Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are rich, fudgy, and packed with festive peppermint flavor in every bite. Quick to make and bakery-soft in the center, they’re the perfect holiday treat without turning on the oven.

In December, I craved chocolate and peppermint—one of my favorite flavors, mint. So today, we’re going straight to the recipe that will have you drooling, it not only has peppermint, but it’s a great chocolate cookie! All made in the Air Fryer!

I love baking during the Christmas season because I’m good at it. My family has always made their mark in this area, with my mom being only one of many bakers that sprang from our roots – including Grandma Jennie! Growing up around these talented women taught me everything about making delicious treats or giving gifts to enjoy yourself.

Today, I made this perfect batch of Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in the Air Fryer for an excellent and delicious batch of homemade cookies!

Why You Will Love These Cookies!

• Big chocolate flavor: Dark chocolate gives them a rich, bakery-style taste that hits hard in the best way.
• Peppermint crunch in every bite: Crushed candy canes add a festive pop that makes them feel extra special.
• No oven, no waiting: The air fryer gets these done fast, which means cookies now…not later.
• Soft centers, crisp edges: That dreamy bakery texture without any fuss.
• Perfect for the holidays: Great for gift bags, cookie swaps, parties, or “just one more” moments at night.

Ingredients Needed

• Butter – Softened butter for rich, melt-in-mouth texture
• Confectioners Sugar – Sweetens dough and creates a smooth cookie base
• Egg Yolks – Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for perfectly tender chocolate cookies
• Cocoa Powder – Gives deep chocolate flavor and dark color
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• White Melting Chocolate – Used for dipping and decorating cookie tops
• Peppermint Extract – Adds cool, refreshing peppermint flavor to dough
• Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candy – Topping for festive crunch and peppermint bite

How To Make Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Step One: Add the egg yolks to a large bowl, and beat butter and sugar together. 

Step Two: Combine flour and cocoa powder in a separate bowl. Add salt.  Add the flour mixture slowly to the first bowl using a mixer.

Step Three: Once the dough is thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps, knead the dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 45 minutes and overnight.

Step Four: When ready to make cookies remove the dough from the fridge. Preheat the air fryer temperature to 300 degrees F, air fryer setting. Roll out the dough on a very lightly floured surface. Using a round, circular cookie cutter, cut out cookies. 

Step Five: Line basket with parchment paper and place cookies in the basket, leaving a half-inch of space between each cookie—set cook time for 5-7 minutes. Remove cookies from the air fryer and allow them to cool on the cookie rack.

Step Six: Once cookies are completely cool, melt white chocolate according to the directions on the package, stir well, add peppermint extract, & stir again. Dip each cookie halfway into the white chocolate and then into the peppermint candy pieces and set on parchment paper to dry. 

Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: Keep your cookie dough in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain thick, soft cookies.
• Lightly Flour Your Surface: When rolling the dough, dust your work surface and rolling pin lightly with flour to avoid sticking.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Liners: Line your air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Check Doneness Early: Air fryer models vary, so start checking cookies a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Crush Candy Canes Just Before Topping: For maximum crunch and color contrast, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top after baking while cookies are still slightly warm.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness and soft texture.
• Experiment with Sizes: Smaller cookies cook faster and get crisp edges, while larger cookies stay soft and chewy inside.

Storing Instructions

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe Faqs

Why should I chill the cookie dough? Chilling the dough is essential. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer’s intense circulating heat, resulting in thicker cookies and a richer, chewier texture.

How long does it take to bake them in the air fryer? Baking time is typically very short, often around 6 to 10 minutes at 300 degrees F. Always check them early, as times vary significantly by air fryer model.

How many cookies can I cook at once? Only place cookies in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Do not overcrowd them; leave space between each cookie for the hot air to circulate, which ensures even baking.

When should I add the crushed peppermint candies? It is best to press the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes onto the top of the cookies after baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies are done when the edges look set and slightly crisp, but the centers still look slightly soft or puffy. They will firm up considerably as they cool on the baking rack.

More Air Fryer Cookie Recipes

• AIR FRYER RED VELVET CAKE MIX COOKIES
• AIR FRYER MONSTER COOKIES
• EASY AIR FRYER VALENTINE’S DAY HEART SUGAR COOKIES
• AIR FRYER PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
• AIR FRYER S’MORES COOKIES
• EASY AIR FRYER CHRISTMAS BROWNIE MIX COOKIES