Peppermint Mocha Cookies
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These soft-baked peppermint mocha cookies are thick, chewy with slightly crisp edges, just like a brownie! With the perfect ratio of peppermint and rich mocha flavor, these are are guaranteed to be a hit for the holidays.
Like chocolate peppermint bundt cake and homemade brownies combined, these peppermint mocha cookies are the heartwarming cookie of the holiday season. My family absolutely LOVES these, and can't wait for all my peppermint mocha friends to enjoy too!
Why You'll Love These
- Soft-baked, thick and chewy with slightly crisp edges
- The perfect combination of of mint and chocolate with some added crunch
- Taste just like fudgy brownies
- Nothing complicated- comes together quickly with just a 1 hour chill time
- Recipe can easily be doubled
- The cookie dough ball freeze well (see my tips my how to freeze cookie dough)
Grab These Ingredients
- Butter: Like most of my cookie recipes, I recommend unsalted butter that way you have more control over the salt.
- Sugar: Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used in this recipe to keep them soft just like in these soft chocolate chip cookies.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of this recipe providing enough structure and sturdiness for the cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: You need unsweetened cocoa powder which pairs with the flour to produce structure and sturdiness.
- Instant Espresso: This adds the richness and flavor we're looking for. You'll stir this together with water that way it easily incorporates into the dough.
- Egg: You need 1 egg and 1 egg yolk to bind everything together, add richness, and help create a chewy texture- a trick I often use in many cookies and bars!
- Vanilla & Peppermint Extracts: Both add flavor. If you have any homemade vanilla extract, use that!
- Baking Soda: Key to helping the cookies rise while they bake.
- Salt: Flavor enhancer and helps balance the sweetness.
- Add-Ins: There's chocolate chips and peppermint crunch added into the cookies. You can use more or less of each depending on preference.
2 Important Success Tips
- Chill the Dough: This recipe requires you to chill the dough for 1 hour or up to 3 days. Chilling dough guarantees thicker cookies and also is much easier to handle with a stickier dough.
- Slightly Taller Balls: Scoop and roll the dough, 2 Tablespoons of dough for each, into slighter taller than wide balls. This helps create a thicker cookie while it bakes.
How To Make Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Step 1: Start off with stirring together the instant espresso powder and water.
Step 2: Cream together the melted butter and sugar- adding in the remaining wet ingredients, finishing with the instant espresso mixture, until incorporated.
Step 3: With the mixture on low, slowly add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, beating together until combined.
Step 4: Add in the chocolate chips and peppermint crunch until just combined- the dough will be thick and sticky.
Step 5: At this point you can refrigerate the dough or roll into balls and refrigerate for 1 hour- it's totally up to you! Chilling is mandatory.
Step 6: Bake the cookies until the edges are set and the centers are soft.
More Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, optional
- 3 Tablespoons (3 tablespoons) instant espresso
- 2 Tablespoons warm water
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (21.5 g) cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces (340.2 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 10 ounces (283.5 g) peppermint crunch baking chips
Instructions
- Stir together the instant espresso and water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until fluffy and light in color, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and beat on high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat on low until combined and then beat in the chocolate chips and peppermint crunch. The cookie dough will be thick and sticky. Cover dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to 3 days. Chilling is mandatory.
- Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes (if refrigerated longer than 1 hour). Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Scoop and roll the dough, 2 Tablespoons of dough for each, into slighter taller than wide balls. Arrange 6 on each baking sheet. The cookie dough will still be stick, so wipe your hands after forming a few to make it easier.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, garnish with crushed peppermint crunch.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: The cookies will stay fresh covered tightly at room temperature for up to 1 week. Instead of chilling the bowl of cookie dough, you can refrigerate formed cookie dough balls.
- Freezing Instructions: Baked cookies or cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, no need to thaw, just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time. Read more tips and tricks for how to freeze cookie dough.
Author
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Allie, I am the same way when I create something. I won't even google it and be influenced by someone else's creation while using the same base ingredient. But, I must be in MY little world too much...because I've never heard of such a cookie until YOU brought it to my attention. Love these. I can just imagine the aroma these give off while they come straight out of the oven! Scrumptious!
Oh, the aroma was insane!!! I'm so happy you liked, and glad I'm not the only one with this silly complex, lol! You're too sweet; thanks so much, dear!
If it makes you feel any better: I've never tried peppermint + mocha together either ;--) I'm dying to do so, though!
Your cookies look fantastic girl! And the pictures are gorgeous!
Happy Baking 😀
Thank you, Consuelo! And omg- go get some peppermint mocha asap!!!
I'm in love with Peppermint Mocha Lattes so these cookies are right up my alley! These look so yummy. I wish I could just reach and grab one!
