If you’re a fan of peppermint mochas and holiday baking, these Peppermint Mocha Cookies will be your new favorite treat! They combine rich chocolate, a hint of espresso, and a refreshing peppermint icing for a festive cookie that’s both indulgent and bright. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies capture the cozy flavors of a peppermint mocha in every bite – ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy night at home.
The inspiration for these cookies came from the classic holiday coffee drink, with its irresistible blend of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint. We thought, why not turn that into a delicious cookie? The result is a decadent, fudgy chocolate cookie with a touch of espresso for depth and a festive peppermint icing on top. They’re a little bit indulgent, a little bit refreshing, and everything we love about holiday treats.
🍫 Why Espresso?
Adding espresso to chocolate intensifies the flavor, bringing out the richness of the cocoa. It adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with the peppermint, creating a cookie that’s both bold and perfectly balanced.
A Festive Cookie with Bold Flavor ☕️
These Peppermint Mocha Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie for chocolate and coffee lovers. The cookie itself is soft, chewy, and full of rich cocoa flavor, with a hint of espresso that enhances the chocolate without overpowering it. Once they’re baked, a drizzle of peppermint icing and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes make them extra festive and give each bite a cool, minty finish.
We love these cookies because they’re easy to make and bring something a little unique to the holiday table. They’re a great way to bring the flavors of your favorite holiday coffee into a treat that everyone can enjoy – no coffee cup required!
🌿 Peppermint Icing
The peppermint icing is simple to make and adds a perfect pop of mint flavor. Just combine powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and peppermint extract, then drizzle over the cookies. For an extra holiday touch, sprinkle with crushed candy canes!
Why These Cookies are a Holiday Essential
These Peppermint Mocha Cookies are everything we love about holiday baking – rich, chocolatey, and beautifully festive. They’re just the right balance of decadent and refreshing, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. And let’s be honest, there’s something so satisfying about the combination of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint, especially during the holidays.
One of our favorite things about these cookies is how beautiful they look on a holiday platter. The dark chocolate cookie, white peppermint icing, and sprinkle of red and white candy cane pieces make them look as festive as they taste. They’re the kind of cookie that’s sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Serving and Decorating Tips
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, especially when arranged on a platter with other festive treats. For a little extra fun, serve them with hot chocolate or, of course, a peppermint mocha for a deliciously cozy pairing.
Decorating these cookies is half the fun! After drizzling the peppermint icing, sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles on top for an extra pop of holiday cheer. They also look lovely in a holiday cookie box, making them a wonderful gift to share with friends and family.
🍪 Pro Tip: Chilling the Dough
For the best texture, let the cookie dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them extra chewy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Peppermint Mocha Cookies bring all the magic of the season into one delicious bite. The combination of rich chocolate, a hint of espresso, and cool peppermint creates a cookie that’s decadent yet refreshing – the perfect treat for winter celebrations. They’re easy to make, wonderfully festive, and just the right balance of indulgent and bright.
So, next time you’re in the holiday baking spirit, give these cookies a try! They’re a fun twist on classic holiday flavors and are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy, and happy baking!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Peppermint Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and espresso powder.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Notes
Adjust the amount of espresso powder based on your preference for a stronger or milder coffee flavor.
The peppermint icing can be adjusted for thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
These Peppermint Mocha Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, offering a mouthwatering blend of flavors that are sure to please any crowd.
🎄 Common Questions About Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes! Just dissolve a teaspoon of instant coffee granules in a little hot water and add to the dough. It’ll add a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead?
Absolutely. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze the dough for easy baking later.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can skip the peppermint icing, but it’s worth it to add the extract if you can find it. It adds that signature holiday flavor that makes these cookies special.
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