Ultimate Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Snowy December evenings always make me crave a warm mug of cocoa with all the toppings. I wanted to capture that exact cozy feeling in a handheld treat with these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies.

This recipe combines a rich chocolate base with a gooey marshmallow topping for the ultimate festive bite. It brings together two of my favorite winter indulgences in one simple bake.

What Makes These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Special

The texture hits an ideal balance between a chewy cookie and a fudgy brownie. You get that satisfying dense bite that melts in your mouth immediately.

It captures all the classic flavors of the holiday season in one impressive package. The combination of dark cocoa and bright peppermint extract is simply timeless.

These treats look incredibly professional with their marshmallow hats and chocolate drizzle. They are guaranteed to be the star of your next cookie exchange or holiday party.

If you enjoyed this festive baking project, you will definitely want to try my Ultimate Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe next. For a different depth of flavor, the Savory Molasses Cookies Recipe is another fantastic option to explore.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Ingredients Breakdown

Here is everything you need to bake these festive treats:

• Semi-sweet baking chocolate: Provides the deep, rich base for the cookie dough and ensures a fudgy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Controls the salt level and adds necessary creaminess to the dough and icing.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the structure for a soft but sturdy cookie that holds its shape.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity in both the dough and the glaze.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb without being too cakey.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the bold chocolate notes.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel note to the dough.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
• Peppermint extract: Delivers that signature cool mint flavor to the cookie and icing.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the chocolate base.
• Large marshmallows: Creates the gooey “hot chocolate” effect on top of each cookie.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the chocolate icing for the perfect finish.
• Half and half: Thins the icing to the right drizzling consistency.
• Crushed peppermint candies: Adds crunch and a festive decoration to the final product.

My Method for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Let’s get baking with these simple steps:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined.
2. Mix the brown sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, and vanilla in a stand mixer before mixing in the cooled chocolate mixture. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined.
3. Chill the dough for about one hour until it is firm enough to handle easily. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees during the final 15 minutes of chilling.
4. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for roughly 9 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers look soft.
5. Cut the marshmallows in half and press one piece, cut-side down, onto each hot cookie. Bake for another 2 to 3 minutes until the marshmallows soften and puff slightly.
6. Prepare the icing by melting butter and cream, then whisking in powdered sugar, cocoa, and peppermint extract. Spoon the warm icing over the marshmallows and sprinkle immediately with crushed candy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Do not skip the chilling step for the dough or the cookies will spread too much in the oven. The chocolate needs time to firm up to create that thick, brownie-like texture.

Work quickly when adding the crushed peppermint to the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies. The icing sets faster than you might expect and the candy needs to stick properly.

Use high-quality chocolate bars for melting rather than chocolate chips for the dough base. Chips often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting into the smooth consistency you need.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies taste absolutely incredible when served slightly warm while the marshmallow is still gooey. I love pairing them with a glass of cold milk to balance the rich chocolate intensity.

You can also arrange them on a festive platter with extra candy canes for a beautiful holiday presentation. They make wonderful edible gifts for friends and neighbors during the winter season.