Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of Hot Cocoa Peppermint Cookies, combining rich chocolate cake batter with a luscious peppermint buttercream frosting and a crunchy crushed candy cane topping. These soft, fudgy cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter days.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 box Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 6 teaspoons heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, to ensure tender cookies.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 9 minutes until set. Remove and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter on medium speed for 8 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the pinch of salt, peppermint extract, heavy cream, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to medium speed for 3 minutes to combine well.
- Add Remaining Sugar: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix on low speed for 1 minute to incorporate the sugar without creating a mess, then beat on medium speed for an additional 5 minutes until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a generous layer of the peppermint buttercream frosting on each cooled cookie. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top to add a festive crunch and peppermint flavor. Allow frosting to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate.
- Crushed candy canes can be substituted with peppermint chips for a different texture.
