to avoid dense cookies.

Conclusion

These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies are a foolproof way to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual snacking to festive celebrations. The addition of peppermint adds a fun, unexpected twist that makes them extra special.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below! Share your creations on social media, and let us know: Did you stick with the classic chocolate chips or get creative with mix-ins?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain soft and chewy.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Ensure your butter isn’t too soft or melted, and don’t overmix the dough. Chilling the dough slightly can help.

Can I replace peppermint candies with nuts?

Yes! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even caramel bits work wonderfully as mix-ins.