Get ready to transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland with these irresistible Peeps Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies! Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey cookie that combines the cozy warmth of hot cocoa with the playful sweetness of marshmallow Peeps. These aren't just cookies - they're a festive experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or those moments when you need a little sweet comfort, these cookies are about to become your new seasonal obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
- 12 Peeps marshmallow candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually mix in the hot chocolate powder, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, rolling them into balls and placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Peeps marshmallow candy into the center of each warm cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with crushed candy canes for extra festive decoration.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough cookies.
- Press the Peeps gently into the warm cookies immediately after baking to help them adhere.
- For extra festive flair, use seasonal Peeps colors or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.
- If the dough seems too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before scooping.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- Let cookies cool completely to allow the Peeps to set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
