Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s the perfect festive treat and combines all those cozy, nostalgic flavors, then you’re going to absolutely love this Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem one chilly winter evening when I wanted a cookie with a little extra holiday magic — and trust me, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Soft, melty, with that wonderful peppermint punch and the gooey s’mores goodness, it quickly became a family favorite I reach for every year. Keep reading because I’m going to share all my best tips to help you nail these cookies without a hitch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bite—crispy edges, soft centers, and just the right amount of peppermint zing. Here’s a little about why the key players work so well and some shopping tips to ensure you get the best results.

• Salted butter: Melted to help blend the sugars and give your cookies a rich, creamy texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a wonderful caramel note that contrasts beautifully with the peppermint.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out sweetness and helps with that slight crispness on the cookie edges.
• Egg: Binds everything together while keeping the cookie nice and soft.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor alongside peppermint; if you skip peppermint, bump this up a bit!
• Peppermint extract: This is your holiday magic—use good quality for the best fresh, minty kick.
• Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just right without becoming cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough; I always weigh mine for accuracy.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts just enough to get gooey without overwhelming the peppermint flavor.
• Crushed candy cane pieces: Adds crunch and those little pops of peppermint throughout the cookie.
• Graham cracker squares: Don’t skip these—they give you that classic s’mores texture and flavor.
• Large marshmallows: Your secret gooey weapon that melts into every bite.
• Hershey bar squares: Placed on top right when the cookies come out of the oven for extra melty goodness and a finishing touch.
• Flaked sea salt: Just a sprinkle on top adds a lovely contrast and brings out the flavors beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe is—you can easily tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with different twists, and honestly, they all turn out pretty delicious!

• Chocolate graham crackers: I tried swapping regular graham crackers with chocolate ones once, and it added a nice extra chocolate boost that my kids adored.
• Dark chocolate chips: If you like a slightly more intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate chips work great in place of semi-sweet.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter, a flaxseed “egg,” and vegan marshmallows to make these dairy- and egg-free.
• Extra peppermint or less: Play around with peppermint extract—if you love mint like me, a little extra won’t hurt!

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. I always line two sheets because this recipe makes 9 big cookies, and you want enough room so they bake evenly and don’t crowd each other.

Step 2: Mix the butter and sugars

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and combined. I like to mix this thoroughly so the sugars dissolve just a bit into the butter—this gives the cookies a slightly chewy texture that’s so satisfying.

Step 3: Add wet ingredients and extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract next. I know peppermint extract can be strong, so I usually stick to the recipe’s ½ teaspoon and add more next time if needed—this way it’s never overpowering but still has that lovely minty freshness.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients carefully

Now, gently mix in the baking soda, salt, and flour. I’ve learned that overmixing at this step can make cookies tough, so I usually stop when I still see some flour streaks in the bowl—they disappear as you fold in the chocolate and candy cane bits later.

Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and candy cane pieces

Fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips and the crushed candy cane pieces—you want those candy bits to be well-distributed but not smashed up too finely. This gives the perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and crunchy peppermint patches.

Step 6: Assemble the s’mores base on each tray

Place four or five graham cracker squares spaced out on each baking sheet. On top of each graham cracker, place a Hershey bar square and then a large marshmallow. It’s like building a mini s’mores base right on the tray!

Step 7: Shape the cookie dough around the marshmallow and graham cracker

Scoop about ¼ cup of cookie dough and gently press it around each marshmallow and graham cracker so the cookie dough fully surrounds and seals in the marshmallow. This step can feel a bit fiddly at first, but I promise it gets easier with practice—and sealing the marshmallow properly keeps it gooey inside without melting out onto the tray.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Bake your cookies for 12-14 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges to make sure they’re golden brown and irresistible. You’ll notice the cookies puff up a bit in the center because of the marshmallow, but don’t worry—they’ll settle down as they cool.

Step 9: Add finishing touches right out of the oven

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey square on top of each one and sprinkle with a pinch of flaked sea salt. This step gives you melty chocolate on top plus a burst of savory contrast to the sweet cookie. Let them cool for at least 20 minutes before trying to move them—this helps them set perfectly.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a tiny sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes and a few extra flakes of sea salt on top right before serving. It just adds that little sparkle and crunch that turns these cookies into a holiday showstopper. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate too for a festive look.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or your favorite holiday tea. I’ve also found they pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream if you want a dessert that feels super indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like stacking these cookies on a festive platter, layered with fresh holly or sprigs of pine around the edges for a cozy vibe. Wrapping each cookie individually in cellophane and tying with red and green ribbon makes a charming edible gift too. Trust me, they’ll be a crowd favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days when the marshmallows are still nice and soft. If they start to firm up, that’s a sign it’s time to reheat or freeze some for later.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies pre-baked or after baking. I like to freeze them baked and fully cooled in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. It helps keep their shape and prevents them from sticking together. When you want a treat, just thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

To refresh that gooey marshmallow goodness, pop the cookie in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. Just don’t overcook or the marshmallow can get too melty and messy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the best parts of winter baking in one incredible cookie: gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and just the right touch of peppermint. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to love and even easier to share. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family (or friends!) will absolutely go crazy for these cookies. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and make it your own—happy baking!

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