The holiday season is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than with family, friends and freshly baked cookies! There are so many different types of Christmas cookies that it's always so hard to choose which ones to bake! 

Enter the Christmas Cookie Exchange. 

If you haven't heard of a cookie exchange before, the idea is to have each person bring a batch of their favourite cookies to swap. You can then spend quality time with other guests while knowing you'll go home with a variety of cookies, not just the one type you brought. Another great thing about these exchanges is that cookies are usually simple to make, so even non-bakers or beginners can partake in the holiday fun. I have an easy cookie recipe for you to bring to your exchange this year! They're perfect for both the seasoned baker as well as those just getting started.

I'm excited to share this recipe as it's one of my favourite Christmas cookies – and they are the most chocolately of all; Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies. They taste exactly like the drink we all know and love during the holidays. They're soft, gooey and oh so minty! I know they will be the perfect addition to your exchange and bonus! they are Santa approved! Save a couple for him and surely you'll gain a spot on his nice list!

To help ensure your cookies bake evenly, I suggest using a good quality baking sheet, like this one by OXO from Kitchen Stuff Plus (KSP). Also, for those that can't scoop even sized dough balls (like yours truly), this Wilton Perfect Scoop Set was a game changer. KSP always has the best baking tools and their seasonal products like these Holly Oven Mitts and Kitchen Towels always get me in a baking and festive mood! 

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with friends and loved ones! Happy Baking!

Storage Instructions:

Cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, fridge for 1 week.

These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are on Santa's Nice List

I'm excited to share this recipe as it's one of my favourite Christmas cookies – and they are the most chocolately of all; Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies. They taste exactly like the drink we all know and love during the holidays. They're soft, gooey and oh so minty! I know they will be the perfect addition to your exchange and bonus! they are Santa approved! Save a couple for him and surely you'll gain a spot on his nice list!

Prep Time:

35 minutes

Cook Time:

13 minutes

Total Time:

48 minutes

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup flour 

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ cup salted butter, room temperature

1 egg, room temperature

2/3 cups granulated sugar, divided

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp milk

15 jumbo marshmallows, halved

150 g milk chocolate

Candy cane or mints, crushed

Directions:

  1. Whisk flour, cocoa powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Set aside. 
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat butter, 1/3 cup sugar and brown sugar until creamy and smooth (2-3 minutes). Add vanilla and egg, blend until smooth. Scrape down sides and blend again. 
  3. Mix dry ingredients and milk to wet ingredients until combined and the dough is thick. 
  4. Using a cookie scoop, roll dough into balls. Roll into the remaining sugar. Place on a large cookie sheet and use your finger (or bottom of spatula) to make an indent in the center. Place in fridge for approx. 2 hours. 
  5. Preheat oven to 350F. Take cookies out of fridge and place 2 inches apart on a lined cookie sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes. Make another indent in the cookies using the bottom of a spatula as it will have puffed in the oven. Cool completely. 
  6. Melt the milk chocolate in microwave. Spoon a small amount into cooled cookie, add the halved marshmallow in the center and drizzle with more melted chocolate. Top with crushed candy cane or peppermints.

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