These Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect way to ring in the New Year with a refreshing mint and decadent dark chocolate blend. They’re a delightful combination of classic flavours reimagined as a healthier treat—rich, indulgent, and a symbol of starting fresh with wholesome ingredients.
Think of it as your favourite peppermint bark transformed into a cookie that’s made for sharing at New Year’s celebrations. With a festive touch and a focus on better-for-you ingredients, these cookies are the ideal sweet ending to one year and a delicious start to the next!
Why These Cookies Are a Win for Your Health
Dark chocolate isn’t just a decadent treat; it contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and boost mood. Peppermint, meanwhile, aids digestion and offers a refreshing twist to balance the richness of the chocolate. Swapping refined sugar for coconut sugar keeps these cookies low on the glycemic index, giving you steady energy without the crash. Plus, with gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free options, everyone at your holiday gathering can enjoy these chewy, minty delights.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or honey for non-vegan) 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 egg if not vegan or 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water (for flax eggs) 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips (dairy-free if needed)
DIRECTIONS:
- Prepare the Flax Eggs (if vegan): Combine flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, peppermint extract, and flax eggs (or regular eggs). Stir until well combined.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Fold in the dark chocolate chunks. The dough should be thick but pliable.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to make handling easier.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, about 1 tablespoon per cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set, but the center is still soft.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Share…or don’t!
PRO TIPS & SWAPS:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Make sure to use dairy-free dark chocolate chunks or chips.
- Extra Peppermint: Crushed peppermint candies can be sprinkled on top before baking to add some festive crunch (use sugar-free ones for a lower-sugar option).
Think of these cookies as a sweet way to celebrate new beginnings. Their refreshing hint of peppermint and rich dark chocolate symbolize indulgence balanced with mindfulness—perfect for stepping into the New Year. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savouring a quiet moment to reflect, these cookies are a delicious reminder that the year ahead can be both joyful and nourishing.
