Peppermint Mocha Cookies
Fudgy chocolate cookies infused with espresso and peppermint extract, loaded with chocolate chips, then finished with a white chocolate drizzle and crushed candy canes for a festive holiday treat.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened 10 tbsp (140g)
- Brown sugar 3/4 cup 158g
- Granulated sugar 1/4 cup 50g
- Large egg 1
- Instant espresso powder 1 tbsp
- Peppermint extract 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract 1 tsp
- All-purpose flour 1 cup + 2 tbsp 140g
- Cocoa powder 1/2 cup 40g
- Baking soda 1/2 tsp
- Salt 1/4 tsp
- Chocolate chips 3/4 cup 135g
- White chocolate 4 oz 112g
- Crushed candy canes 3 tbsp
Instructions
- Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, espresso powder, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours to help create thick, chewy cookies.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle immediately with crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
Notes
For the best results, use room-temperature butter and eggs to create a smooth, evenly mixed dough. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give these cookies a deeper chocolate color and richer flavor, while espresso powder enhances the cocoa notes without making the cookies taste strongly like coffee. Make sure to chill the dough as directed because it helps prevent spreading and creates thick, soft, and chewy cookies. Add the crushed candy canes just before serving or decorating to keep their crunchy texture and festive finish.