Few things say holiday cheer quite like the combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and crackled on the outside, with a refreshing minty twist that makes them absolutely irresistible. They sparkle on cookie platters and bring joy to every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for something festive to gift to neighbors, these cookies deliver both flavor and flair. The powdered sugar coating turns them into little edible snowballs, perfect for cozy winter baking. Plus, they’re easy enough to make with kids, making them a fun seasonal tradition.
Why You’ll Love These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are the ultimate holiday treat because they balance deep chocolate richness with a refreshing hint of peppermint. The crinkled texture gives them an old-fashioned charm, while the mint adds a bright twist that sets them apart from classic crinkle cookies. They stay soft for days, and their frosted finish makes them look like they came straight out of a snowy wonderland.
What Kind of Peppermint Should I Use?
Peppermint extract is the best choice here because it blends smoothly into the chocolate dough without changing the texture. It offers a consistent flavor, unlike crushed candy canes which can melt unpredictably and create sticky spots. You can add crushed candy canes on top after baking if you want that extra holiday sparkle and crunch.
Ingredients for the Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Making these cookies doesn’t require anything complicated, but each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure so they hold their shape as they crackle.
Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the mint.
Baking powder helps the cookies puff slightly, giving them those gorgeous cracks.
Salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a smooth texture.
Vegetable oil keeps the cookies moist and chewy without needing butter.
Eggs provide richness and help bind the dough together.
Peppermint extract infuses the dough with holiday magic. A little goes a long way.
Powdered sugar is what gives these cookies their snowy crackled finish.

How To Make the Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the peppermint extract.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Shape and Coat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and generously coat each one in powdered sugar.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and developed deep crinkles. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Store and Serve These Cookies
These cookies serve about 24 and are fantastic served fresh or a few days later. To keep them soft, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, do it after baking and cooling completely. They defrost beautifully and still maintain their chewy texture.
For gifting, stack them in festive tins or bags lined with parchment. They travel well and look gorgeous topped with a little edible glitter or extra powdered sugar.
What to Serve With Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies?
Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
The mint and chocolate combo is perfect with a mug of rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Turn these cookies into a wintery dessert sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle.
Peppermint Mocha
Pair your cookie with a warm peppermint mocha for a full-on festive coffee shop vibe at home.
Spiced Apple Cider
Balance the richness of the cookie with the spiced warmth of a cup of hot apple cider.
Eggnog
A chilled glass of eggnog complements the creamy texture and peppermint kick of the cookie.
Chocolate Fondue
Dip half of each cookie in warm chocolate fondue and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
Cheesecake Dip
Serve them alongside a light cheesecake dip for a sweet and creamy contrast.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive bites:
• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies with gooey marshmallow centers.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for that cinnamon sugar flair.
• Classic French Butter Cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you’re craving a citrusy bite.
• Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for a colorful and chewy treat.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the peppermint? Did you dust with extra sugar before gifting?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Holiday baking doesn’t get much more magical than these Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies. They bring together the comforting richness of cocoa and the refreshing pop of peppermint into one irresistibly crackled bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your loved ones, or the whole neighborhood, this recipe delivers joy every single time.

Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies combine rich cocoa, peppermint flavor, and a snowy powdered sugar crackle finish. The perfect festive cookie for Christmas dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts. Easy to make, chewy and soft inside with a crisp, snowy outside.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms.
5. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and coat generously with powdered sugar.
8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crinkled and set.
10. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These cookies keep well for up to a week in an airtight container.
To freeze, let cool completely and store in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Crushed peppermint candy canes can be sprinkled on top for extra holiday flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
