Name: Decadent Peppermint Mocha Cookies for Sweet Holiday Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.); 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (Use high-quality cocoa for the best results.); 1/2 cup Vegan Butter (Opt for vegan butter sticks for less moisture.); 1/2 cup White Sugar (Pairs well with brown sugar for added depth.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Adds moisture and enhances flavor.); 2 tbsp Flax Eggs (Mix with 6 tbsp water.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 tsp Peppermint Extract; 1/4 cup Ground Coffee (Try ground espresso for a stronger flavor.); 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (Both dark and vegan milk chocolate work.); 1/2 cup Vegan White Chocolate (Can substitute with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.); 1/2 cup Candy Cane Pieces (Crush into small pieces for sprinkling.)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is enough to ignite anyone’s holiday spirit, and this recipe for Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies captures that essence perfectly. These delightful treats are quick to whip up, taking less than 30 minutes from idea to plate, making them an ideal solution for those unexpected guests or last-minute cravings. With a rich blend of chocolate and a hint of minty freshness, each chewy cookie is drizzled with creamy vegan white chocolate and sprinkled with festive candy cane pieces. They’re not just delicious; they also offer a fun twist on a classic favorite, ensuring everyone can indulge without compromising their vegan lifestyle. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scents of the season? Let’s dive into making these irresistible cookies!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Quick Preparation: Whip up these festive cookies in under 30 minutes—perfect for when time is short!
Deliciously Rich Flavors: Enjoy the delightful blend of chocolate, coffee, and mint, creating an indulgent taste experience like no other!
Vegan-Friendly: These 100% vegan cookies allow everyone to enjoy holiday treats without compromising dietary choices.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family—perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee!
Cute and Festive: The red and white candy cane garnish adds a perfectly festive touch to your dessert spread.
For an equally delightful treat, check out my Chewy Gluten Cookies or Brown Butter Cookies!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Batter
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; use high-quality cocoa for the best results.
• Vegan Butter – Ensures creaminess and binds the ingredients; opt for vegan butter sticks for less moisture.
• White Sugar – Provides sweetness; pairs well with brown sugar for added depth.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and enhances flavor in your Peppermint Mocha Cookies.
• Flax Eggs – Acts as a binder; mix 2 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds with 6 tbsp water.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses sweetness and flavor into the cookies.
• Peppermint Extract – Delivers that delightful minty essence essential for these cookies.
• Ground Coffee – Enhances the mocha quality; try ground espresso for a stronger coffee kick.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, making cookies puff slightly.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness while enhancing overall flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Chips – Provides rich chocolate chunks; both dark and vegan milk chocolate work well.

For the Topping
• Vegan White Chocolate – Perfect for drizzling; can substitute with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
• Candy Cane Pieces – Adds festive flair and crunch; crush into small pieces for sprinkling.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Decadent Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. This preparation step is essential, as it ensures your Peppermint Mocha Cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Next, take a few candy canes and place them in a plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or heavy object, gently crush the candy canes until you have small, festive pieces. Set these aside for later; they’ll add a delightful crunch and holiday flair to your cookies, ensuring your festive spirit shines through each bite.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground coffee, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Blend these dry ingredients well until they are evenly combined. This ensures that the rich flavors of the cocoa and coffee are evenly distributed throughout your Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies.

Step 4: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the vegan butter, white sugar, brown sugar, flax eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is vital for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies, adding both sweetness and that essential peppermint flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the previous step into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a thick dough forms, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; this thickness is what will give your Peppermint Mocha Cookies their delightful chewy texture.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Once your dough is ready, fold in the vegan chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This addition not only enhances the chocolate flavor of your cookies but also provides wonderfully gooey pockets of chocolate in each bite.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them on your prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial to allow your cookies room to spread while baking, ensuring they have the perfect shape and texture when done.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake your peppermint mocha cookies for 9-11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but still slightly puffy. For an added touch of charm, gently tap the baking trays on the counter right after taking them out of the oven to create a lovely crinkle effect on top.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking trays for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling period helps them firm up while maintaining their chewy texture. Enjoy the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they cool!

