Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Smores Cookies Recipe

Publish date: 2024-08-28
Democracy Dies in Darknessclock4 hours 25 minscourseDessertStart CookingComment on this storyAdd to your saved recipesBy Maya Madsen

These vegan chocolate cookies are rich and gooey, with the perfect minty kick often associated with winter. The recipe is an adaptation of one of Maya Madsen’s best-selling holiday offerings from her vegan cookie company, Maya’s Cookies. If you would prefer a non-vegan version of this recipe, see the VARIATION for substitutions.

These cookies are quite large, so make sure they are spaced at least 2 inches apart before baking.

If you aren’t a fan of peppermint, omit the candy for a chocolate s’mores cookie.

Make ahead: Before scooping, the cookie dough should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. Once the marshmallows are added, the dough should not be refrigerated again.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Where to buy: Ener-G Egg Replacer can be found at such stores as Mom’s Organic Market or online. Soy Free Earth Balance is Maya’s Cookies preferred nondairy butter, but many vegan butter brands are interchangeable in this recipe. Theo and Endangered Species both have vegan dark chocolate bars that are available at many grocery stores. The most commonly found brand of vegan marshmallows is Dandies, which are available online and at well-stocked supermarkets. Trader Joe’s marshmallows are vegan as well.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 12 (large cookies)

Directions

Time Icon Active: 1 hour 15 mins| Total: 4 hours 25 mins

  • Step 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together the water and egg replacer until creamy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cacao, baking soda and salt until well combined.

  • Step 2

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown and granulated sugars and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and the attachment. Add the egg replacer mixture and mix on medium until incorporated, scraping down the bowl again.

  • Step 3

    Add the flour mixture and mix on low until all the ingredients are just combined and there are no visible dry spots. Still on low, stir in 1/4 cup (50 grams) of the peppermint candy, the chopped chocolate and white chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If using a stand mixer, remove the bowl from the mixer and stir the dough a few times with a flexible spatula.

  • Step 4

    For the best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.

  • Step 5

    Remove the bowl with the cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the dough has been refrigerated longer than 3 hours, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes — this makes it easier to scoop and mold.

  • Step 6

    Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper.

  • Step 7

    Using a No. 24 disher or tablespoon measure, scoop out heaping 3-tablespoon (70-gram) portions of dough. Add 3 marshmallows to each portion, trying not to clump them together and ensuring at least one is peeking out of the top, then roll into smooth balls. As you work, transfer the balls to the prepared pan, spacing them about 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart, for a total of 6 cookies per pan.

  • Step 8

    Transfer the cookies on the pan to the freezer for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape. (If your freezer is tight on space, you can chill the second pan while the first one bakes or put all the dough on one pan before separating for baking.) For thicker cookies, freeze for 30 minutes.

  • Step 9

    Bake, one pan at a time, for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are puffy in the center and set at the edges. Remove from the oven and add a sprinkle of the crushed candy on top of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    • Variations

    For a non-vegan version of these cookies, substitute 1 whole egg for the vegan egg replacer; an equal amount of unsalted butter for the nondairy version; and equal amounts of regular dark chocolate, white chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Increase the time in the freezer to 15 to 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per cookie

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    From Maya Madsen of Maya’s Cookies in San Diego.

    Tested by Christine Ashack, Becky Krystal and Debi Suchman.

    Published December 6, 2022

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