The combination of chocolate + peppermint is simply irresistible, especially around the holidays. These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie tray, along with Snowball Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, Sugar Cookies and Raspberry Almond Thumbprints! I adapted this recipe from my Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Cookies, adding a little peppermint extract and crushed candy cane pieces, with a few other minor changes. What we have here is a cookie that tastes like a brownie, with melted chocolate throughout as well as crunchy, sweet candy cane pieces. The total package and easy to make in 1 bowl!
How to make Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
(This is simply an overview with photos, see below for the full, printable recipe.) Melt the vegan butter, then add it to a large bowl – I usually just microwave the butter in the same bowl I use for the rest of the ingredients. Add the sugar and whisk it together with the vegan butter, then add the vanilla, peppermint extract, cornstarch and soy milk. Whisk until smooth. Now add the dry ingredients in this order: flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Stir to combine; the dough will be thick. Add the chocolate chips and crushed candy cane pieces and use your hands, or a spoon, to incorporate them into the dough.
Roll into large bowls (2 tablespoons each), then flatten slightly on the pan (they will flatten a bit more in the oven). Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
Use dark cocoa powder, if possible – It makes the cookies dark in color and very fudgy. Natural cocoa powder is fine to use if you have it, just know your cookies will be much lighter in color. Don’t over bake the cookies – The cookies will be very soft out of the oven, but will firm up as they cool. Over baking will cause the candy canes to melt too much and the cookies will become too hard. Gluten free – Try a gluten free mix, I like King Arthur Flour. What to use instead of cornstarch – Tapioca starch/flour, arrowroot and even ground flaxseeds will work in place or cornstarch. Alternative to vegan butter – They might work with melted coconut oil or another oil, but I haven’t tested it to know for sure.
Are candy canes vegan?
Many candy canes are vegan, but if you are concerned, check the ingredients and do a little research. Wholesome definitely are as well as YumEarth brand. I believe even Brachs are, but I’m not 100% sure.
Check out my Vegan Cookies index for more holiday baking ideas!
