Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies are just the cookies you need to make for your Holiday party or family get together. Chocolate, marshmallow cream, chocolate drizzle and soft, peppermint candies make these not only fun to make but enjoyable to eat. Plus, they look adorable, especially on a festive platter.

Get as creative with these as you want! Some mini marshmallows on top would be perfect if chocolate drizzle isn't your thing or skip the peppermint altogether and go full-boat on the chocolate. If you're in a mind, a good 'ol jar of marshmallow fluff works or you can make your own marshmallow cream.

To make marshmallow cream from scratch try this recipe from Carrie at Eating on A Dime. Her recipe uses corn syrup so if you're looking for a healthier alternative, try supplementing the corn syrup for agave nectar or brown rice syrup.

To make these cookies:

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus 1 tablespoon reserved

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons

⅓ cup Dutch-processed cocoa

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 package milk chocolate chips

1 jar marshmallow fluff

1 cup peppermint candy pieces, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, whisk together dry ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Add in egg along with vanilla and peppermint extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture until fully combined. Place dough in refrigerator for 15 minutes until dough is slightly firm.

Preheat oven to 375°. Form 2-inch sized balls and place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet and let cool.

In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from heat. Drop 1 teaspoon of marshmallow fluff onto the center of each cookie. Drizzle cookies with melted chocolate and sprinkle with peppermint candy pieces. Let the cookies set for about 30 minutes prior to serving.