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Home » Blog » Diets » Gluten Free » Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies {GF, Low Cal}

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies {GF, Low Cal}

Published: Dec 5, 2022 by Megan

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Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy! Gluten Free + Low Calorie

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

This recipe was originally posted in 2015. I have re-tested the recipe and updated the pictures for you!

Imagine if a brownie married a cookie... that's what these peppermint hot chocolate cookies taste like!

Chocolate goes well with almost anything, but mint and chocolate together are the perfect combination especially during the holidays. These cookies go so well with my homemade skinny peppermint mochas!

And even if you're not a lover of peppermint flavors, these cookies are just as delicious by swapping the peppermint flavor with vanilla or almond. They're incredibly versatile! You can use this base recipe for a number of things.

They're also gluten free and only 122 calories!

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

While I wholeheartedly believe in eating real cookies, I also think it's important to lighten up recipes where you can. There are many ways to make recipes like cookies just as delicious with fewer calories and less fat content.

This recipe does just that for you!

Why These Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Are Better For You

  • Lower Calorie - Only 122 calories per cookie! There are so many simple ways to lighten up cookies while making them taste delicious. This recipe does just that.
  • Gluten Free - These cookies are made gluten free. If you are not gluten free, see the substitutions section below for how to make them not gluten free.
  • Dairy Free - These cookies are made dairy free. You do not have to make them dairy free though. See the substitutions sections below for more information.
  • Lower Carb - There's only 22 carbs per cookie, which is actually very low. I added less sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder and used oat flour to keep the carbs lower in this recipe.
healthy hot chocolate cookie ingredients

Ingredients For Hot Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint

Here's what you need to make these low calorie hot chocolate cookies. Please see the bottom of the blog post for the full ingredient list and method.

  • Egg
  • Coconut Oil
  • Peppermint Extract
  • Gluten Free Oat Flour
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Tapioca Flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Dairy Free Chocolate Chips
  • Vegan Mini Marshmallows

Scroll down for recipe ingredient substitution recommendations!

how to make healthy hot chocolate cookies with peppermint

How To Make Healthy Hot Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint

Step One - Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper. I like using parchment paper for baking to prevent sticking and easy removal.

Step Two - In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and tapioca flour.

Step Three - In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the egg white, melted coconut oil and peppermint extract.

Step Four - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until it becomes a brownie-like texture. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.

Step Five - Scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet in 12 round balls, flattening them slightly. Use your thumb to press the center of each cookie to make a little dent for the marshmallow after baking.

Step Six - Bake 9-12 minutes or until the outside edges are firm.

Step Seven - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place a marshmallow in the center of each cookie, then remove and cool completely on a wire baking rack. You can optionally sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you like.

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

Tips For Making The Best Hot Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are simple to make, but here's a few tips to ensure they turn out with the best results!

Indents - Be gentle when pressing your thumb into the center of the cookies to prevent them from cracking. Use your thumb, or if you prefer something more uniform using the back of a half tablespoon measuring tool will help you perfect them. The cookies do rise so you do need to make the indent BEFORE baking to ensue you have the space to add the marshmallow at the end.

Prevent Cookies From Spreading - These cookies may spread a bit during baking. If you want to prevent the cookies from spreading, chill the dough for 30-minutes up to one hour prior to baking.

Measuring Ingredients Properly - It is very important when baking to measure ingredients properly especially flours! Check out this tutorial I did on how to measure properly for baking.

Watch When Baking - All ovens operate differently which can result in over-baking. I recommend checking the cookies at 9 minutes to see if the outer edges are set. If they are set, the cookies are done and you can remove them from the oven. They will continue baking a bit once removed from the oven.

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

Hot Chocolate Cookie Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my hot chocolate cookies spread?

Your cookies spread because of the coconut oil (or fat). Fat causes baked goods to spread. You can avoid this by placing your dough in the refrigerator 30-minutes to one hour prior to baking.

Do you bake the marshmallows in the cookies?

No, you do not bake the marshmallows inside the cookies. You add the marshmallows AFTER baking.

Can you make this cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.

Can you make the cookies without peppermint?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract or almond extract instead of the peppermint. See the substitutions section of the blog post for more information on this.

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

Storing Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Storing - I recommend storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can keep them up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezing - Yes, you can freeze hot chocolate cookies in an airtight container or in a plastic storage bag up to 3 months.

Substitutions For Hot Chocolate Cookies

Here are the substitutions I recommend for this recipe. I have not tested all these substitutions, but these are ones I believe should work.

Also, keep in mind that any substitutions you make will result in different nutritional data than what you see in the recipe card below.

