Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies combine rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint in a soft, fudgy treat. Their crackled, powdered sugar-coated tops make them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a festive twist on classic chocolate cookies.

Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (118 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and free of cocoa streaks.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the cocoa mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Pour the confectioners’ sugar into a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 7: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out chilled dough balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the confectioners’ sugar until fully coated.
- Step 8: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 9: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the chocolate.
- If you prefer a mint chocolate chip version, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips after mixing the dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential for the crinkle effect and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; allow thawing at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, melty texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated. Use it sparingly—start with a few drops and adjust cautiously to avoid an overpowering taste.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms the dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape and creates the signature crackled surface when baked.
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Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor. Coated generously in confectioners’ sugar, they bake up with a delightfully crackled top and a moist, soft center. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want a festive treat with a cool minty twist.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (118 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Coating
- ½ cup (62.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Whisk sugar, cocoa, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy, with no streaks of cocoa remaining.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, mixing well to distribute the leavening and salt evenly.
- Add flour mixture to cocoa mixture. Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet cocoa mixture using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms.
- Cover and chill dough. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to develop flavor and make the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare confectioners’ sugar for coating. Pour the confectioners’ sugar into a small bowl and set aside for rolling the dough balls before baking.
- Portion out cookie dough and roll in confectioners’ sugar. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out sticky dough balls. Roll each ball fully in the confectioners’ sugar until completely coated.
- Arrange coated dough balls on baking sheets. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookie edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
- Let cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to develop the flavors and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- For extra peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of food-grade red or green coloring to the dough.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate peppermint cookies, crinkle cookies, peppermint extract cookies, holiday cookies, fudgy chocolate cookies

