If you are craving a treat that combines the fudgy richness of brownies with the soft chewiness of cookies plus a refreshing minty twist, you have to try this Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe. This delightful dessert brings together deep chocolate flavors, a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with peppermint, and a lovely crunch from Andes mints. Each bite feels like a festive celebration in your mouth, perfect for winter holidays or any time you want to impress friends and family with something both comforting and uniquely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating those perfect soft, fudgy brownie cookies with a creamy, minty topping. From the richness of butter and brown sugar to the refreshing burst of peppermint extract, every component works in harmony to deliver a crowd-pleasing flavor and texture.
- 1 cup Butter (barely softened): Provides that rich, creamy fat essential for moist, tender cookies.
- 1 1/4 cups Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with structure in the cookie.
- 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the cookies a nice rise and fudgy texture.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
- 2 1/2 cups Flour: Provides the body and chewiness to these brownie-cookies hybrids.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps cookies spread and develop a tender crumb.
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate delight throughout the cookie.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened): For the frosting base, delivering rich, creamy texture.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened): Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting.
- 1 3/4 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: Introduces that refreshing, cool mint flavor—start with 1/4 tsp and adjust to taste.
- Green Food Coloring (optional): Gives the frosting a festive minty hue.
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (for drizzle): Melts into a glossy topping that adds shine and extra chocolate goodness.
- 3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream: Helps make the chocolate drizzle smooth and pourable.
- 1 cup Andes Mints, chopped: Adds crunch and bursts of creamy mint throughout the cookie and decoration.
How to Make Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together 1 cup of butter (barely softened) with both sugars until light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and the chopped Andes mints for delightful bursts of flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 minutes until edges are set but centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect soft and fudgy texture reminiscent of brownies.
Step 3: Make the Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together 1/2 cup softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Stir in peppermint extract to taste—starting with 1/4 teaspoon and adding more if you want a stronger mint flavor. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired for that classic mint look.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the peppermint cream cheese frosting over each one. To finish, melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth and drizzle over the frosted cookies. Sprinkle the tops with extra chopped Andes mints for a festive, crunchy touch that pairs perfectly with the mint chocolate flavors.
How to Serve Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Please don’t skip the chopped Andes mints on top—they’re not just decoration but add that iconic creamy mint crunch that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary. Alternatively, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprig of fresh mint on the plate can make for an elegant presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies are divine on their own but serve beautifully alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee or tea, which balance the sweetness and add a comforting warmth. For a festive gathering, pair with a peppermint mocha or hot chocolate to amp up the minty chocolate experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with crushed Andes mints for a charming look. You can also arrange them on a platter with small bowls of extra frosting and mint candies for guests to customize their bites. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon makes for delightful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe cookies will keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them layered with parchment paper to avoid the frosting sticking together.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap frosted cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll hold fresh flavors and textures for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to keep the frosting intact.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, reheat thawed cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting too much; a warm cookie with cool frosting is a heavenly combo!
FAQs
Can I use regular mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Regular mint extract works just fine, but peppermint extract has a sharper, more distinct flavor that really complements chocolate well. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can try mascarpone or even softened butter alone for a different texture, but cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness beautifully. If you avoid dairy, consider vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not in their current form, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly. Adding xanthan gum can help improve structure if needed.
Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Certainly! Just adjust baking time accordingly. Larger cookies might need a couple more minutes, while smaller ones will bake faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Why does the frosting need to be softened?
Softened butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly together, creating a creamy and fluffy frosting. If the ingredients are too cold, the texture will be lumpy and harder to spread evenly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on this irresistible Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake some magic! These cookies are joyful, impressive, and downright scrumptious — perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring all by yourself. Once you taste the combination of minty, chocolatey goodness with a dreamy frosting, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Frosted Mint Chocolate Brownie Cookies, combining a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a creamy peppermint frosting and a chocolate drizzle. Perfectly soft and bursting with minty chocolate flavor, these cookies make a festive treat ideal for holidays or any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (barely softened)
- 1 1/4 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
- Green Food Coloring (optional)
Chocolate Drizzle and Garnish
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Andes Mints, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the barely softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 minutes or until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy. Stir in peppermint extract and add green food coloring if desired for a festive look. Spread frosting generously over each cooled cookie.
- Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the chocolate over the frosted cookies.
- Add Final Touch: Sprinkle chopped Andes mints over the chocolate drizzle while it is still wet to help them stick. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; centers should remain slightly undercooked when removed.
- Adjust the peppermint extract amount to your taste preference, starting with less as it can be strong.
- Use bare softened butter for the dough to help create a tender texture.
- Green food coloring is optional but recommended for a holiday theme.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
