Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies (Printable)
Fudgy chocolate cookies blended with peppermint and topped with melted marshmallows for a cozy treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Add-Ins & Toppings
11 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
13 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture; beat until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
06 - Fold in chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies.
07 - Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake cookies for 8 minutes, then gently press several mini marshmallows onto each cookie top. Return to oven and bake an additional 2 minutes until cookies are set and marshmallows slightly melt.
09 - Remove cookies from oven and immediately sprinkle remaining crushed peppermint candies on top. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These cookies capture the magic of hot chocolate in a fun fudgy form that’s perfect for sharing with friends during chilly evenings
- The peppermint twist is subtle yet unforgettable, making each bite a little festive secret you’ll keep coming back to
02 -
- If you bake them too long, you’ll lose that fudgy texture so keeping a close eye near the end makes all the difference
- Crushing the peppermint candies fresh and adding them both inside and on top creates the best layered peppermint flavor and crunch
03 -
- Softened butter should never be melted; the right texture ensures perfect mixing and cookie structure
- Adding marshmallows halfway through baking prevents burning and creates that nostalgic gooey topping