If you’re searching for a cozy, festive treat that perfectly blends the rich warmth of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies bring together the deep cocoa flavor of hot chocolate and the cool burst of peppermint in a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that will satisfy any sweet tooth and fill your kitchen with the most inviting holiday aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like prepping for the perfect cozy moment. Each one plays a crucial role, from the flour that gives structure to the peppermint extract that adds that unmistakable festive flair. They’re simple, familiar staples that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, providing the perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolatey depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just right for that hot chocolate vibe.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the texture moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show, bringing that refreshing holiday sparkle.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the dough soft and helps blend the flavors.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: For crunch and festive flair on top.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Perfect for drizzling to add sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first move to cookie nirvana is warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix forms the chocolatey backbone of your cookies and helps spread flavor evenly in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that soft texture and sweet flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Wet Flavors
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is combined. The peppermint extract adds that signature cool note reminiscent of your favorite winter beverage.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, just until everything comes together. Then stir in the milk for moisture and the mini chocolate chips for melty chocolate pockets throughout your cookies.
Step 6: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Leaving about 2 inches between each on your baking sheet gives them room to spread just right.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges firm but the centers soft and tender. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add the Festive Finishes
Once cooled, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top for extra crunch and holiday pizzazz. For a stunning finishing touch, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle the smooth ribbons over your cookies.
Step 9: Enjoy and Share
These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring alongside a mug of hot cocoa to fully embrace that wonderful winter ambiance.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookies by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra crushed peppermint pieces for a snowy, festive look. A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds both visual appeal and a sweet contrast to the rich cocoa.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with warm drinks like hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or a creamy latte elevates the experience. For a party, set up a dessert table with whipped cream, candy cane stirrers, and marshmallows to make it extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked with a ribbon tied around them for a charming gift. Or plate them with small glasses of milk for dipping, and sprinkle a few peppermint candies around for a festive touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover peppermint hot chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This lets the flavors mature slightly while retaining their soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their quality for up to 3 months without losing that special peppermint charm.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute peppermint extract with peppermint oil?
While peppermint oil is more concentrated, it can be used carefully in place of extract. Use only a small amount, about half the quantity, to avoid overpowering the cookies.
What can I use if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular chocolate chips or chunks work well too. You can chop up a chocolate bar to get uneven pieces that add a homemade feel and melty texture to the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture right.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, swap out butter for a vegan alternative and use a flax egg or other egg replacer. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the peppermint hot chocolate cookies recipe entirely plant-based.
Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, chill the dough before baking and ensure you aren’t adding too much butter. Also, using parchment or silicone mats helps prevent excessive spreading.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the blend of rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint in these cookies. The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that brings joy, warmth, and a burst of holiday spirit to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try these and experience how effortlessly they bring comfort and cheer right to your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with refreshing peppermint, offering a delightful holiday treat that’s soft in the center with a slight crisp at the edges. Infused with mini chocolate chips and topped with crushed peppermint candies, these cookies are perfect for sharing or pairing with a warm drink.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Make the dry mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed butter mixture until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add milk and chocolate chips: Stir in the milk to loosen the dough, followed by folding in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes for them to firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add peppermint toppings: Once cooled, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the cookies for a festive crunch. For an added decorative touch, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Serve and enjoy: These festive peppermint hot chocolate cookies are best enjoyed fresh, paired with a warm beverage like hot cocoa, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy evenings.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added; overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Crushed peppermint candies add a nice crunch and festive look; substitute with peppermint extract only if candies are unavailable.
- If white chocolate drizzle is not desired, you can skip that step without affecting the cookie flavor.
- For softer cookies, bake on the shorter side of the recommended baking time.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
