Name: Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies to Melt Your Heart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Semi-sweet baking chocolate (Can substitute with milk or dark chocolate.); 1 cup Unsalted butter (Coconut oil can be a dairy-free alternative.); 2 cups All-purpose flour (Use gluten-free flour blends if needed.); 1 tsp Baking powder (Do not substitute with baking soda.); 0.5 tsp Salt (Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.); 0.5 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (Regular unsweetened cocoa works as well.); 2 large Eggs (Aquafaba can be used for a vegan option.); 1 cup Light brown sugar (Can swap with granulated sugar.); 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best results.); 1 tsp Peppermint extract (A little goes a long way!); 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chunks (White chocolate chunks can substitute.); 8 large Marshmallows (Mini marshmallows can also be used.); 0.5 cup Crushed peppermint candy (Any peppermint candy can be crushed.)

As the scent of chocolate and peppermint wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel like a kid again, eagerly anticipating the holiday festivities. These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect blend of rich cocoa and refreshing mint, creating a delightful treat that wraps the cold season in warmth and cheer. With their soft, chewy texture and gooey marshmallow topping, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make for a crowd-pleasing holiday gift or snack. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the cozy moments with loved ones. Ready to sweeten your holiday season? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why are these cookies a holiday essential?

Irresistible peppermint flavor: These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies combine chocolate and mint to create a joyous taste sensation that embodies the festive spirit.

Quick preparation: With a simple recipe, these cookies come together effortlessly, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends.

Versatile variations: Feel free to swap peppermint for other extracts or add nuts, making this recipe adaptable for everyone.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress guests and can be neatly packaged for festive gift-giving.

Comforting texture: Soft and chewy with a gooey marshmallow topping, each bite is a delightful experience reminiscent of cozy winter nights enjoyed with a steaming cup of cocoa.

If you’re a fan of festive flavors, check out my Pumpkin Cookies Soft for another scrumptious seasonal treat!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake the holiday magic!

For the Cookie Dough

Semi-sweet baking chocolate – Adds a rich chocolate flavor; feel free to substitute with milk or dark chocolate as desired.
Unsalted butter – Provides moisture and richness; coconut oil can be a great dairy-free alternative.
All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies their structure; try using gluten-free flour blends if needed.
Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise to fluffy perfection; avoid using baking soda without adjustments, as it alters the taste.
Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors, bringing everything together in harmony.
Dutch-process cocoa powder – Contributes a deep chocolate color and flavor; regular unsweetened cocoa works if that’s what you have on hand.
Large eggs – Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture; use aquafaba for a vegan option.
Light brown sugar – Adds delightful sweetness and moisture; swapping it with granulated sugar may slightly change the texture.
Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavors; always opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
Peppermint extract – Brings in that refreshing minty essence; remember, a little goes a long way!
Semisweet chocolate chunks – Provides added texture and chocolatey goodness; white chocolate chunks make a fun substitute.

For the Topping

Large marshmallows – Create that fluffy, gooey topping; mini marshmallows can also be used for a different look.
Crushed peppermint candy – Adds a festive crunch and beautiful visual appeal; any peppermint candy can be crushed to perfection.

Whip up your own batch of these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies and feel the holiday joy in every delicious bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and positioning two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies will bake evenly and not stick to the pan. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients to streamline the mixing process.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet baking chocolate and unsalted butter. Heat the mixture in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it becomes smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly—this step is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling when mixed in later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and Dutch-process cocoa powder. This sifting process aerates the ingredients and helps to create light, fluffy cookies. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients to harmoniously blend both layers.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, beat together the large eggs, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The blending action introduces air, giving your cookies an irresistible texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Mixture
Gradually pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, mixing until everything is beautifully combined. Take care to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure no chocolate is left behind. This fusion creates a rich base for your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; this is essential for achieving a soft, tender cookie texture. Once incorporated, fold in the semisweet chocolate chunks to add delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances the flavors—this step is critical for achieving perfectly shaped Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop dough into balls approximately 1 heaping tablespoon in size and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows for spreading while baking. The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable, indicating it’s ready to bake.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 9 minutes. At this point, they should look slightly puffy but still soft. Quickly add halved large marshmallows on top of each cookie, then return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are melted and gooey.

Step 10: Cool and Finish
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the top and generously sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for a festive finish. Each bite of your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies will be an enchanting holiday treat!

