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When a brownie marries a cookie and cozies up for the holidays, you get these gooey Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies! Chewy on the outside and fudgy on the inside, these festive cookies are easy to make in just under 30 minutes.

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies on a wooden platter.
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Cozy up for the holiday season with these fudgy peppermint hot chocolate cookies. The perfect pairing of mint and chocolate creates the ultimate winter cookie, bringing a warm taste of the holidays to your kitchen.

The best part? These cookies are lightened up with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oat flour, coconut sugar, and oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, dairy-free chocolate chips, fluffy marshmallows, and of course, crushed peppermint sticks. A festive spin on classic chocolate cookies!

Looking for more holiday cookie inspiration? Try these gingerbread cookies with almond flour, low fat sugar cookies, or these easy thumbprint cookies next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Gooey, Chewy and Chocolatey: The perfect combination of coconut sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and coconut oil creates these hot chocolate cookies with a rich, fudgy texture that’s both satisfying and comforting.
  • Festive Fun: With marshmallows and crushed peppermint, these cookies deliver the ultimate holiday flair, making the batch standout at any holiday party spread.
  • A Mindful Cookie: Using mindful ingredients, these cookies make it possible to celebrate the holiday spirit, enjoying them gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sugar, and low-carb, all while still tasting delicious.

Ingredients

Healthy hot chocolate cookie ingredients on the table with text labels to identify each one.
  • Egg: Provides structure and moisture, helping the cookies retain their shape during baking. If you’d like to make this peppermint chocolate cookies recipe egg-free, you can use an egg replacer.
  • Coconut Oil and Sugar: Coconut oil keeps the dough soft and chewy, while coconut sugar provides the sweetness and signature gooey center. You can swap the coconut oil for olive oil, butter, or ghee, if preferred.
  • Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing minty flavor, perfectly complementing the richness in these healthy chocolate cookies.
  • Flour: Gluten Free Oat Flour makes the cookies soft and fluffy, helping bind the ingredients. You can substitute with regular oat flour or gluten-free baking flour. Tapioca flour or arrowroot powder adds a crispy exterior, so don’t omit it!
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep chocolatey flavor and color. Use regular cocoa powder or cocoa powder, if needed, but avoid using hot chocolate mix as a substitute.
  • Vegan Mini Marshmallows: Creates a gooey topping and adds that classic hot chocolate appeal. Regular mini marshmallows also work well.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

  • No Peppermint? No Problem: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract to adjust the flavor while still keeping your cookies delicious.
  • Chocolate Swap: For slightly sweeter and creamier peppermint holiday cookies, try using dairy-free white chocolate chips instead of mini milk chocolate chips.
  • Chopped Nuts: Add some chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to give the cookies extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soft, chewy texture.

How To Make Hot Chocolate Cookies

Ready to bake up these gooey hot cocoa cookies in 5 easy steps? Preheat your oven to 350°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started:

Dry ingredients mixed in a bowl.

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients. Combine the flour, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl.

Wet and dry ingredients to make hot chocolate peppermint cookies in a bowl.

Step 3: Make the Batter. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to create a brownie-like batter. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips.

Wet ingredients mixed together in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted coconut oil, and peppermint extract until smooth.

Cookies added to a baking sheet.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough. Form the batter into 12 round balls and place them on the cookie sheet. Then, flatten them slightly and make a small indent in the center of each with your thumb.

Marshmallow added to hot cookies after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Decorate. Bake the cookies for 9-12 minutes until the edges are firm. Once done, remove the pan from the oven, press a marshmallow into the center of each cookie, let them cool completely, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.

Expert Tips

  • Measure Properly: Accurate measurements are key in baking, especially when it comes to flour! Make sure to measure flour correctly to get the best results.
  • Thumbprint Gently: When making the thumbprint in the center of the hot cocoa peppermint cookies, be gentle to avoid cracking. Use your thumb or the back of a half-tablespoon measuring tool for a uniform indent. Remember, the cookies will rise, so make the indent before baking to ensure space for the marshmallow.
  • Don’t Over-Bake: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at 9 minutes to see if the outer edges are set. If they are, remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed.
  • Storing: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw before enjoying!
A hand reaching in to grab a hot chocolate peppermint cookies.

Serving Suggestions

What’s your favorite way to enjoy these peppermint hot cocoa cookies? You’ll be surprised at how many ways you can pair these cookies to create a festive holiday meal or a cozy Friday night dessert. Here are a few of my favorites:

Recipe FAQs

Why did my hot chocolate peppermint cookies spread?

Cookies can spread due to the fat content (like coconut oil). To prevent excessive spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. While some spreading is normal, chilling the dough will help reduce it.

Do you bake the marshmallows in the cookies?

No, you don’t bake the marshmallows inside the cookies. Add the marshmallows to the center after baking for the best texture and appearance.

Can you make this peppermint dark chocolate cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply scoop and bake when you’re ready to enjoy them!

How do I prevent my cookies from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking and for easy removal, I recommend using parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies on a baking tray.

If you tried these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below.

Peppermint hot chocolate cookies baked on a pan topped with a marshmallow.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 12

Healthier Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are chewy, gooey, and decadent for the holidays. Made with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour, coconut sugar, and dairy-free chocolate chips, they're a lightened-up treat that's both festive and delicious!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Ingredients 

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, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and tapioca flour.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the egg, 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

  • Measure Properly: Accurate measurements, especially for flour, are essential for perfect cookies. Ensure you measure the flour correctly for the best texture and result.
  • Thumbprint Gently: Be gentle when making the thumbprint in the cookies. The cookies will rise, so make the indent before baking to ensure there’s enough room for the marshmallow.
  • Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your cookies, especially after 9 minutes. Remove them once the edges are set to prevent over-baking. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after they come out of the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 122kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 41mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 14g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Megan

Megan is a nutritionist who coaches women 35+ lose weight sustainably. She is the author of the Low Calorie Cookbook, fitness instructor, host of the Dish On Ditching Diets Podcast and creator of Skinny Fitalicious where you get lighter, higher protein recipes. Follow Megan on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates.

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24 Comments

  1. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says:

    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!

    1. Megan says:

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

  2. Patricia @Sweet and Strong says:

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

    1. Megan says:

      Thanks Patricia!

  3. Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says:

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

    1. Megan says:

      Thank you Maryea!

  4. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:

    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!

    1. Megan says:

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

  5. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says:

    I’ll take a whole batch, please!

    1. Megan says:

      YAY! Are these ones you can eat?

  6. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says:

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

    1. Megan says:

      You crack me up!

  7. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says:

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

    1. Megan says:

      Me too 🙂

  8. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says:

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

    1. Megan says:

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

  9. nicole @life after heels says:

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

    1. Megan says:

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

  10. Susie @ SuzLyfe says:

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

    1. Megan says:

      This one is good for you!