Step 10: Drizzle with White Chocolate
Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt the vegan white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies, creating a visually stunning finish that complements the festive theme of your Peppermint Mocha Cookies.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces over the white chocolate drizzle while it’s still warm, allowing them to adhere nicely. Your decadent Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies are now ready to be served! These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful minty twist.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality cocoa powder and vegan chocolate chips to enhance the rich flavor of your Peppermint Mocha Cookies.
Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is thick but manageable; it shouldn’t stick excessively to your hands. Adjust with flour if necessary.
Crinkle Effect: For that signature crinkle on top, gently tap the trays on the counter after baking. This technique makes your cookies visually appealing!
Storing Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to enjoy freshness for up to 5 days. Freeze without toppings for a longer shelf life, up to 3 months.
Flavor Variations: Swap peppermint extract for almond extract for a new twist, or replace candy canes with crushed nuts for extra crunch.

What to Serve with Decadent Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Indulging in these delightful holiday cookies opens up a world of complementary flavors and textures to complete your festive spread.

Fresh Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of warm coffee enhance the mocha notes in these cookies while balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a silky texture, making each bite feel luxuriously indulgent.
Vanilla Almond Milk: A refreshing, non-dairy beverage that pairs beautifully with the minty hints of peppermint.
Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruit adds a pop of color and brightness to contrast the rich chocolate goodness of your cookies.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For those looking to elevate the experience, a scoop of spread adds an added layer of creamy indulgence that delights.
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Dive into a comforting cup of hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon for a warm and cozy treat alongside your cookies.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: Create a festive dessert platter by pairing with these classic cookies, adding a delightful holiday touch.
Candied Orange Slices: The citrusy zing cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast with every bite.
Mulled Wine: For a holiday twist, a glass of spiced mulled wine pairs wonderfully, heightening the festive atmosphere while complementing the flavors.
Peppermint Bark: Keep the peppermint theme alive by serving a square of peppermint bark for extra festive flair!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Peppermint Mocha Cookies with these fun variations!

Almond Twist: Substitute peppermint extract with almond extract for a unique nutty flavor. You’ll be surprised how delightful and subtle the flavor can be!
Nuts Instead of Candy Canes: Swap the crushed candy cane pieces for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a rich, earthy crunch. This gives the cookies a wholesome texture that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, making these cookies friendly for those avoiding gluten while still deliciously chewy.
Coffee Substitute: If you’re not a coffee fan, you can replace ground coffee with additional cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor without the caffeine kick.
Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different chocolate chips, like caramel or toffee-flavored chips, to introduce an extra layer of sweetness. The possibilities are endless!
Minty Surprise: Fold in crushed Andes mints instead of just candy cane pieces for an exciting minty burst inside each cookie. They add a lovely chocolaty mint flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your dough for a surprising touch of heat. It’s a fun twist that will surely leave your guests talking!
Vegan Fun: Incorporate mini marshmallows on top of the cookies right before they finish baking for a s’mores-inspired treat that will warm your heart.

No matter how you choose to adapt the recipe, you’ll create a memorable treat that will brighten up any gathering or cozy night in. If you need more cookie inspiration, don’t forget to check out my classic Brownie Cookie Cookies or the delectable Chocolate Oat Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Mocha Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies without the toppings for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature before adding any decorations. This ensures they stay delightful and tasty.

Reheating: To revive the chewy texture, pop the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds before serving; this will make them feel freshly baked again!

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator; this not only saves time on busy baking days but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply roll the dough into balls and store them in an airtight container. For a quick bake, pop the chilled dough directly into the oven when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies. If you prefer, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them without the toppings for up to 3 months—ensuring delicious, fresh treats whenever the craving strikes! Just drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle with candy canes before serving for a festive touch.

Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cocoa powder for these cookies?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor in your Peppermint Mocha Cookies. Look for brands like Ghirardelli or Valrhona; their rich, deep flavor intensifies the chocolate experience in these treats.

How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
Great question! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and flavor. If you live in a humid area, adding a piece of bread to the container can help absorb moisture and extend freshness.

Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Peppermint Mocha Cookies! To do so, first cool the cookies completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid, then transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before adding any toppings.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very good point! If your dough is sticking to your hands or the bowl, just sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. It should be thick and sticky but not overly wet. Knead it a bit to incorporate the flour evenly, and you’ll be good to go!

Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
For nut allergies, check your chocolate chip brand for potential cross-contamination. I recommend opting for brands that specifically label their products as nut-free. Also, if you choose to use crushed candy canes, ensure they don’t contain any added flavorings derived from nuts.

Can I use a different binding agent instead of flax eggs?
Absolutely! If flax eggs aren’t your preference, you can use chia eggs (2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water), or even unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup for each flax egg). Both alternatives will help bind the ingredients together while keeping your cookies vegan!