If you have a soft spot for the unbeatable combo of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, then you’re going to adore the Peppermint Patty Cookies with York Peppermint Patties Recipe. These cookies bring together a fudgy cocoa base studded with melty semisweet chips and the iconic York peppermint patties right in the center, creating a festive, gooey surprise with every bite. It’s truly one of those treats that feels special enough for holidays but simple and fun enough to bake any time you’re craving a taste of wintery magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A long, dark brown log of what appears to be a dough or dense mixture is sliced into thin, even rounds, all neatly lined up on a piece of light brown parchment paper that sits on a white marbled surface. The slices have a smooth, slightly textured surface, and the log is slightly tilted, with the slices spreading out from the bottom to the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready for these Peppermint Patty Cookies is straightforward but essential — each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture, from the creamy butter to the dark cocoa powder that gives the dough its chocolatey depth.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and buttery.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookie that slight crisp edge on the outside.
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, sifted: Brings intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft, delicate texture.
1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavors and gives a lovely aroma.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
52 York peppermint patties: The star ingredient, providing that classic crisp peppermint center everyone loves.
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Melt inside the cookie and add gooey, chocolatey pockets.
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil: Helps melt the chocolate chips beautifully and keeps the chocolate shiny and smooth.

How to Make Peppermint Patty Cookies with York Peppermint Patties Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Then sift together the cocoa powder, baking powder, sea salt, and flour to ensure even distribution of those dry ingredients, and slowly add them to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined so the dough stays tender.

Step 2: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill Dough

Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips along with the vegetable shortening or coconut oil. This will help the chips retain their shine and softness during baking. Chill the dough for about 30-45 minutes — this not only makes it easier to handle but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies with York Peppermint Patties

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a generous spoonful of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a York peppermint patty in the center, then wrap the dough around it completely, sealing the edges so the peppermint patty is fully encased. Repeat this step until all the patties are wrapped in dough.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Place the wrapped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough room for spreading. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges look set but the center remains soft. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies should be fudgy and tender to complement the melting peppermint surprise inside.

How to Serve Peppermint Patty Cookies with York Peppermint Patties Recipe

The image shows several round chocolate treats placed on a metal cooling rack, which sits over a white marbled surface. Each treat has three visible layers: a dark brown cookie base at the bottom, a thick white marshmallow layer in the middle, and a smooth dark chocolate coating on top that covers the sides. The chocolate coating has small pieces of red and white peppermint candy sprinkled on it. One treat is cut open and displayed upright, showing the clear separation of the white marshmallow layer between the dark cookie base and chocolate coating. In the corner, a small white bowl holds crushed peppermint candy pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a festive look and an extra peppermint punch. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a beautiful contrast and added sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint-infused coffee. For an adult twist, try serving them alongside a glass of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe to enhance those minty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try gifting these cookies by stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons to brighten anyone’s day. You could also arrange them on a holiday platter surrounded by candy canes and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a charming winter presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Peppermint Patty Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They maintain their soft texture best this way and keep that delightful chewy center intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped around the patties for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge before baking. Baked cookies freeze well too; just place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with layers separated by parchment paper.

Reheating

To warm up your cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that melty chocolate and soft cookie texture, making each bite as lovely as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different peppermint candy instead of York Peppermint Patties?

Absolutely! While York Peppermint Patties provide a perfect mint-chocolate balance and size, you can experiment with other mint chocolates or even peppermint bark pieces. Just keep in mind that size and melt properties may vary slightly, which can affect baking time and texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the peppermint patties from leaking out during baking?

Make sure you fully encase the peppermint patty in the cookie dough by pinching the edges tightly together. Chilling the dough before wrapping also helps it hold its shape better in the oven.

Can I substitute dark cocoa powder with regular cocoa powder?

You can, but dark cocoa powder gives these cookies their rich, intense chocolate flavor and deeper color. If you use regular cocoa powder, the cookies will still taste great but might be lighter in both flavor and appearance.

Are these cookies suitable for making ahead of a party?

Definitely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare and freeze the dough-wrapped patties, then bake fresh whenever you’re ready to serve. They’ll have that just-baked warmth and gooey mint center everyone will love.

Do I have to use vegetable shortening or coconut oil with the chocolate chips?

Using vegetable shortening or coconut oil helps keep the chocolate chips glossy and gives them a smoother melt, but if you prefer, you can leave it out. Just know that the chocolate may set a bit firmer without it.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Peppermint Patty Cookies with York Peppermint Patties Recipe enough for anyone who loves a fun twist on classic chocolate cookies. With each bite delivering a perfect balance of minty freshness and rich chocolate indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a go-to whenever you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something truly delicious. Happy baking!

Peppermint Patty Cookies with York Peppermint Patties Recipe