Peppermint hot cocoa cookies recipe to check in 2023

Are you looking for a delicious and unique cookie recipe to try out in 2023? Look no further than these peppermint hot cocoa cookies!

As the new year approaches, many of us are looking for new and exciting recipes to add to our baking repertoire. These cookies are the perfect combination of classic flavors with a fun twist.

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are also easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this mouth-watering recipe. Here’s how to make it.

What are Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies?

Peppermint hot cocoa cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They are a delicious combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and gooey marshmallows. These cookies make the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table or as a cozy treat by the fire.

To make these cookies, you will need a variety of ingredients that can easily be found in the baking aisle or your local grocery store. These ingredients include, but are not limited to, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. To make the cookies even more festive, crushed candy canes or peppermint candies can be added to the dough.

The recipe begins by creaming together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment. The dry ingredients, such as the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt are then added to the butter mixture. The dough is then refrigerated for a short period of time to allow it to firm up.

Once the dough has chilled, it is rolled into small balls and placed on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. The cookies are then baked in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Once the cookies are cooled, a melted chocolate mixture is drizzled over the top of the cookies, then topped with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, and white chocolate chips.

These peppermint hot cocoa cookies make the perfect addition to any holiday celebration, and they are a must-try for any chocolate or peppermint lover. So, this holiday season, impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.

Ingredients

When it comes to baking, an important aspect to consider is the ingredients used to create the perfect treat. In the case of peppermint hot cocoa cookies, there are a variety of ingredients that come together to provide a delicious and festive dessert option.

Starting with the butter and sugars, unsalted butter is preferred as it allows for better control of the salt content in the recipe. Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, while brown sugar adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps to keep the cookies moist.

For the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour is used in combination with baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. The cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor in the cookies, while the baking soda and powder help to create a light and fluffy texture.

Peppermint extract and vanilla extract are used to add depth of flavor to the cookies. By using both, the peppermint flavor is more balanced and work together to give the cookies a rich taste.

In addition to the main ingredients, there are some optional add-ins to make the cookies even more festive. Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies can be added to the dough, as well as mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chips for a variety of texture and taste.

Overall, the ingredients used in peppermint hot cocoa cookies come together to create a delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. With a combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors, these cookies are sure to please and leave your taste buds wanting more. So, go ahead and gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the sweet and festive flavor of peppermint hot cocoa cookies.

Directions

Once all the ingredients are gathered, it’s time to start making the cookies. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pans.

Next, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.

Now it’s time to add in any optional add-ins, such as crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips. Fold them into the dough until evenly distributed.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space in between each cookie for them to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, melt some milk or dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until smooth.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top for added flavor and decoration. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

These peppermint hot cocoa cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season and will be sure to impress anyone who tries them. Make sure to add this recipe to your collection of cookie recipes and share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to check the baking aisle for any of the ingredients you may need and consider using affiliate links to find the best deals on baking supplies. Happy baking!

Do I Have to Chill the Cookie Dough?

No, you do not have to chill the cookie dough for this recipe. However, if you choose to do so, it will help the cookies retain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven. To chill the cookie dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling also helps bring out more of the chocolate and peppermint flavors in the cookies.

Once the cookie dough has been portioned, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Remember that the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them. Remove from oven and let cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Store These Cookies?

These peppermint hot cocoa cookies can store in an airtight container for up to a week. To maximize shelf life, ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing and don’t forget to place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of cookies. If desired, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in the freezer.