Cozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Cold winter nights call for a magical peppermint hot chocolate cookies adventure that warms your soul.

Cozy kitchen moments become extraordinary with this delightful treat.

Sweet chocolate mingles perfectly with cool mint sensations.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a delectable texture everyone craves.

Rich cocoa notes dance alongside refreshing peppermint hints.

Memories of holiday cheer emerge through each delicious bite.

Peppermint Cookies That Are Soft And Minty

• Effortless Holiday Cheer: These cookies require basic baking skills and minimal preparation, making them perfect for bakers of all levels. Novice and experienced home cooks can easily create these delightful treats without feeling overwhelmed.
• Quick and Cozy Treat: Prepare these cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish. The short baking time and simple steps mean you can satisfy sweet cravings quickly, ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute holiday gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine the classic comfort of hot chocolate with peppermint's festive twist. The recipe transforms traditional chocolate chip cookies into a seasonal sensation that appeals to both kids and adults, making them a versatile dessert for family celebrations and holiday parties.
• Festive Customization Magic: Dress up these cookies with optional chocolate drizzle and extra peppermint sprinkles. The recipe allows creative touches that elevate the presentation, turning simple cookies into impressive, Instagram-worthy treats that spark joy and holiday spirit.

Peppermint Cookie Elements

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for cookie texture, choose unbleached for better flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate base, Dutch-processed works best for deep color.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, fresh and active for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Creates soft texture and caramel-like depth, use fresh and dry.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps cookies spread, softened at room temperature.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure, large size recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, pure extract preferred over artificial.

• Chocolate Chips, Mini Marshmallows: Adds extra texture and sweetness, high-quality chocolate recommended.
• Peppermint Candy Canes: Provides festive flavor and crunch, crush finely for even distribution.

• Heavy Cream: Used for chocolate drizzle, fresh and full-fat for best results.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies – Baking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for perfect cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until they become light and fluffy.

Toss in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Sprinkle in Delightful Extras

• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed peppermint candy canes

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dreamboats

Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Space them about 2 inches apart.

Gently press down on each dough ball to create slight pancake-like shapes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies in the oven for 8-10 minutes.

Look for set edges but a soft center.

Remember, they’ll continue firming up while cooling.

Step 8: Add Decadent Chocolate Drizzle

Melt heavy cream and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch.

Step 9: Cool and Devour

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Then enjoy your heavenly peppermint hot chocolate cookies!

Cookie Tips With Peppermint Cocoa Punch

• Leave butter out for 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture without melting.
• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create varied peppermint candy sizes for better texture and distribution.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Swap some cocoa powder with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the peppermint.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking for up to 5 days.

Peppermint Cookies Stay Soft in a Tin

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
• If cookies become slightly stale, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

Sips That Work With Peppermint Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Peppermint Latte: A warm, frothy peppermint latte with steamed milk and a hint of espresso perfectly complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors in the cookies.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cookies for a delightful contrast of temperatures and a rich, smooth texture.
• Match with Spiced Mulled Wine: A warm, aromatic mulled wine with cinnamon and orange zest provides a sophisticated adult pairing that highlights the cookies' festive peppermint notes.
• Enjoy with Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Double down on the peppermint theme by serving the cookies with a classic hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and candy cane sprinkles.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Mixes

• Gluten-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor while catering to those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that maintains the cookie's decadent texture.
• Low-Sugar Peppermint Chocolate Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's delicious chocolate and peppermint profile.
• Nut-Free Holiday Cookies: Ensure no nut-based ingredients are used, making these cookies safe for those with nut allergies while keeping the festive peppermint chocolate essence.

FAQs

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor. The cookies will still taste delicious and have a rich chocolate base.

• Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can mix the ingredients and immediately scoop and bake the cookies for quick and easy preparation.

• How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning during baking?

Gently press the marshmallows into the cookie dough and ensure they are partially covered. This helps prevent them from burning and keeps them soft and gooey during baking.

• Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free for a safe alternative.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive winter nights sparkle with homemade peppermint hot chocolate cookies, melding rich chocolate and cool mint in one irresistible treat. Warm chocolate depths meet crisp peppermint crunch, promising sweet comfort that draws friends closer around holiday cheer.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Chocolate and Candy Additions:

• 1/2 cup (85 g) milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (60 g) mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup (50 g) crushed peppermint candy canes

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a pristine canvas for your festive treats.
2. Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a harmonious blend that will provide structure to your cookies.
3. Transform butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar into a creamy, airy mixture using vigorous mixing techniques until the texture becomes light and ethereal.
4. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract into the buttery mixture, gently incorporating them to create a smooth, unified base.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with delicate movements until just combined, avoiding overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
6. Elevate the cookie dough by folding in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candy canes, distributing these festive elements evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Carefully portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, positioning each dollop approximately two inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Gently flatten each cookie mound with a light touch, creating a slightly disc-like shape that will ensure even baking and an attractive appearance.
9. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform for 8-10 minutes until the edges become firm while maintaining a soft, pillowy center.
10. After removing from the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for five minutes, allowing them to stabilize and firm up before transferring to a cooling rack.
11. For an optional decadent finish, melt heavy cream and drizzle over completely cooled cookies, then sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint for a festive flourish.

Notes

• Adjust peppermint intensity by reducing or increasing crushed candy cane amount for personalized flavor profile.
• Swap regular chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate to create unique taste variations.
• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for convenient make-ahead option that stays fresh up to 3 months.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising delicious texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg