Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and peppermint extract to a bowl and mix well. Then add all the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour and baking powder and mix until combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.

Step 3

Divide the mixture into 8 portions and use damp hands to roll balls that are approx. 1.5” in diameter. Place them on your baking sheet, and re-wet your hands as needed to prevent the batter from sticking to your fingers. Use your finger tips to gently press each one down to give them a spreading head start.

Step 4

Bake for 11 minutes, remove from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before touching them. Then gently press the candy cane pieces on top of each cookie, if using.