Description
These Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Cookies combine rich semi-sweet chocolate, a hint of peppermint, and gooey marshmallows for a festive, indulgent treat. Crisp on the edges and soft inside, finished with a crushed peppermint candy topping and optional chocolate drizzle, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 24 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped (Ghirardelli, Bakers, or Callebaut)
- 16 tbsp (226 g) unsalted butter, diced
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (426 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional, for enhanced chocolate flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 16 oz semisweet chocolate chunks
- 48 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- Optional: chocolate drizzle or melted chocolate chips for topping
- Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and diced unsalted butter together over simmering water, stirring constantly until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before using to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, Dutch-process cocoa powder, and optional espresso powder to evenly distribute all the dry components.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the six large eggs, packed light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Combine Chocolate with Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, mixing gently to incorporate without deflating.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chunks: Gradually fold in the dry flour mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then stir in the semisweet chocolate chunks for added texture and bursts of chocolate.
- Scoop and Bake First Session: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers still soft.
- Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, quickly press one large marshmallow into the center of each cookie, then return to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to melt the marshmallows slightly.
- Cool and Add Toppings: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets. Drizzle with melted chocolate or chocolate chips if desired, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty finish.
Notes
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, add 1/2 tsp espresso powder as noted in the recipe.
- Ensure the chocolate and butter mixture is not too hot before adding to eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Chocolate drizzle and sea salt are optional but add extra flavor contrast.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake during the first baking session.
