Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies – Festive & Cozy
Introduction
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat! Soft, buttery cookies flavored with peppermint and tinted a cheerful green are topped with melted chocolate, crushed candy canes, and optional mini marshmallows. They taste just like a mug of peppermint hot chocolate in cookie form—perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Holiday vibes: Peppermint + chocolate = instant Christmas cheer.
Fun toppings: Candy canes, marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle make them festive.
Kid‑friendly: A fun recipe to bake and decorate together.
Versatile: Great for gifting, parties, or enjoying with hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
2½ cups all‑purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ tsp peppermint extract
½ tsp green gel food coloring
2 tbsp milk
Toppings
½ cup semi‑sweet chocolate chips (for drizzling)
¼ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Mini marshmallows (optional)
Extra chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll tablespoon‑sized portions of dough into balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Flatten slightly.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool completely.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Melt chocolate chips in microwave (30‑second intervals). Drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and press in marshmallows or extra chips.
Step 6: Serve
Allow toppings to set. Enjoy with hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
Tips & Tricks
Color boost: Use gel food coloring for vibrant green.
Extra peppermint: Add more extract if you love bold flavor.
Storage: Keep in airtight container up to 5 days.
Make ahead: Freeze dough balls and bake fresh when needed.
Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add cocoa powder to dough.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap semi‑sweet for white chocolate.
Holiday Mix: Use red and green sprinkles instead of candy canes.
Stuffed Version: Press a marshmallow into the center before baking.
Serving Ideas
Perfect for cookie platters at Christmas.
Wrap in festive bags for edible gifts.
Pair with peppermint hot chocolate or coffee.
Serve alongside other holiday cookies for variety.
FAQs
Q: Can I use red food coloring instead of green?
Yes, red makes them look extra festive.
Q: Can I skip the marshmallows?
Of course—they’re optional, but fun!
Q: Can I make these gluten‑free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are festive, cozy, and guaranteed to be a holiday hit. With their minty flavor, gooey chocolate drizzle, and fun toppings, they’re a treat that captures the magic of the season.