What to Serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the richness of holiday treats mingled with cozy flavors, creating the perfect festive feast.

Classic Hot Cocoa: This warm drink echoes the flavors of your cookies, enhancing the peppermint experience with every sip.
Milk: A tall glass of cold milk not only balances the sweetness but also provides a comforting, classic accompaniment for these chewy delights.
Gingerbread Men: The spiced warmth of gingerbread cookies wonderfully complements the minty freshness, making for a delightful holiday cookie platter.
Chocolate-Mint Biscotti: Crunchy and dipped in chocolate, biscotti add a contrasting texture that pairs beautifully with the soft Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of homemade whipped cream alongside your cookies brings a creamy, indulgent element that enhances their gobsmacking appeal.
Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and adds a contrasting texture, making each cookie moment feel more festive.
Peppermint Tea: This fragrant tea echoes the peppermint flavor, offering a soothing warmth that will complement your cookies perfectly during the chilly season.
Eggnog: Embrace the traditional holiday spirit with creamy eggnog, as its spice notes provide a lovely balance to the sweet minty cookies.
Chocolate Mousse: A rich and airy chocolate mousse creates an elegant ending to your holiday dessert spread, harmonizing the chocolatey elements beautifully.
Sugar Cookies: Decorated with festive frosting, these classic cookies make for a nostalgic addition that contrasts delightfully with the mint and cocoa flavors.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Variations

Customize your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies to suit your taste and pantry with these delightful variations!

Almond Extract: Swap out peppermint extract for almond extract for a unique flavor that brings a nutty warmth to your cookies.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed walnuts or pecans for extra texture and a delightful crunch in every bite. They pair beautifully with chocolate!
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil to create a dairy-free version that still retains rich moisture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Goodies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, making these cookies accessible for everyone to enjoy.
White Chocolate Wonderland: Swap semisweet chunks for white chocolate for a sweeter, decadent twist. The combination of white chocolate and peppermint is heavenly!
Spicy Kick: Introduce a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle warmth that elevates the holiday flavors of your cookies.
Mini Marshmallow Magic: Instead of large marshmallows, pop mini marshmallows on top for a fun, bite-sized treat that melts just as beautifully.
Crunchy Topping: Crushed Oreos or chocolate graham crackers can be sprinkled atop before baking, adding a delightful crunch reminiscent of s’mores.

Embrace the creativity in your holiday baking! And if you’re feeling indulgent, check out my Cinnamon Roll Cookies for another sweet treat perfect for the season.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who need to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first six steps and storing the covered dough in the refrigerator. Additionally, the cookies can be baked and then stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving. By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure that these festive treats maintain their soft and chewy texture, letting you delight in holiday baking without the last-minute stress!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft delights.
Uniform Cookie Sizes: Use a cookie scoop for even-sized dough balls; this ensures your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies bake evenly and look beautiful on the plate.
Melted Marshmallow Delight: Add halved marshmallows on top right before the end of baking and watch them melt into gooey perfection for that irresistible topping.
Flavor Booster: For richer flavor, don’t hesitate to drizzle extra melted chocolate over cooled cookies before serving. This adds an extra touch of decadence!

Storage Tips for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to use a sealed container to avoid drying them out.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, bringing back that delightful gooey texture of your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Absolutely! Semi-sweet baking chocolate is ideal as it offers a rich chocolate flavor. However, if you prefer a sweeter cookie, feel free to substitute it with milk chocolate. For a deeper flavor profile, dark chocolate is also a fantastic choice. Just ensure whatever you choose is meant for baking to get that perfect melting consistency.

How long can I store Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and delicious. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies for up to 2-3 months! To do this, first allow them to cool completely. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until delightfully gooey.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
No worries, this can happen! If your cookie dough feels too sticky after chilling, you can add a bit more flour—about 1 tablespoon at a time—till it’s manageable. Remember though, don’t overwork the dough; the goal is to maintain that soft, chewy texture. If it’s still too sticky for your liking, refrigerating it for an additional 15-30 minutes can also help!

Are there any allergy considerations with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies?
Certainly! If you’re making these cookies for someone with allergies, be mindful of the ingredients. The recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. Substitutes like aquafaba can replace eggs, coconut oil for dairy, and gluten-free flour blends can be used for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check candy labels for any potential allergens if using crushed peppermint for the topping. Your loved ones’ safety comes first!