Indulge in a world of flavors with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies, where every bite delivers a delightful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. quick chocolate cookie alternative Imagine biting into a warm cookie that melts like a hug on a cold winter day, sending your senses into overdrive. decadent chocolate brownies. For more inspiration, check out this Easter MM cookies recipe recipe.
Picture this: it’s the holiday season, your house is filled with twinkling lights, and you have a steaming mug of hot chocolate in one hand and these cookies in the other. The sweet aroma wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist! Trust me; these cookies are perfect for cozy nights by the fire or as sweet gifts for friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without stress
- The flavor profile combines rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint kick that makes them irresistible
- Visually appealing with their festive colors, they look stunning on any holiday dessert table
- Versatile enough for winter celebrations, family gatherings, or simply because you deserve a treat!
This one time, I made these cookies for my family’s holiday get-together. My cousin, who claims to “not have a sweet tooth,” devoured five cookies before I could even say “peppermint.” Talk about winning over skeptics!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure to your cookies. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor; it’s essential for that rich taste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens your cookies perfectly; you can use brown sugar for added moisture and depth.
- Baking Soda: This magical ingredient helps your cookies rise while keeping them soft and chewy.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness and flavor.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together while giving the cookies their lovely texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers warmth and depth to your cookie batter.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way; this gives your cookies that signature holiday flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide bursts of melty goodness in every bite.
- Candy Canes (crushed): These add festive flair and an extra crunch to your cookies!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should appear pale and creamy—this is your magic base!
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in one large egg along with vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The batter will be glossy and fragrant—trust me; you’ll want to dive in right now.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle; we want those air bubbles intact for chewy goodness.
Add Chocolate Chips & Candy Canes: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough—this is where festive fun begins!
Scoop & Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Enjoy these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies warm from the oven or let them cool completely on wire racks. fun chocolate-covered snacks They pair perfectly with a tall glass of milk or hot cocoa! Happy baking! For more inspiration, check out this ultimate chocolate cake recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful blend of chocolate and peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings
- Their soft texture and minty aroma will transport you straight to winter wonderland
- Plus, they’re super easy to make, even for the novice baker
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then incorporate dry ingredients before adding crushed peppermint. Ensure even mixing for a consistent texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or add nuts for extra crunch. Get creative with toppings too!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder; it makes all the difference in taste
- Always chill your dough before baking to enhance texture and prevent spreading
- Don’t skip the peppermint extract; it adds the perfect festive touch to your cookies!
Baking these cookies reminds me of a holiday party where they vanished in minutes. themed party snack mix Everyone raved about their rich flavor, making me feel like a baking superstar.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate can add a richer flavor profile to your cookies.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for regular flour.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin for even pieces.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Savor the holiday spirit with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies – a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint in every bite. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for cozy nights by the fire or as delightful gifts for friends. With their festive crunch from crushed candy canes, they’re bound to impress anyone looking for a sweet winter treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set; centers should remain soft.
- Enjoy warm or cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
