Nothing beats the cozy feeling of indulging in treats that warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds at the same time. The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of magic wrapped up in a cookie — rich chocolatey goodness with refreshing peppermint notes making every bite feel like a celebration. These cookies are perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave something sweet and minty. Trust me, once you try this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for festive comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward cookie bliss. Each one plays a crucial role: from providing the chocolatey base to giving that irresistible peppermint kick, plus texture and a beautiful finish.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together with just the right balance of softness and structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses deep, rich chocolate flavor for that irresistible hot chocolate vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender without getting cakey.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and minty flavors, rounding out the taste perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness, keeping every bite melt-in-mouth delightful.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to balance the cocoa and peppermint without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor complexity with warm, sweet undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show, giving the cookies that unmistakable refreshing holiday twist.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the dough tender and easy to work with.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Adds pockets of melty chocolate that’ll make your heart flutter.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Provides a delightful crunch and festive flair on top.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling): For those who love a creamy, decorative finish that stands out.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; this ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet without a fuss. Having your oven ready saves you from waiting around and keeps the baking process smooth.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend not only gives your cookies that classic chocolate hue and flavor but also ensures the leavening is distributed evenly, resulting in perfectly tender cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming step is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a lighter texture and that wonderful chew.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients build the flavor profile of your cookies, making each bite burst with warmth and cool peppermint freshness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix—just combine until you see no more streaks of flour. Then stir in the milk to keep your dough tender and pliable. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips to sprinkle melty surprises throughout your cookies.
Step 6: Form and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange these on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, capturing that perfect chewy texture. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Add Festive Toppings
Once cooled, gently press the crushed peppermint candies onto each cookie for a festive crunch and extra minty punch. For an elegant touch, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cookies — this adds a sweet, creamy contrast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra crushed peppermint on top, especially if you’re serving at a holiday gathering. This adds visual appeal and an extra hint of sweetness that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe better than a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. For a grown-up twist, try pairing them with a glass of creamy eggnog or a smooth coffee to balance the minty chocolate sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate these cookies on a festive serving tray lined with holiday-themed napkins, or stack them tall and tie with a red ribbon for a delightful edible gift. You could also serve them in small cellophane bags with a handwritten tag to share that homemade love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep these festive treats longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can bake a big batch ahead for holiday parties or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply let frozen ones thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty charm that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of food-grade peppermint oil?
Yes! Regular peppermint extract works perfectly and is what typically is found in grocery stores. Just be sure to use the amount called for, as peppermint flavor can vary in strength between brands.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop regular chocolate chips or even use chocolate chunks. They’ll still add those lovely pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookies.
Can I substitute the peppermint candies for something else?
Absolutely. If you prefer, crushed candy canes, peppermint bark, or even crushed toffee make great alternatives that add festive crunch and flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 to make these cookies gluten-free. Just check your blend for any necessary adjustments.
How do I make the white chocolate drizzle without melting chips in a microwave?
You can also melt white chocolate chips using a double boiler on the stovetop, gently heating and stirring until smooth. This method helps prevent overheating and keeps the white chocolate silky for drizzling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the joy of the holidays with every bite, the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. With its perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, combined with a chewy, tender texture, these cookies never fail to impress. Bake a batch and share the warmth and magic with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are a festive and delightful treat combining rich cocoa, refreshing peppermint, and melty chocolate chips. These soft, chocolatey cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
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
Mix-ins
- 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 line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking.
- Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, beating until fully combined.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the milk and then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Form the cookies: Using a tablespoon scoop, portion the dough and roll into balls. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add toppings: Once the cookies have fully cooled, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the tops for added crunch and flavor. For an extra festive touch, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm alongside a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet holiday treat to share with family and friends.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to cream properly with the sugar.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have soft centers for the best texture.
- White chocolate drizzling is optional but adds a decorative and sweet contrast.
- Use crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a more intense peppermint flavor and a festive look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the sheet before transferring.