Thanks Tina! If you like Peppermint Mocha Lattes then you'll love these cookies. I'm so happy you enjoyed the post!
they look yummy!
Omg, Dina! Sooooo yummy 😉
Omg peppermind AND mocha...that sounds SO good!
I know, right??? Mimi you've gotta try it! TDF!
Love peppermint mocha flavors! And I love how warm and gooey these cookies look.
Oh, they were so gooey! So good... Thanks, Ashley! xoxo
I had one the other week and OMG so so good!! I love them and plan on having one on Christmas eve after work 🙂 . The only thing that would make extra special is one of your yummy looking cookies, or two.
What a lovely Christmas Eve treat! Such a nice idea 😉 I'm so happy you enjoyed the post, Laura!
Girl! I made a very similar recipe two week ago from the back of the Andes peppermint crunch bag. Holy moly they are delicious!
I am not a coffee drinker, but am now really intrigued about peppermint mocha drink. I just might have to give it a whirl! 🙂
PS. Your photos are just perfection.
Give it a whirl! Give it a whirl! It's like hot cocoa grown up. Super rich and a little bitter, like good bittersweet chocolate. The peppermint cuts right through. Ps- I didn't even think to look on the back of the bag, duh! Well this recipe I used was phenomenal! I loved the soft/chewy texture. Thanks for the sweet compliment about the photos! I had fun shooting these 😉
These look delicious. Any chance you could give some hints for making a peppermint mocha latte? Without any of the ready-made creamers you could find in stores in the states? I do have peppermint essence and instant coffee!
Hi Julie! I've done mochas before, just a mug of hot cocoa with a shot of espresso added. The way I do my hot cocoa is just cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and milk. I think if you added a little peppermint extract it would work beautifully. But just measure it in carefully- it will probably only take a drop or two; that stuff can be potent! Another option would be to add a squirt of chocolate syrup to your coffee + cream. Have fun!
wow these look super amazing! and so pretty to take to holiday events... thank you! =)
My pleasure, Simple Green Moms! They were so good I just had to share. Hope you enjoy! 😀
Oh I hear ya! I am so busy, I forget my first name!
These cookies look fabulous! I love peppermint this time of year!
SO busy, right? Especially at this time of year. I've got a mile-long list for today alone, lol! So glad you liked the cookies, Anna! Hope you get a minute to yourself today 😉
Wow these look gorgeous and decadent! I too have never tried a peppermint mocha drink so don't feel like your the last person. But I have never heard of peppermint crunch chips. Do you find those in the baking aisle? I hope to put these cookies on my holiday table!
Hey Becky! If you click on the link within the recipe card it will take you to an online mail order source. You don't have to order them online, but you can at least see a pic this way. I got mine at Target 😉 Ps- Thanks for making me feel better about being late to the Peppermint Mocha party, lol!
Oh my dear!! What a travesty you didn't have this before. But I am glad you resolved it otherwise I would have to make that drive down with a cup. These cookies look so yummy!! I love peppermint and mocha so much I feel like I overload this time of the year, which I am ok with because it comes but once. Beautiful cookies and I must try your versions for the sake of research on my hunt of the perfect peppermint mocha cookies haha 😉
PS: I owe you a super long email. It is coming today!!
I know, right? Travesty! I hope you enjoy the recipe, I adapted it from another blogger's. Hers were Mudslide cookies. I could not get over how perfect the texture was. So chewy around the edges, and soft in the middle. I died! And I can't wait for your email! I've been thinking about you and your adventures...
I love all things peppermint and mocha especially this time of year! We just recently discovered the creamer and it has changed our mornings forever!! These cookies are gorgeous!
Oh, I need to get the creamer! Thx for the tip, Liz! And for the sweet comment. Hugs to you! 😀
I am so glad that you finally tried a Peppermint Mocha, they have been my favorite drink for about 8 years now!! Your cookies look absolutely wonderful Allie, so gooey and chocolaty....yum!!
8 years?!? Have they really been around that long? Sheesh, I'm even later to the game than I thought! Oh well, better late than never, right? The cookies are gooey, and wonderful! If you like peppermint mocha, these will be a favorite! Thanks for reading and commenting, Lisa!
Oh Allie, I am not surprised, you are just a kind and sweet soul that puts everyone else first. Sometimes us moms need to get out too (I should really tell myself that too hehe) but I'm so glad you got to try the Peppermint Mocha Latte:) Isn't it wonderful? I love all peppermint and chocolate lately and these cookies sound fantastic and right up my alley 🙂 Love how pretty and festive they look, pinning and hope you enjoy the rest of the week sweetie 🙂
You too, Kelly! Hope you have a great holiday week, relax and enjoy yourself! xoxo
Can I use coffee beans instead
I would not recommend it, but by all means feel free to experiment!