Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic winter favorites: hot chocolate and peppermint. With their soft, rich texture and the cooling touch of peppermint, these cookies make the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or enjoying them as a cozy snack, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

The Perfect Winter Cookie

These cookies capture the essence of winter flavors. The base features a tender, peppermint-infused dough that’s both refreshing and sweet. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate, candy cane crumbles, and optional marshmallows brings out the familiar taste of a cup of hot chocolate, transformed into a chewy and decadent dessert.

Why Peppermint and Chocolate Are a Match Made in Heaven

Peppermint and chocolate are a timeless combination, especially during the holiday season. The cool mint perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate, creating a cookie that is neither too sweet nor too overwhelming. This pairing evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, making these cookies a festive favorite.

Key Tips for Success

To make sure your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these key tips in mind:

• Chill the Dough: Peppermint cookie dough can become soft while mixing, so chilling the dough before baking helps it firm up and ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: If you want a vibrant green hue, opt for gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel provides a stronger color without altering the consistency of the dough.
• Avoid Overbaking: These cookies should stay soft in the center, so keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges set but before the tops begin to brown.

Versatile Topping Ideas

The fun part of making Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies is customizing the toppings. You can stick to the traditional combo of chocolate and peppermint, or get creative with your choices:

• White Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweeter twist, use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the drizzle. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint.
• Extra Peppermint: If you want even more peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate drizzle.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive red, green, or silver sprinkles for an extra decorative touch that makes these cookies even more fitting for the holiday season.

Perfect for Holiday Gifting

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are not only great for personal enjoyment but also make fantastic holiday gifts. Package them in a festive tin or clear treat bags tied with a holiday ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love. The colorful appearance of the cookies, combined with their nostalgic flavors, make them a standout addition to any holiday cookie box.

How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are the perfect companion to a cozy cup of hot chocolate or coffee, making them an ideal treat for winter evenings by the fireplace. You can also serve them alongside other holiday cookies on a dessert platter, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner. Their festive flavor and eye-catching green color make them an ideal addition to any holiday table.

Storage Tips

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them for a longer period, they can be frozen for up to two months. To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve them, thaw at room temperature and enjoy.

Enjoy Every Bite

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies offer a delightful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them the perfect holiday cookie. With their vibrant color, customizable toppings, and nostalgic flavors, these cookies are sure to be a hit during the festive season. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a warm beverage, these cookies bring the taste of the holidays to life.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Recipe by EmmaCourse: Cake Ideas

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ 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

• 1 ½ tsp peppermint extract

• ½ tsp green food coloring (gel recommended for vibrant color)

• 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

Steps

• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and green food coloring, beating until the mixture is smooth and uniformly green.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but not sticky.
• Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle and to ensure the cookies hold their shape when baking.
• Step 2: Shape the Cookies
• Once chilled, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough, rolling each into a ball. The dough should feel firm but pliable.
• Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Using your palm, gently press each ball down slightly to flatten, but keep them thick (about ¾ inch in height).
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies should not brown much, so don’t overbake!
• Step 3: Add the Toppings
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a spoon or a small piping bag. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top.
• For extra indulgence, press a few mini marshmallows or additional chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies while the chocolate drizzle is still wet.