Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate festive cookie to brighten your holiday season, these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are pure Christmas magic. Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie topped with a gooey melted marshmallow, sprinkled with crushed peppermint, and finished with a silky drizzle of chocolate. They taste like the coziest mug of peppermint hot cocoa—just in cookie form.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, holiday parties, or Christmas movie nights, these cookies are irresistibly soft, decadent, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick, soft, and ultra-fudgy—just like a mug of hot chocolate transformed into a cookie.
• Holiday flavor perfection thanks to chocolate, marshmallow, and peppermint.
• Crowd-friendly: makes a big batch (48 cookies!) ideal for gifting or parties.
• Easy to prepare with simple steps and straightforward ingredients.
• Festive and beautiful—no decorating skills required for a stunning result.

Ingredients

• Semi-sweet baking chocolate (12 oz): Creates a rich, fudgy base with deep chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter (8 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring tender cookies.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without making the cookies dry.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and stay thick.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Dutch-process cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Boosts the chocolate intensity and gives a smooth, dark cocoa taste.
• Eggs (3 large): Bind the dough and add moisture.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds sweetness, moisture, and a slight caramel depth.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Peppermint extract (1 tsp): Infuses that classic holiday mint flavor.
• Semisweet chocolate chunks (8 oz): Adds melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Large marshmallows (24): Melt into a gooey topping like a dollop of hot cocoa foam.
• Crushed peppermint candy: Adds crunch, shine, and festive peppermint flavor.
• Optional: chocolate drizzle: Makes the cookies extra decadent and beautiful.

How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

1. Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Melt the Chocolate

• Add chopped baking chocolate and butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until smooth and melted.
• Let cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, sift together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Set aside.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat:
  • Eggs
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract
• Mix until smooth and well combined.

5. Add the Melted Chocolate

• Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl while mixing.
• Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

6. Add the Dry Ingredients

• With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture.
• Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the dough.

7. Add Chocolate Chunks

• Fold in the chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.

8. Chill the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes to keep the cookies thick and soft.

9. Shape & Bake

• Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough.
• Roll into balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
• Bake for 9 minutes, slightly underbaking them for maximum softness.

10. Top with Marshmallows

• Cut each marshmallow in half.
• Remove cookies from the oven, place a marshmallow half (cut side down) on each cookie, and return to oven.
• Bake an additional 2–3 minutes until the marshmallows melt and puff.

11. Finish with Peppermint & Chocolate

• Cool slightly on a wire rack.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce or melted chocolate.
• Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
• Enjoy warm or cooled!

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip chilling—it prevents spreading and creates thick, bakery-style cookies.
• Weigh ingredients for the most accurate results.
• Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
• Cut marshmallows with oiled scissors to prevent sticking.
• Underbake slightly for soft, fudgy centers.

Equipment Needed

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Plastic wrap
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop (optional but helps with portioning)

Recipe Variations

• Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for deeper flavor.
• White Chocolate Drizzle Version: Swap the chocolate drizzle for melted white chocolate.
• Extra Minty Cookies: Add crushed mint Oreos to the dough.
• Hot Cocoa Mix Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix to the dry ingredients.
• Mini Marshmallow Version: Use mini marshmallows inside the dough for melty pockets.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
• Plate on a holiday cookie tray with sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread.
• Dust with extra cocoa powder for a dramatic presentation.
• Pair with hot chocolate or peppermint mocha for the ultimate cozy treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes! Milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and slightly lighter in flavor.

2. How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.

3. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for 2–3 months.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Most likely the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Be sure to chill a full 30 minutes (longer is even better).

5. Can I make them without peppermint?
Yes—just replace peppermint extract with more vanilla for classic hot chocolate cookies.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

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Conclusion

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies capture everything we love about the holidays—warmth, sweetness, cozy flavors, and plenty of chocolate. They’re festive, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to become a yearly tradition. Bake a batch for your next holiday gathering or gift them to someone special—and don’t forget to enjoy a few with a mug of hot cocoa!