Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies

These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are a delightful twist on a holiday favorite, combining the rich flavors of mocha and peppermint for the perfect festive treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are a hit. The combination of instant coffee, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and peppermint candies makes each bite an irresistible mix of sweet and minty flavors. Plus, they come together quickly and easily, making them a must-have for your holiday baking list!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Holiday Flavor: The combination of peppermint and mocha is a classic holiday pairing, and these cookies bring both flavors together in a delicious way.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have warm, fresh cookies in under 30 minutes.
• Festive Appearance: The bits of chopped peppermint candies add a pop of color, making these cookies perfect for sharing at any holiday event.

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

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee granules.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Candies

Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped peppermint candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Drop the Dough onto Baking Sheets

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can use a cookie scoop or spoon for this step.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set. They may appear a little soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Soft Butter: Be sure to soften your butter before mixing it with the sugars. This helps achieve a creamy and smooth texture.
• Coffee Granules: Instant coffee granules are key for giving these cookies their rich mocha flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Chop Peppermint Candies: For the best texture, chop the peppermint candies into small pieces so they distribute evenly in the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should still look slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Serve

These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, as part of a festive dessert platter, or just as a sweet treat with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make a great gift when wrapped in a holiday tin or bag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will stay fresh and soft for several days.

Freezing the Dough

If you want to make the dough ahead of time, scoop the dough into individual portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. To bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

These cookies can also be frozen once baked. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use decaffeinated coffee granules?

Yes, you can use decaffeinated coffee granules if you prefer a non-caffeinated version.

2. Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint candies?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract for peppermint candies. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of the chopped candies.

3. Can I substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute white chocolate chips for a different flavor combination. Just be aware that white chocolate will not have the same contrast with the cocoa as regular chocolate chips.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.

6. Can I add more peppermint candies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more peppermint candies for a stronger peppermint flavor, but be sure not to add too much, or the dough may become too sticky to handle.

7. Can I skip the cocoa powder if I don’t want the mocha flavor?

Yes, you can omit the cocoa powder if you prefer a regular peppermint cookie flavor, but this will change the texture and flavor of the cookie.

8. Can I make these cookies without coffee?

If you prefer not to use coffee, you can leave out the instant coffee granules. The cookies will still taste delicious but without the mocha flavor.

9. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.

10. How do I add extra peppermint flavor?

To boost the peppermint flavor, you can also add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough in addition to the chopped peppermint candies.

Conclusion

These Easy Peppermint Mocha Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, minty, and mocha flavors. With their soft texture, festive appeal, and rich taste, they’ll quickly become a holiday favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to delight!

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