Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Nothing beats a big mug of hot chocolate—that is, until you pair it with your favorite cookies for dunking. These peppermint hot chocolate cookies combine the best of both worlds, drawing inspiration from classic homemade hot cocoa with all the fixings.

These cookies start with chocolate peppermint cookie dough, get topped with a dollop of marshmallow creme and then are dipped in melted chocolate. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy adds extra flair. These cookies are the perfect peppermint dessert for winter, whether you need a treat for a cozy day at home or are prepping holiday cookie boxes to share with friends and family.

Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Butter: Butter is a rich, flavorful base for most cookie recipes. Be sure to soften your butter before you start baking.
• Granulated sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar sets up the cookie dough for success. Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the cookie’s light and airy texture.
• Egg: You’ll need only one egg to bind ingredients and help these cookies rise. Always use room-temperature eggs for baking.
• Peppermint extract: Add minty flavor to the cookie dough with peppermint extract found in the baking aisle.
• All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure to this cookie dough.
• Baking cocoa: Add plenty of chocolate flavor to the cookie dough with baking cocoa.
• Salt: Just a touch of salt goes a long way in balancing the sweetness in these cookies.
• Baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and spread while baking for proper texture and shape.
• Chocolate chips: Melted milk chocolate chips create the chocolate coating on the cookies.
• Marshmallow creme: It wouldn’t be hot chocolate without the marshmallows! Marshmallow creme is soft and spreadable, perfect for a dollop on top.
• Peppermint candy: Crush peppermint candies or peppermint candy canes to garnish the tops of the cookies.

Directions

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Beat in the egg and peppermint extract.

Editor’s Tip: Creaming butter and sugar takes longer than you might think. Be sure to beat these two ingredients for at least five minutes, giving the mixture a pale yellow appearance.

Step 2: Finish the cookie dough

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Step 3: Bake the cookies

Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake until the tops crack, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Top the cookies

In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Drop a teaspoonful of marshmallow creme into the center of each cookie. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Place the cookies on waxed paper and let them stand until set.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookie Variations

• Use other chocolate: Instead of milk chocolate, use dark chocolate for a richly flavored cookie or white chocolate for a lighter look.
• Add additional toppings: Garnish the tops of these hot chocolate peppermint cookies with anything you might add to your hot chocolate. Mini marshmallows or crushed colorful candy canes will add a festive touch.
• Incorporate mix-ins: Feel free to get creative by incorporating mix-ins into the hot chocolate cookie dough as well. Add crushed candy canes for more peppermint flavor, or stir in crushed pecans for crunch.

How to Store Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Cookies should always be stored in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor. Alternatively, they can be wrapped individually or stored in a zip-top bag. Learn more about how to store cookies properly.

How long do peppermint hot chocolate cookies last?

Store hot chocolate peppermint cookies well-sealed at room temperature for up to five days or in the fridge for up to one week.

Can you freeze peppermint hot chocolate cookies?

You can certainly freeze these cookies. If you have leftovers, place the cookies on a baking sheet and pre-freeze them for 30 minutes. Then, store the cookies in an airtight container and place a piece of parchment between each layer to help prevent them from sticking and to maintain their appearance. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. Let the cookies thaw at room temperature before eating them.

Can you make peppermint hot chocolate cookies ahead of time?

You can prep hot chocolate peppermint cookies ahead of time. Make the cookie dough and store it in the freezer until needed. To do so, wrap the dough in storage wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before dividing the dough and baking the cookies.

You can also bake, cool and freeze the cookies before topping them. Store them in the freezer for up to three months, let them thaw at room temperature, and then finish the cookies by dressing them up with the marshmallow creme and chocolate.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookie Tips

Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?

This cookie dough doesn’t require chilling before baking, but it may be necessary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. If the cookies seem to be spreading while baking, the dough may be too warm. If you’re having issues with cookies spreading, place the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes before dividing and baking. Baking the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, instead of a greased baking sheet, can also help prevent spreading.

Why are my cookies dry and cracking?

Cookies can sometimes crack when the dough has been overmixed or overbaked. However, these cookies should have a crackly appearance by design. For the best texture, bake these cookies until the edges are just set and the tops begin to look crinkly.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips?

These cookies are dipped in melted chocolate for a beautiful finish. You can either melt chocolate in the microwave in small increments or set up a double boiler to melt the chocolate.