14 Cool and Sweet Peppermint Desserts for the Holidays

Peppermint has a way of showing up loud and clear; it cools, freshens, and adds just enough sharpness to balance out the sweetness of rich desserts. These recipes focus on that cool mint kick, pairing it with chocolate, sugar, cream, and crunch in all kinds of formats. You’ll find chewy cookies, frosted cakes, fudgy bars, stuffed whoopee pies, and even frozen peppermint treats to balance out the baked ones. Whether you’re after bold mint flavor or a subtle chill in the background, these desserts are minty enough to feel seasonal but easy enough to keep baking long after the holidays are over.

Peppermint Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Green sugar cookies with a red heart-shaped decoration in the center, stacked closely together. — Peppermint Grinch Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

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Bright green and rolled in powdered sugar, these soft cookies crack open while baking for a festive look. Peppermint extract gives them a cool edge that contrasts the sweet surface. A playful cookie that’s great for themed trays or holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Grinch Crinkle Cookies

Peppermint Crunch Cake

This cake brings peppermint flavor through both the batter and the topping, often using crushed candy or peppermint bark for texture. The crumb stays moist while the topping adds a light, crunchy finish. Great as a centerpiece dessert or holiday sheet cake.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Crunch Cake

Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Chocolate cookies topped with crushed peppermint candies arranged on parchment paper. — Peppermint Brownie Cookies. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Fudgy and rich like a brownie, but shaped into soft, chewy cookies with a hit of peppermint. The chocolate base keeps it sweet while the mint cuts through. A dessert that brings depth and balance in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Two soft, chocolatey cookies sandwich a fluffy peppermint filling for a dessert that’s bold but not too sweet. The filling brings cooling flavor while the cookie keeps it grounded. A fun grab-and-eat option for dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Peppermint Chewy Chocolate Cookies

These cookies keep a dense, chewy center with a deep chocolate flavor and cooling peppermint mixed in. The balance makes them feel rich but fresh. Great for those who like soft cookies with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Peppermint Parfaits

Three dessert parfaits with crushed cookies at the bottom, red and white swirled cream, candy canes, sprinkles, and snowman face decorations, set against a white background. — Peppermint Parfaits. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Layered peppermint whipped cream or mousse with crushed cookies or brownies for texture, all served in cups or jars. They’re light, chilled, and ideal for make-ahead serving. Great for a no-bake peppermint option that still feels rich.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Parfaits

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

A plate of chocolate chip cookies with visible red candy pieces, next to two candy canes and a glass of milk. — Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Classic chocolate chip cookies with peppermint extract or crushed mints stirred into the dough. The chips melt and mix with the cool flavor for a balanced twist. A simple way to give a familiar recipe a holiday edge.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Soft chocolate cookies baked and topped with a peppermint kiss in the center. The candy melts slightly into the warm cookie, giving each bite a mix of rich and cool. A reliable option for cookie boxes and swaps.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies

Peppermint Stuffed Cookies

These thick cookies hide a peppermint frosting or melted candy center. The outside bakes firm while the inside stays soft and gooey. A surprise hit of coolness makes each bite stand out.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Stuffed Cookies

Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

A close-up of scones topped with icing and crushed peppermint, with a festive mug, red napkin, and Christmas ornaments in the background. — Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tender, buttery scones folded with chocolate chips and a hint of peppermint extract. The balance of rich and cool works well with coffee or cocoa. Great for breakfast baking or casual dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Peppermint Scones

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with swirled white frosting and crushed peppermint on top, arranged on a table with silver bells and candy canes in the background. — Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Rich chocolate cupcakes with mint frosting or peppermint baked into the batter. The soft cake pairs well with light crunch on top, crushed mints, chips, or bark. A classic dessert that still feels bold.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Peppermint Fudge

Thick, smooth fudge infused with peppermint and sometimes layered with white or dark chocolate. The cooling flavor keeps the richness from being too heavy. A great option to slice and box for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Fudge

Copycat York Peppermint Patties

A white plate holds several round, chocolate-covered cookies, with more cookies visible on a wooden board in the background. — Copycat York Peppermint Patties. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Homemade patties filled with peppermint cream and dipped in chocolate for a crisp bite and cool finish. They store well in the fridge and feel fresh every time. A clean, sharp dessert that always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Copycat York Peppermint Patties

Peppermint Cookies

Soft and chewy or crisp depending on the recipe, but always peppermint forward. These keep it simple and let the mint flavor shine. A clean finish with no extras needed.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Cookies