  • Egg - I have not tried replacing the egg in this recipe. If I were to try, I would use an egg replacer like this one.
  • Peppermint Extract - You can substitute with vanilla extract or almond extract.
  • Coconut Oil - You could substitute with olive oil (since the cookies are baked at 350 F) or another oil of choice. Butter or ghee could also be substituted.
  • Gluten Free Oat Flour - You can use regular oat flour if you are not gluten free. Regular gluten free baking flour should work with this recipe as well as whole wheat flour. Please make sure you measure the flour properly.
  • Tapioca Flour - Do not omit this! You could also substitute with arrowroot powder.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - You can use regular cocoa powder or cacao powder. Do not use hot chocolate mix in place of cocoa or cacao powder.
  • Marshmallows - I used these vegan marshmallows, but you can use regular mini marshmallows.
  • Chocolate Chips - You can use either dairy-free chocolate chips or regular.
Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

More Healthy Cookie Recipes

Here are some of my favorite healthier cookie recipes! If you need more dessert ideas, check out my Healthy Holiday Recipes and Low Calorie Holiday Cookie Recipes.

  • Healthy Sugar Cookies
  • Healthy Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
  • Raspberry Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
  • Salted Gingerbread Cookies
  • Low Calorie Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Healthy White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
  • Grain Free Cinnamon Cookies
  • Pistachio Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
  • Pumpkin Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Megan Olson
Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside and chewy on the outside, these lighter holiday cookies are fun and easy!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Cool Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 122 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Oil melted
  • 2/3 cup Gluten Free Oat Flour
  • 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Tapioca Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Dairy Free Chocolate Chips
  • 12 Marshmallows
  • Crushed Peppermint Stick for Sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper. I like using parchment paper for baking to prevent sticking and easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and tapioca flour.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the egg white, melted coconut oil and peppermint extract.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until it becomes a brownie-like texture. Fold the chocolate chips into the batter.
  • Scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet in 12 round balls, flattening them slightly. Use your thumb to press the center of each cookie to make a little dent for the marshmallow after baking.
  • Bake 9-12 minutes or until the outside edges are firm.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place a marshmallow in the center of each cookie, then remove and cool completely on a wire baking rack. You can optionally sprinkle with crushed candy canes if you like.

Notes

  • My Amazon shop has more products similar to those used for this recipe and that I recommend to my weight loss clients.
  • See the substitution section of the blog post for recommendations on substituting specific ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 41mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14g
Tried this Recipe? Let me know!Let us know how it was!
Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside, these lighter holiday cookies are easy!

 

Healthy Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are low calorie and gluten free. Made gooey on the inside, these lighter holiday cookies are easy!

About Megan

Megan is a certified nutrition practitioner, author, freelance food photographer and fitness instructor living in Phoenix, Arizona. On her blog, Skinny Fitalicious she shares EASY, gluten free recipes for weight loss. Follow Megan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates.

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  1. Brenda says

    December 19, 2015 at 9:28 am

    these look delicious! I’m so into peppermint hot chocolate these days!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 20, 2015 at 7:14 am

      Thanks hope you love them!

      Reply
  2. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    December 17, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    I did leg day this morning and now I'm thinking I need to get some peppermint oil! I did not know this!
    But, since I have none, can I eat a whole batch of cookies to see if it works the same? 😉 These look amazing!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 18, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      Haha...not sure it works the same but you can try and let me know girl because that would be the bomb!

      Reply
  3. Patricia @Sweet and Strong says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    Love anything peppermint, we definitely should be using peppermint year round! These cookies sound delicious.

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks Patricia!

      Reply
  4. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says

    December 15, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Peppermint+chocolate is one of my favorite combinations. These look fantastic!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Thank you Maryea!

      Reply
  5. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says

    December 15, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    I was JUST saying to someone that I think we should have bark for more holidays. 🙂 And peppermint is a big part of that. Great recipe, Megan!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Ohhhhh, I think you just handed me a recipe idea for next year!

      Reply
  6. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    December 15, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    I'll take a whole batch, please!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      YAY! Are these ones you can eat?

      Reply
  7. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    December 15, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Mini marshmallows are the best! tHey make me want Swiss Miss hot chocolate though. LOL!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      You crack me up!

      Reply
  8. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    December 15, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Oooh, these look delicious! I'm so into peppermint hot chocolate these days!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      Me too 🙂

      Reply
  9. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    December 15, 2015 at 6:01 am

    You had me at gooey on the inside! Looks so good - I might have to get on board with mint chocolate after all 🙂

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      Show the mint chocolate some love Michele. Your family will appreciate it!

      Reply
  10. nicole @life after heels says

    December 15, 2015 at 5:12 am

    I love this recipe, and I agree that peppermint is an awesome flavor that should be used through out the year

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Now if we could get the rest of the world on board with it!

      Reply
  11. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    December 15, 2015 at 5:02 am

    oooo, I love this recipe! I used to love peppermint hot chocolates, even though they are terrible for you 😀

    Reply
    • Megan says

      December 15, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      This one is good for you!

      Reply

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