If you’re a fan of soothing winter treats with a festive twist, then you’re going to adore this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe. Imagine your favorite rich, chocolatey hot cocoa transformed into a soft, chewy cookie filled with chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and little pockets of melty mini marshmallows – it’s like a cozy hug in cookie form! These cookies bring together the warm, nostalgic flavors of holiday hot chocolate with a cool peppermint punch that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you want to bake for a crowd or just treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the perfect ingredients is the start of baking magic, and this recipe keeps it simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe has the ideal balance of texture, taste, and sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (softened): Provides creamy richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
- Packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Brings a hint of molasses richness and moisture for chewiness.
- Large egg, 1: Acts as the binding agent, giving structure and softness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Delivers that unmistakable refreshing peppermint coolness.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: The cookie base that provides just enough structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup: Offers rich, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Adds melty bursts of classic chocolate enjoyment.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, 1/2 cup: Gives the signature peppermint crunch and sparkle.
- Mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup: Offers gooey, nostalgic pockets like sipping hot cocoa.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start off by heating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly. Having everything ready now prevents any rushed moments later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which is key for soft cookies with just the right crumbly lightness.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in one large egg along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts. The egg brings moisture and binds your cookie dough, while the extracts infuse wonderful warm and minty aromas that make these cookies unforgettable.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed and your leavening agent is properly activated for a consistent bake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tougher instead of tender and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the crushed peppermint candies. These add both texture and bursts of flavor, giving the cookies their signature candy cane crunch and rich chocolate pockets.
Step 7: Scoop and Add Marshmallows
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they don’t spread into one another. Gently press a few mini marshmallows into the tops of each cookie dough ball to create those delightful gooey spots once baked.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies firm up perfectly without losing their tender center.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of melted chocolate or an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top adds a festive sparkle and an invitation to indulge. It’s amazing how a small finishing touch can elevate these treats from delicious to show-stopping holiday treats.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of classic hot cocoa or rich coffee for an iconic winter duo. For a fun twist, pair with a glass of cold milk or a peppermint mocha to amplify the peppermint flavor and satisfy every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe on a festive platter surrounded by candy canes and sprigs of evergreen for a magical holiday display. You can also stack them with layers of wax paper and tie up bundles with ribbon as charming gifts that spread joy bite by bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture wonderfully for up to five days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you want a sweet treat, thaw them overnight at room temperature for perfect freshness that tastes like they just came out of the oven.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, just pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This melts the chocolate chips and softens the marshmallows delightfully, evoking that just-baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with other flavors?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is essential to this particular Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe’s signature flavor, you can try vanilla or even almond extract for a different twist. Just keep in mind it will change the overall profile.
Are mini marshmallows necessary in the recipe?
The mini marshmallows give the cookies that cozy hot cocoa vibe by adding gooey pockets inside. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them, but they truly complete the experience.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
Make sure not to overbake and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring. Avoid overmixing the dough, and using brown sugar helps maintain moisture for that tender chewiness.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Feel free to use whatever chocolate chips you prefer. Dark chips will add a deeper chocolate intensity while milk chocolate chips make the cookies sweeter and creamier.
What if I don’t have crushed peppermint candies?
You can finely chop candy canes or substitute with peppermint bark pieces. If neither is available, just omit and add a little more peppermint extract to keep that festive flavor bright.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe truly brings the holiday spirit straight to your kitchen with every bite. Soft, chocolatey, and bursting with refreshing peppermint and melty marshmallows, these cookies will become an instant favorite for family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors that make winter moments extra special.
