Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

Oh wow, have you ever had peppermint hot cocoa cookies? They taste just like your favorite winter drink, but in cookie form! I seriously can’t get enough of that sweet, minty flavor.

When I bake these, my kitchen feels so cozy and smells amazing. The chocolate and peppermint come together perfectly, making every bite soft and yummy. Honestly, they’re perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a treat.

If you want a fun, easy cookie that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is for you. I’m excited to share it with you — you’ll love making and eating them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Favorite: These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies are a seasonal must-try! The warm chocolatey richness with a cool peppermint twist makes them a go-to cookie for any holiday occasion.
• The Best of Both Worlds: If you love hot cocoa with marshmallows, you’re going to adore these cookies. They combine the rich flavor of cocoa, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the festive zing of peppermint extract.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have freshly baked, gooey cookies in no time. These are perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants to bake something quick and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 hours before baking, making them an excellent choice for prep work when hosting a holiday gathering or for busy days.
• Fun to Share: These cookies make a fantastic gift or sweet addition to any holiday cookie exchange. The festive flavor combination will surely be a hit with family and friends!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential tools you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: To mix your dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: A stand mixer makes it a breeze to blend your butter, sugar, and eggs. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer or even a whisk will do.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making these cookies come out perfectly.
• Baking Sheets: A couple of lined or greased baking sheets will do the trick.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: For cooling your cookies after they come out of the oven (you could also use the back of another baking sheet).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake these minty, chocolatey delights. The measurements are all listed below in the recipe card, but here’s an overview:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to base for these cookies.
• Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a chewy texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough that’s easy to work with.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: This combination of sugars gives your cookies the perfect sweetness and chewiness.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and add to the structure of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: This universal flavor brings out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Peppermint Extract: A key ingredient to give your cookies that delightful minty flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is what gives your cookies that signature rich chocolate taste.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work best for this recipe.
• Mini Marshmallows: These give the cookies that classic hot cocoa flavor and add a little chewy texture in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to make sure your cookies don’t stick while baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Set this bowl aside for now. These dry ingredients are the base for the rich flavor and chewy texture of your cookies.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is a crucial step because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies soft and tender.

4. Add the Eggs and Extracts

Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 ½ teaspoons of peppermint extract. These extracts will fill your kitchen with that nostalgic holiday scent!

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cookies dense.

6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Now, it’s time for the fun part: folding in the 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix these in gently. The marshmallows will give the cookies that hot cocoa feel, and the chocolate chips will make them irresistibly gooey.

7. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place each dough ball on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread slightly while baking, so give them room to grow!

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are just set. The marshmallows will puff up and melt, creating that hot cocoa vibe. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.

9. Cool the Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The marshmallows will set as the cookies cool, making them chewy and delicious.

How to Serve Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more festive:

• With a Glass of Milk: Classic, but always a winner. These cookies are perfect when paired with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Make an indulgent treat by sandwiching two cookies together with whipped cream or frosting. This takes them to the next level!
• Gift Them: Package them in a cute tin or box and give them as gifts. They’re a sweet way to spread some holiday cheer!
• Serve at Holiday Parties: These cookies are perfect for any holiday cookie exchange or gathering. They’re sure to be a hit!

Variations for Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

• Add Peppermint Candies: Chop up peppermint bark or crushed candy canes and fold them into the dough for an extra minty crunch.
• Try Dark Chocolate: If you love dark chocolate, swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Add White Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, add white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the peppermint and cocoa.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storing Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

• At Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The marshmallows will stay soft, and the cookies will remain chewy.
• In the Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g

Conclusion

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies are a delightful way to bring the flavors of the holidays to life. They’re easy to make, shareable, and full of festive flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, giving them as gifts, or sharing them at your next holiday party, these cookies will definitely become a favorite on your holiday dessert table. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!