Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the perfect Christmas treat, combining rich chocolate flavors with gooey marshmallows and a festive touch of crushed peppermint candy. These cookies are a delight for the holiday season, easy to make, and sure to impress friends and family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups (213g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks
  • 24 large marshmallows
  • Crushed peppermint candy
  • Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or melted chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Set aside to cool.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder into a medium bowl.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extracts in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer until well combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate and mix.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
  6. Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Shape and Bake: Scoop dough into balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies. Bake for 9 minutes.
  8. Add Marshmallows: Remove cookies from the oven, place a marshmallow half on top of each cookie, and bake for 2-3 more minutes until marshmallows melt.
  9. Decorate: Cool cookies on a wire rack. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
  10. Enjoy: Serve and savor these festive cookies!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 133
  • Fat: 7g (11% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4g (25% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 16mg (5% DV)
  • Sodium: 22mg (1% DV)
  • Potassium: 101mg (3% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 17g (6% DV)
    • Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
    • Sugar: 11g (12% DV)
  • Protein: 2g (4% DV)
  • Vitamin A: 79IU (2% DV)
  • Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
  • Iron: 1mg (6% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The Festive Flavors of Peppermint and Chocolate

Few flavor combinations are as iconic during the holiday season as peppermint and chocolate. The deep, rich notes of chocolate provide a perfect counterbalance to the cool, invigorating flavor of peppermint. This pairing evokes memories of peppermint bark, hot chocolate, and other classic seasonal desserts.

The inclusion of marshmallows elevates these cookies, reminiscent of a steaming cup of hot chocolate topped with melted marshmallows. This nostalgic element makes these cookies feel comforting and familiar while still being unique and creative.

The Appeal of Gooey Marshmallows

Adding marshmallows to these cookies not only enhances the flavor but also adds an irresistible gooey texture. As the marshmallows melt slightly during the final minutes of baking, they create a soft, sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the chewy cookie base.

The visual appeal of marshmallows also contributes to the charm of this recipe. They puff up slightly, creating a beautiful contrast to the rich, dark cookie beneath. When drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint, the cookies become a stunning addition to any holiday dessert spread.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, whether it’s a casual family get-together or an elegant Christmas party. These cookies are:

  • Visually Festive: The crushed peppermint and drizzle of chocolate make them look as good as they taste.
  • Shareable: Small and easy to serve, these cookies are perfect for potlucks or cookie exchanges.
  • Versatile: They can be served as a dessert, a snack, or even packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Because they’re so easy to make in batches, these cookies are a stress-free option when you need a dessert that’s both impressive and manageable.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cookies

  1. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is a crucial step to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the final result.
  2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since chocolate is the star of the recipe, using high-quality chocolate for both the dough and the drizzle will make a noticeable difference.
  3. Crush Peppermint Candies Carefully: To get the ideal sprinkle texture, place the candies in a zip-top bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin.
  4. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can cause the cookies to lose their chewy texture. Keep an eye on the marshmallows during the final minutes to ensure they don’t brown too much.
  5. Customize for Fun: Consider using colorful holiday-themed sprinkles alongside the crushed peppermint for a playful touch.

Creative Ways to Serve

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served in creative ways to enhance your holiday celebrations:

  • With Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate winter treat.
  • As a Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies, candies, and fresh berries for a stunning display.
  • Gift Wrapped: Package the cookies in festive tins or boxes with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

The versatility of these cookies ensures they’ll shine no matter how you choose to serve them.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. They provide a source of energy from carbohydrates and a touch of protein from the chocolate and marshmallows. For those with dietary restrictions, substitutions can easily be made:

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.
  • Reduced Sugar: Experiment with a sugar substitute in the dough to lower the sugar content.

These adjustments ensure that everyone can enjoy these festive cookies without compromising their dietary needs.

The Joy of Baking During the Holidays

Baking is a beloved holiday tradition, and recipes like Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies make it even more special. The process of creating these cookies—melting chocolate, crushing peppermint, and decorating with care—invites a sense of creativity and warmth.

For families, baking these cookies together can be a fun activity that creates lasting memories. The recipe is simple enough for kids to help, especially with tasks like sprinkling peppermint or drizzling chocolate.

Conclusion

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, combining rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and festive peppermint into a single irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, crafting gifts, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

Their delightful flavors, stunning presentation, and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe for the season. With a little creativity and a lot of love, these cookies will bring joy and cheer to any holiday occasion. Celebrate the magic of the season with these delectable treats, and let them become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

 

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