Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are just the sweet treat to snuggle up with this holiday season. Soft and chewy cookies reveal a gooey center of marshmallow, tasting just like a warm mug of hot cocoa. These are ideal to nibble on by the fire as you wait to share a plate with Santa.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by USA PAN. As always, all opinions are my own.
‘Tis the season for all the holiday cookies and this year, these little gems are totally topping the list.
I don’t know about you, but right now I am obsessed with the chocolate and peppermint combination.
Rich and slightly bitter chocolate paired with peppermint makes for a luscious combination that brings out the spirit of the season (in my oh-so humble opinion).
If you are anything like me, you are starting to gear up for a month of a TON of baking.
There’s something about the holidays that brings out my inner baker like no other time of year. Whether you are hosting a cookie exchange party, packing up cookies for family and friends who live near and far, or simply taking the time to treat yourself, making cookies is a must through the end of the year.
I talk a lot about the ingredients I use to bake my booty off, but I realized I haven’t talked enough about the tools that make those baked items come out so perfectly.
One of the brands I’ve relied on is USA PAN. I love love love looooooove to bake cookies more than anything else, so I need baking sheets that will stand up to the task.
Working with baking sheets that warp and stain is one of my biggest pet peeves. I used to hate my sheet pans until I started working with USA PAN.
These are the only baking sheets you will ever need. I personally use their Heavy Duty Half Sheet Pan and Large Cookie Scoop Pan all the freaking time. They are strong, they don’t warp, they have a non-stick coating that makes cleanup a breeze, AND they come with a lifetime warranty.
Honestly, the warranty is one of the things that makes these pans so outstanding. One of my best friends still has the quarter sheet baking pan from her mom that she is still using. It’s going strong and without a single warp or stain.
Do you see that ridged texture? It’s one of the signature aspects of the pans because it facilitates even air circulation and heat distribution. This helps your cookies bake more evenly. Plus you don’t even need to line the baking sheet with parchment paper!
Have a baker in your life you want to shop for? Here’s my baking favorites gift guide!
I mean, just look at those gorgeous cookies. They came out PERFECT and a huge part of that is due to the pans I cook them on.
You are going to totally lose your mind when you taste these cookies. They are chocolatey with just the right touch of peppermint, and the gooey marshmallow in the center is the icing on the cake. It’s a mug of hot chocolate in cookie form!
The only question is, would you share them or would you keep them for yourself?
Pro Tip: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch.
Keep the peppermint chocolate theme going with this peppermint chocolate martini with your candy canes!
can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Yes, you can add some mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a touch of extra chocolate flavor!
this recipe’s must-haves
To get the pans I love to use almost daily, check out the USA PAN Bakeware Large Cookie Sheet and USA PAN Bakeware Half Sheet Pan. You’ll never need to buy another baking sheet again!
You all know I love my KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer that I got for Christmas last year. It’s still going strong and it’s the favorite appliance that always has a home on my counter.
Are you looking for more holiday treats? Try these easy chocolate dipped orange slices for your holiday gifting.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt until combined. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter for 1 minute on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugars and beat on medium high until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla and peppermint extract until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Slowly add the flour mixture (dry ingredients) to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until combined. Add milk, beating until combined well.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill the dough for 3 hours. You can also chill the dough overnight if you want!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two USA PAN baking sheets lightly with butter.
- Form approximately 2 Tbsp of dough into a ball. Flatten the dough ball into a disc and place a mini marshmallow in the center. Wrap the dough up and around the marshmallow, making sure to seal well. Roll between your palms into a balm. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and marshmallows.
- Bake for 10 minutes until baked on the edges but still soft in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheets. Serve warm.
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