If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy cookie to enjoy during the winter months, look no further! Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are here to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are a dream come true — rich chocolatey goodness with a hint of refreshing peppermint. They’re everything you love about hot chocolate, packed into a cookie form. Trust me, you’re going to love the combination of melted chocolate, festive peppermint, and that chewy, soft cookie texture. Ready to give them a try? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
These cookies bring together the best of two cozy winter favorites: hot chocolate and peppermint. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for these cookies all season long:
Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are a winner no matter the occasion.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need expensive ingredients to make these cookies — they come together with what you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: These cookies are simple to make and don’t require any special skills. Just mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of peppermint to suit your taste. Want more peppermint? Add a bit more extract. Prefer less? Just cut back a little — it’s all up to you!
Crowd-Pleasing: The combo of chocolate and peppermint is a crowd favorite, making these cookies perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they look extra festive with those crushed candy cane toppings!
Ingredients
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are made with some classic ingredients, but the addition of peppermint makes them extra special. Let’s break it down:
Cookies:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that deep chocolate flavor we all crave in a hot chocolate-inspired cookie.
- Chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea! Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best, but you can use dark chocolate if you prefer.
- Butter: For that soft, chewy texture that everyone loves in a great cookie.
- Brown sugar: Brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right while baking.
- Eggs: To bind the dough together and keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: For an extra layer of flavor that enhances the chocolate and peppermint.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their refreshing minty kick.
- Crushed candy canes: For that festive touch and extra crunch, plus more peppermint flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to get your cookies ready in no time:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown edge.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. This mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could affect the texture.
Add the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. This step adds that wonderful chocolatey and peppermint crunch in each bite.
Shape and Bake: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave a little space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’d like, you can top them with extra crushed candy canes while they’re still warm for an extra burst of peppermint.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cookies warm with a cup of hot cocoa or enjoy them as a sweet treat on their own. They’re perfect for cozy nights or any time you need a festive pick-me-up!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 190 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are perfect for enjoying alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a cup of coffee, or even a glass of milk. For a fun holiday treat, serve them at a Christmas party with a side of whipped cream and extra candy cane sprinkles. You could also gift them in a cute tin or box for friends and family — they make a great holiday present!
Additional Tips
- If you want a more intense peppermint flavor, try adding a bit more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can get overpowering.
- For extra gooey cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the sheet for a softer center.
- Don’t have candy canes? You can substitute with peppermint bark or even mint chocolate chips for a different twist.
FAQ’s
- Can I use peppermint essential oil instead of peppermint extract?
It’s best to stick with peppermint extract in baking for flavor, as essential oils are often too strong and not meant for consumption in large quantities. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer — just add an extra minute or two to the bake time. - Can I use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips would be a delicious substitute, and they’ll pair beautifully with the peppermint flavor. - How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
For chewier cookies, try underbaking them slightly and letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and your cookies will be just as delicious. - Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?
Of course! You can mix in some chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even some chopped up peppermint bark for extra flavor and texture. - How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. - Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will add a rich, slightly bittersweet flavor that pairs nicely with the peppermint. - Can I leave out the candy canes?
While the candy canes add a festive touch and extra crunch, you can leave them out if you prefer a more classic chocolate-peppermint flavor. - Can I make these cookies into bars instead?
Yes! Press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, cut into bars for a cookie bar version.
Conclusion
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season, combining rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint for a festive, cozy vibe. They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive holiday treat, these cookies combine the rich flavor of hot chocolate with a cool peppermint twist, perfect for winter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft but firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add more crushed peppermint candies or increase the peppermint extract.
- These cookies can be drizzled with melted chocolate for extra richness.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg