If you are dreaming of a festive treat that’s bursting with rich chocolate goodness and a refreshing hint of mint, this Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine chewy brownie-like cookies packed with melty semi-sweet chocolate and crunchy crushed peppermint candies, delivering that perfect balance between indulgence and holiday cheer. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or sharing at a seasonal gathering, these cookies combine classic flavors with an irresistible texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but perfectly chosen to create a luscious, chewy cookie with layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out the chocolate depth and that crisp peppermint finish you will love.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides rich, creamy fat for a tender cookie texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into the dough for gooey chocolate bites.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect chewy crunch.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the soft structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with its warm aroma.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): Injects that unmistakable minty freshness you can’t resist.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Builds the body of the cookies to balance the rich ingredients.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a deep, slightly bitter edge.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift ensuring the cookies stay soft, not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates the chocolate and peppermint notes by balancing sweetness.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (1/2 cup): Brings the iconic holiday crunch and minty burst.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Start by gently melting the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together over low heat. Stir constantly until completely smooth and glossy. This mixture is the luscious heart of the cookie, creating a fudgy texture that you’ll adore. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool just a bit to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
Step 2: Combine Sugars and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture looks creamy and slightly thickened. This step ensures your cookies will be tender and plenty flavorful with that minty twist subtly infused throughout the dough.
Step 3: Mix in the Chocolate Batter
Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the sugar and egg mixture. Stir well to combine so that you get an even, rich chocolate batter. This is where the magic truly begins, setting the stage for those chewy peppermint delights.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle — you want a soft but well-incorporated dough that promises the perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness.
Step 5: Fold in Crushed Peppermint Candies
Sprinkle in the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and carefully fold them into the dough. These bits aren’t just for garnish — they add a satisfying crunch and refreshing mint punch with every bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon to scoop dough balls onto the sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges firm up and the centers look soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dip half of each cookie in dark chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint. It adds a beautiful visual contrast and an extra layer of holiday indulgence that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
These cookies are heavenly on their own but also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. The creamy drinks amplify the mint and chocolate flavors, creating a perfectly cozy snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with cookie cutters or holiday napkins for a charming display at parties. You can also stack them in a mason jar or gift box tied with a ribbon, making them a heartfelt homemade gift everyone will treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover peppermint brownie cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method preserves their chewy centers and crisp edges perfectly, so every bite tastes just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to make these goodies ahead of time, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re craving a festive treat.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked warmth, microwave your cookies for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their soft, chewy texture and melts any chocolate chips back into their gooey glory.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated, so use it sparingly—typically only a few drops—to avoid overpowering the cookie’s flavor.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary slightly.
Can I substitute crushed peppermint candies with peppermint chips?
Absolutely! Peppermint chips also add that minty flavor and sweetness, and they avoid the crunch while still delivering great taste.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can replace it with natural cocoa powder, but be mindful that Dutch-processed cocoa might alter the rise and flavor slightly. Unsweetened cocoa gives the best control over taste.
How do I prevent the melted chocolate from scorching?
Use low heat and stir constantly while melting the chocolate and butter together. Alternatively, melt them in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to avoid any burning.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with the smell of holiday magic and create cookies that combine the best of brownies and peppermint, this Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is a must-try. They are effortless to make yet endlessly impressive, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious, minty bite!
Print
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a festive peppermint twist, perfect for the holiday season. Melted chocolate and butter create a luscious base, while crushed peppermint candies add a refreshing crunch and flavor. Soft and chewy with a hint of mint, these cookies are a delightful treat for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Melt butter and chocolate. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix sugars and eggs. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Combine melted chocolate with sugar mixture. Pour the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add dry ingredients. Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and then stir them into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies. Gently fold the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes into the dough, distributing them evenly for bursts of peppermint flavor in every bite.
- Scoop dough onto sheet. Using a tablespoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft and moist, to achieve a chewy texture.
- Cool cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating further.
Notes
- For extra decadence, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or dip half in chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
