If you love holiday baking that brings instant joy without a lot of fuss, these Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies are about to be your new festive favorite. They start with a simple chocolate cake mix and turn into soft, fudgy cookies covered in snowy powdered sugar. The hint of peppermint makes every bite feel like Christmas. These cookies bake up beautifully crinkled, stay super soft in the center, and get topped with a melty Candy Cane Kiss. They are nostalgic, cozy, and perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or a fun snow day bake with the kids.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
- Soft, fudgy center with a powdered sugar coating
- Easy cake mix recipe with consistent results
- Festive peppermint flavor that tastes like the holidays
- Only a handful of pantry ingredients
- Loved by kids and adults
- Perfect for gifting and cookie boxes
When To Make These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Christmas parties
- Gifting to neighbors and teachers
- Snow day baking with the kids
- Dessert boards in December
- Anytime you want a quick chocolate treat
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
- Use room temperature eggs so the dough mixes evenly
- Roll generously in powdered sugar for the best snowy crinkle finish
- Double coat in powdered sugar if your dough is extra soft
- Bake on parchment so the cookies spread evenly
- Press the Candy Cane Kiss on while the cookies are hot
- Let the cookies cool completely so the kiss sets and holds its shape
- Chill the dough for fifteen to twenty minutes if it feels sticky
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly
Storage and Freezing
How to Store and Freeze:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days
- Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft
- Freeze baked cookies for up to two months
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months
- If freezing dough balls, roll in powdered sugar after thawing so they crinkle properly
FAQs
Can I use vegetable oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes. Any neutral oil works well.
Can I skip the peppermint extract?
Yes. You can leave it out and just have the peppermint flavor from the Candy Cane Kisses.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Triple chocolate fudge gives the richest flavor, but any chocolate mix will work.
If you love festive baking, try my Snowman Cake Pops next for a fun holiday dessert twist.
Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 box triple chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 bag Candy Cane Hershey's Kisses
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl add cake mix, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix until a thick dough forms and fold in chocolate chunks.
- Scoop 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and coat generously in powdered sugar. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the cookies crackle on top. Remove from oven and immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool completely so the chocolate sets.
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