Name: Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup instant coffee granules; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped peppermint candies

Jump to Recipe

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats that combine your favorite festive flavors. These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies bring together the warm, comforting taste of coffee, the rich flavor of chocolate, and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for Christmas or any winter occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Baking these cookies is an easy way to enjoy the iconic peppermint mocha flavor combination in cookie form. The smooth, chewy texture of the cookie is complemented by the crunch of chopped peppermint candies, while the cocoa and instant coffee provide that classic mocha taste. The addition of chocolate chips makes these cookies even more decadent and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they also incorporate the flavors of your favorite holiday drinks – peppermint mocha – into a delicious cookie form. The combination of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint creates a warm, comforting flavor profile that is perfect for the colder months. These cookies are a great way to share the festive spirit with loved ones or enjoy with a warm cup of coffee. The texture is soft and chewy, with bits of crunchy peppermint candies that add a little extra holiday magic to each bite.

Ingredients

Butter
Sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Instant coffee granules
Chocolate chips
Chopped peppermint candies

Variations

Mint Chocolate Chips: For an extra peppermint kick, replace the regular chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips.
Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a crunchy texture.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and flax eggs as replacements to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add Coffee and Peppermint Flavor

Stir in the instant coffee granules, chocolate chips, and chopped peppermint candies. Ensure everything is evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars.
Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Use Instant Coffee: Instant coffee granules provide the best flavor in this recipe, but you can also substitute with espresso powder if you have it on hand.
Peppermint Candy: Use crushed peppermint candies for an extra crunchy texture. You can also use crushed candy canes for a more festive touch.
Avoid Overbaking: These cookies will continue to cook a bit once out of the oven, so be sure to remove them while they are still slightly soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve

These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are perfect on their own or served with a warm beverage. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for the ultimate winter treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday cookie platter or as part of a holiday dessert table. Packaged in a festive tin, these cookies would also make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies will stay soft and fresh for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and warm again.

FAQs

1. Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

It’s best to use instant coffee granules for this recipe, but you can use brewed coffee if you reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by a little bit.

2. How can I make these cookies more minty?

If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough in addition to the crushed peppermint candies.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chips to vary the flavor.

4. How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can decorate these cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzle them with melted white chocolate for a festive look.

5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute.

6. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Yes, once baked, the cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.

7. How do I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.

8. Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even mini marshmallows for a twist on the flavor.

9. Why are my cookies flat?

Make sure you don’t overmix the dough and that your baking soda is fresh. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading.

10. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

You can substitute Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the unsweetened cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are a delightful combination of chocolate, coffee, and peppermint that captures the essence of the holiday season. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to bring joy and flavor to your festive season.