Imagine cozying up on a cold winter evening with a cup of hot chocolate. Now, take that feeling and turn it into a cookie! Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint into a decadent dessert. These cookies don’t just taste amazing—they look festive and are perfect for gifting, parties, or simply indulging yourself.

If you’re ready to bake a batch of cookies that will wow your family and friends, this step-by-step recipe has everything you need to create the magic.

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are more than just delicious—they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite holiday dessert:

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Double the chocolate means double the decadence.
• Festive Peppermint Twist: A touch of peppermint makes these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
• Gooey Marshmallow Topping: It’s like the best part of hot chocolate, now in cookie form.
• Easy to Customize: Add your own toppings or adjust the peppermint flavor to suit your taste.
• Show-Stopping Appearance: With their marshmallow centers, melty chocolate, and crushed candy canes, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to bake these irresistible cookies:

For the Cookie Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter (melted)	½ cup
Chocolate chips	2½ cups (divided)
Brown sugar	1 cup
Eggs	3 large
Peppermint extract	1 teaspoon
Cocoa powder	¼ cup
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Flour	2 cups

For the Toppings

Ingredient	Quantity
Large marshmallows	30 (halved)
Small chocolate squares	30 (about 3 ounces from a regular-sized chocolate bar)
Crushed candy canes	½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create cookies that taste as festive as they look!

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and 1½ cups of chocolate chips together. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
3. Stir in the brown sugar until combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the peppermint extract for that holiday flavor boost.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.

2. Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

3. Add the Marshmallow and Chocolate

1. Remove the cookies from the oven. While they are still hot, gently press a halved marshmallow onto the center of each cookie.
2. Return the cookies to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the marshmallows begin to puff up slightly.

4. Decorate the Cookies

1. Immediately press a small square of chocolate onto the marshmallow of each cookie.
2. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes while the marshmallow and chocolate are still warm.

5. Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve the cookies warm for a gooey, melty experience, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your cookies will taste.
• Don’t Overbake: For soft and chewy cookies, remove them from the oven when the centers are still slightly underdone—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Crush Candy Canes Easily: Place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a quick and mess-free method.
• Customize the Flavor: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to make the cookies more or less minty.
• Make Them Ahead: You can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you need cookies in a hurry!

Customization Ideas

1. Double the Marshmallows: Add an extra marshmallow for a super gooey topping.
2. Add Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles instead of candy canes for a pop of color.
3. Drizzle Chocolate: Melt extra chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an elegant touch.
4. Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Switch the Extract: Swap the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~180
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	22g
Sugar	15g
Protein	2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

3. What if I don’t like peppermint?

No problem! Simply omit the peppermint extract or replace it with vanilla extract for a more classic hot chocolate cookie flavor.

4. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Yes, you can! Place 2–3 mini marshmallows on each cookie instead of a halved large marshmallow.

5. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month.

6. Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, vegan chocolate chips, and marshmallow alternatives.

Conclusion: A Festive Treat You’ll Love

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies bring together the best flavors of the holiday season. With their rich chocolate base, gooey marshmallow centers, and festive peppermint crunch, they’re the perfect dessert to share—or to keep all to yourself!

Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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