Sarah Fennel is truly a master in the kitchen as she takes the classic flavors of hot chocolate and gives them a delightful holiday twist. Her recipe for peppermint hot chocolate cookies combines a decadent chocolate-peppermint cookie base with melted, bittersweet chocolate and toasted marshmallows. These treats are not only visually appealing but also offer a burst of flavors that will warm your heart and soul.

Indulge in the Holiday Magic of Sarah Fennel's Peppermint Cookies

Section 1: The Cookie Base

The cookie base of Sarah Fennel's peppermint hot chocolate cookies is a masterpiece in itself. With 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature, it creates a rich and moist foundation. The addition of 1 large egg, 2 tsp. of vanilla extract, and ¾ tsp. of peppermint extract gives the dough a delightful aroma and a unique flavor profile. The combination of 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of Dutch-process cocoa powder, ½ tsp. of baking soda, and ½ tsp. of table salt ensures a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The brown sugar in the dough makes the cookies chewy and soft, with an almost brownie-like consistency.When using a 1½-ounce cookie scoop to portion the dough into 12 equal mounds, it ensures that each cookie is of uniform size and shape. Rolling the dough into balls using lightly greased hands (as the dough may be sticky) and spacing them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets allows for proper baking and prevents them from sticking together.

Section 2: The Toppings

Once the cookies are baked and cooled slightly, the real magic begins with the toppings. Microwaving 1 cup of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl on high in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until they are fully melted takes just 1 to 2 minutes. Spooning and spreading about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each cookie, leaving a ½-inch border around the outside edges, adds a rich and indulgent touch. Squishing the 12 jumbo marshmallows flat between your palms and placing one on top of the chocolate on each cookie gives a delightful contrast in textures.When broiling the cookies on the middle rack of the oven with the rack about 7 inches from the heat source, the marshmallows turn golden brown and melted in just 1 to 2 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on them as they toast very quickly. Once the marshmallows are toasted to perfection, gently squishing them further if desired and sprinkling the cookies evenly with crushed candy canes adds a final touch of holiday cheer.These peppermint hot chocolate cookies are truly a work of art. They are familiar in flavor but unexpected in form, offering a unique holiday treat that will leave your taste buds craving for more. With an active time of 35 minutes and a total time of 1 hour, they are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the holiday magic of Sarah Fennel's peppermint cookies.