Gooey Vegan & Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Easy Holiday Recipe

Inspired by: @iszy

Are you searching for a decadent, festive cookie that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences? Look no further! These Gooey Vegan & Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are the perfect solution for your holiday baking needs or any time you desire a delightfully rich, chocolatey treat with a refreshing peppermint kick. They’re so simple, as abillion user iszy shared, they're "super easy to make."

This recipe is designed for anyone hosting a holiday gathering, seeking a straightforward plant-based dessert, or needing a gluten-free cookie recipe that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie, generously studded with large chunks of dark chocolate, complemented by a subtle, almost nutty undertone, and a cool, invigorating burst of peppermint. This combination truly sings, making these cookies a joyous addition to any festive occasion!

Why You'll Love These Cookies

• Effortlessly Easy: Simple, clear steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time savoring your delicious creations. Perfect for busy holiday seasons!
• Dietary-Inclusive: These cookies are completely vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family who have diverse dietary needs or allergies.
• Festive Flavor Fusion: The classic pairing of rich dark chocolate and invigorating cool peppermint is a holiday favorite, yet delightful any time of year.
• Ultimate Gooey Texture: Using larger dark chocolate chunks ensures every bite is filled with luscious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (a high-quality gluten-free blend is recommended for best results)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• ¾ cup softened vegan butter (or coconut oil for a slightly different, denser texture)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to your taste preference for mint intensity)
• ¼ cup plant milk (such as unsweetened almond milk or creamy oat milk)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips (larger chunks create that incredible gooey center!)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer works well)
• Spatula
• Baking sheets (at least two)
• Parchment paper

Simple Steps: How to Make Your Cookies

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened vegan butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Extracts & Milk: Beat in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined. Gradually add the plant milk, mixing gently until just incorporated.
5. Combine & Fold: Slowly add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended for Gluten-Free): For the best results, especially with gluten-free cookies, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances their texture and flavor.
7. Scoop & Bake: Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring you leave enough space between each cookie for spreading.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges appear set but the centers still look slightly soft and gooey. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready for a truly gooey, decadent, and refreshing experience!

Variations & Adaptations

• Nutty Note Enhancement: To really lean into that "nutty note" described by the original reviewer, consider stirring in 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts or almonds with your chocolate chunks.
• Minty Burst: For an extra pop of mint flavor, gently press a small vegan peppermint patty into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking.
• Different Chocolates: Feel free to experiment! You could use a mix of vegan white chocolate chips or a combination of milk and dark vegan chocolates for varied sweetness.
• Warm Spice: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of chili flakes can add a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the chocolate base.
• Miniature Bites: For bite-sized holiday delights perfect for dessert platters, simply reduce the baking time slightly.

Tips for the Perfect Cookie

• Don't Overmix: This is crucial for gluten-free baking! Overmixing gluten-free dough can lead to a tougher, less chewy cookie. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Chill for Success: While an optional step, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is a game-changer for gluten-free cookies. It helps prevent them from spreading excessively in the oven, ensuring they maintain a lovely, chewy texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, always spoon your gluten-free flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much being added, which can result in dry cookies.
• Peppermint Power: Start with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, as suggested. Taste a tiny bit of the raw dough (before adding eggs, of course, but ours is egg-free!) or a small baked test cookie if you prefer, and add a few more drops if you desire a stronger mint flavor. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can quickly overpower the rich chocolate.

Ready to bake? We'd love to see your delightful Vegan Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies! Share your creations and thoughts on abillion, and let us know how much you loved them. Your reviews help others discover amazing plant-based products and recipes, making it easier for everyone to find delicious, inclusive treats.

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