Grain-Free Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

There’s something about peppermint and chocolate that feels both nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. It’s cozy and festive, but also bright. These grain-free peppermint cookies are simple, rich, and made with ingredients that feel supportive rather than overwhelming.

I love recipes like this because they allow you to enjoy something sweet without turning dessert into a project or a source of stress. They’re made with almond flour for a naturally grain-free base, lightly sweetened with maple syrup, and finished with a smooth chocolate topping that sets beautifully.

They’re perfect for the holidays — but honestly, they’re just as good on a quiet evening with tea.

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These cookies are:

• Naturally grain-free
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Rich and satisfying without being overly sweet
• Easy to make with no complicated steps

They also come together quickly, which makes them great for gatherings or when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup finely ground almond flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or ½ drop food-grade peppermint oil)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

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For the Icing

• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chocolate bark
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon mint extract or ½ drop food-grade peppermint oil

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Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed. If it feels slightly crumbly, gently knead it with your hands.

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, until just set. Allow cookies to cool completely before adding the icing.

To make the icing, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heat-safe bowl over low heat or in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each round. If using additional mint extract or peppermint oil, stir it in once melted.

Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate over each cooled cookie and allow to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.

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A Gentle Nutrition Note

Dessert doesn’t have to be extreme to feel special. When sweets are made with simple ingredients and enjoyed intentionally, they can absolutely fit into a balanced way of eating.

Almond flour provides healthy fats and a bit of protein, which can make these cookies more satisfying than traditional versions. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s enjoyment without stress.

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A Final Note

Here at Nutrient Rich Life we believe that variety is the spice of life! We encourage everyone to make all foods fit as much as possible and that includes eating more plants and cooking in a way that adds fun and flavor to your life! 

Hi, I’m Amanda!

Functional weight loss coach, registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of one picky eater with multiple food allergies! I’m a big believer that if you can learn to fish — you can eat for life! So this blog is dedicated to helping you learn to toss out the food myths that result in unnecessary food stress so that you can become a confident, healthy eater!