Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies (no-bake)

These chocolate Christmas cookie bites are so much fun! We take notes from creamy peppermint hot chocolate to create healthy date balls, and stuff mini marshmallows in the center. Then we roll the whole thing in crushed candy canes for an ultra-seasonal treat that's kind to your heart. No bake peppermint hot cocoa cookies are super yummy and really easy. Using dates as a base means the only added sugar comes from the candy cane coating and surprise marshmallow center!

This post may contain affiliate links. See our Disclaimer for more information

These are perfect to bring to your Christmas party this year. You'll love how easy they are to make, and they'll be a hit with everyone!

You'll love these Cherry Truffles, too, made using the same technique!

Heart Health Benefits of Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies

Dates

I love dates for their natural caramel-like sweetness. Because they're a whole food, they're full of fiber and other nutrients that refined sugar just doesn't have. They boast a good amount of potassium, magnesium, and manganese as well. Because they are a dried fruit, they are a little high on the calorie side, so be sure to consume them in moderation.

Cashews

Cashews are a great addition to heart healthy diets! They are high in heart healthy fats, mostly in the form of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fats). In addition, they're a good source of magnesium. While they are higher in saturated fat than other nuts, cashews have been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, making them a great addition to your diet (1).

Cocoa

You've no doubt heard of the supposed health benefits of chocolate. But those benefits don't really apply to chocolate bars. Unless you're eating the darkest of dark chocolate, all the extras you get along with that cocoa, like cocoa butter, whole milk, and sugar, can negate the healthy effects.

But adding cocoa powder to otherwise healthy foods can enhance heart health! Cocoa has been found to be overall anti inflammatory, probably due to its high antioxidant content. Research on other effects cocoa may have on the heart is conflicting. So for now, choose the darkest chocolate you can (the darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants it contains), and consume small amounts at a time.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are excellent binders, because they absorb water and become gel-like. That helps hold these treats together. That same property may help them decrease your cholesterol!

They are an excellent source of fiber, and contain mainly omega-3 fats. Chia seeds do have a notable amount of calcium and manganese, too. They have a tough outer layer that is hard for us to digest, so they offer more nutrition when they are ground.

Ingredients

Those broken candy canes that fell off your tree? Perfect for peppermint hot cocoa bites! Just a handful of other ingredients.

• Pitted dates
• Cashews
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Ground chia seeds
• Peppermint extract
• Water
• Mini marshmallows
• Candy canes

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

The only "tool" you need for this recipe that you might not already have is some plastic food prep gloves. If you need some, there is a link below for you - but they are typically available at pharmacies, too! Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions!

1. Step 1: Add dates, cocoa, cashews, chia, and peppermint extract to a food processor.

2. Step 2: Process until the mixture resembles dirt - you don't want any large lumps of ingredients.

Variations

These are really fun, with a lot of possible variations. Try one of these!

• Chocolate Gingerbread - instead of water and peppermint, try adding a little molasses and some ground ginger and cinnamon. Omit the marshmallow and roll in graham cracker crumbs!
• Apple pie - omit cocoa, marshmallow, and peppermint, and use applesauce instead of water, with a little cinnamon and clove. Roll in graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs.

Try this cherry truffle version, perfect for Valentine's Day!

Equipment

There are a few pieces of equipment that are very important for the success of these no bake peppermint hot cocoa cookies.

First, you will want a sturdy food processor. Chopping by hand just won't cut it for this recipe. I use this Hamilton Beach food processor (affiliate link), and it's been wonderful.

Another absolute necessity for these truffles is plastic food prep gloves (affiliate link). I have tried to make these without gloves, and the dough is just too sticky. You can get them at the link I've provided, or they are also available at most any store with a pharmacy - exam gloves work just as well! Alternatively, you can try to use plastic sandwich bags on your hands. It's a bit cumbersome, but it will work.

Storage

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. For storage up to 5 days, keep them in the refrigerator.

They may start to sweat a little no matter how you store them. This is a normal and expected occurrence. Re-roll them in the candy coating before serving, if desired.

How to freeze these no bake cookies

These date truffles are great to freeze! To freeze them, follow the recipe as written, down to step 4. Do not roll them in crushed candy canes.

Arrange the date balls on a cookie sheet, so they are not touching each other, and freeze them for at least 2 hours.

Once they're frozen solid, you can remove them from the cookie sheet, and put them all in a freezer storage bag. They can stay this way for up to 6 months!

To thaw: Remove them from the freezer, and put them on a plate, in the refrigerator, covered lightly with waxed paper, for 12-24 hours.

Once they're completely thawed, roll them in the crushed candy canes and serve!