Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step as it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large bowl, place 1/2 cup of softened butter. Using a mixer, beat the butter until it becomes fluffy and light in color, which usually takes about two to three minutes. This aeration is key for texture.
Add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix at low speed until the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a dough that holds together but isn’t too stiff.
Next, incorporate 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon of crushed peppermint candy, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Continue beating until the mixture is just combined. You should see flecks of chocolate and peppermint throughout your dough.
Now it’s time to shape your dough. Roll it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling step is essential for shaping and helps the cookies retain their form while baking.
After an hour, remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 3/4 inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between each piece as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they're ready when the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t overbake, as they will continue to firm up after being removed from the oven.
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
For the drizzle, combine 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until melted, then stir until smooth.
Using a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Finally, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of crushed candy canes to add an extra festive touch and some crunch.
