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If you crave a cozy treat that perfectly captures the magic of winter festivities, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate with a delightful peppermint twist in every chewy bite—like sipping a cup of warm peppermint hot chocolate transformed into cookie form. The crunchy candy cane pieces and luscious chocolate chips create an irresistible texture, making these cookies a showstopper during the holiday season or whenever you need a little sweet comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these cookies will become your go-to for celebrations and cozy nights alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the cocoa powder providing deep chocolate richness to the peppermint extract adding a refreshing cooling note, each element is simple yet essential.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough that gives structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become tender.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy texture and adds richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that perfect cookie crisp at the edges.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
- Vanilla extract: Amplifies the warmth and sweetness in every bite.
- Peppermint extract: Brings that signature cooling, minty lift that defines this recipe.
- Mini chocolate chips: Melt slightly inside, offering bursts of chocolate goodness.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Add a festive crunch and refreshing flavor contrast.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Used for decoration and extra melty chocolate pops atop your cookies.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and cleaning up will be a breeze. Then, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix will ensure even distribution of your chocolatey goodness and leavening agents throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about three minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key for creating cookies with just the right lightness and chew.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Extracts
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything together until fully combined so the flavors meld perfectly and the dough gains the right moisture and binding properties.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see the flour disappear into the batter.
Step 5: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips and Peppermint
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies. These little pockets of chocolate and candy will give your cookies those fun textures and bursts of flavor that make every bite so exciting.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Space them about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. To get that picture-perfect look, gently press some extra mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint on top of each cookie.
Step 7: Bake to Chewy-Soft Perfection
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for edges to set while the centers stay soft. This balance is what gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookies with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. Adding a few fresh mint leaves alongside cookies on the plate can amplify that peppermint vibe and make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or peppermint-spiced coffee, creating a comforting duo. You could also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that highlights their fudgy texture and candy cane crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe into a festive gift by stacking them in clear jars tied with ribbons or arranging them on a holiday-themed platter with sparkling lights. For parties, consider serving them in mason jars layered with whipped cream and crushed candies to create peppermint cookie parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve that perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe anytime without any loss in flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. The heat will soften them and melt the chocolate chips slightly, so every bite tastes just as amazing as the first.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of candy canes?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract adds a strong minty flavor without the crunch, so pairing it with the crushed candies provides both flavor and texture. Adjust the amount to your taste for the perfect mint balance.
What kind of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips work beautifully, as they balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate depth. Mini chocolate chips are preferred inside the dough for more even distribution and texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This specific Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling allows the flavors to develop more deeply and helps control cookie spread during baking, giving you thicker, chewier cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Adding colorful sprinkles with crushed peppermint or dipping half the cookie in melted white or dark chocolate are fun ways to amp up the festive look. You could also sprinkle edible glitter for an elegant sparkle effect.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe enough if you want a treat that brings together warm chocolate comfort with refreshing peppermint cheer. Whether for holiday parties, gifting, or just brightening a chilly afternoon, these cookies deliver every time. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up some magic that your family and friends will savor with every bite!
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Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of cocoa and chocolate chips with the refreshing crunch and flavor of peppermint candies. Perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day, these cookies offer a delightful twist on classic chocolate cookies with a festive peppermint kick.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until all ingredients are fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Decorate: Press a few extra mini chocolate chips and the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie to enhance decoration and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh peppermint extract as it greatly enhances the flavor.
- Do not overbake the cookies; baking until edges are set ensures a soft, chewy center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Crushing peppermint candies finely helps distribute flavor evenly and prevents large crunchy bits.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
