The first time I tasted a Peppermint Brownie Cookie, my holiday spirit soared to new heights. These delightful cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with a refreshing peppermint twist, making them a standout treat for the festive season. Perfect for cookie swaps or holiday gatherings, their chewy, soft centers entice with every delicious bite. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to whip up, so you can spend less time baking and more time sharing joy with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to bring a touch of sweetness to your holiday festivities? Let’s dive into making these irresistible Peppermint Brownie Cookies!
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich chocolate and a hint of refreshing peppermint, creating a festive explosion of taste.
Easy Preparation: Don’t worry if you’re short on time; this recipe is designed to be quick, letting you bake batch after batch in no time!
Versatile Delight: Perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie swaps, they also work great as gifts. A real showstopper that everyone will love!
Fudge-Like Texture: Their soft, chewy interior offers the same beloved texture as a brownie, yet in cookie form—ideal for warming hearts and making memories.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or as a centerpiece at your next gathering, One Bowl Brownies are an experience everyone craves during the festive season!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Essential for cookie structure; no direct substitution recommended.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed is ideal for richer taste.
• Baking powder – Vital for texture; baking soda could be used but may alter flavor.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; fine salt ensures even distribution.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness; brown sugar can enhance chewiness.
• Brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and depth; can be swapped with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Large eggs – Serves as a binding agent; substitutes may affect texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor; almond extract can provide a different flavor.
• Peppermint extract – Gives that refreshing peppermint flavor; use sparingly as peppermint oil is more concentrated.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Extra chocolate flavor and texture; dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste.
For Topping and Decoration
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies – Brightens up the cookies with a festive touch; alternatives include peppermint chips or Andes mints for variety.
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are sure to delight everyone at your holiday gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather your baking supplies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up. This initial step sets the stage for your Peppermint Brownie Cookies, creating a perfectly even baking surface that allows the cookies to spread beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent and ensuring your Peppermint Brownie Cookies have a perfect texture. The mix should be well blended and free of lumps—aim for a uniform, rich cocoa color!
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, creating a fragrant base for your cookies that enhances the holiday spirit.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the dough to remain thick and fudgy—just like a classic brownie! Once the flour mixture is incorporated, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, adding delightful pockets of chocolate goodness to your Peppermint Brownie Cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For thicker cookies with a more pronounced chew, consider chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is optional, but it can enhance the texture and flavor of your Peppermint Brownie Cookies. If short on time, feel free to skip this and head straight to portioning!
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. To add an extra festive touch, sprinkle some additional semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on top of each dough ball. This ensures each cookie is visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies, looking for set edges and slightly soft, fudgy centers. They should still appear a little underbaked in the middle—that’s what makes your Peppermint Brownie Cookies perfectly soft and chewy!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures your Peppermint Brownie Cookies are just right: soft, chewy, and ready to brighten any holiday gathering!
What to Serve with Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with delightful pairings that elevate your Peppermint Brownie Cookies to new festive heights.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A creamy, cocoa-infused drink that enhances the cookie’s chocolate flavor, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
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Refreshing Peppermint Tea: This soothing drink complements the peppermint in the cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors that’ll keep conversation flowing around the table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream acts as a delightful contrast, providing a rich and smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the chewy cookies.
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Milk: A classic pairing, a chilled glass of milk not only complements the fudgy richness of the cookies but also shines in its simplicity—comfort food at its finest!
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Fruit Platter: A colorful array of fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples adds brightness and a burst of refreshing flavor, contrasting beautifully with the indulgence of the brownies.
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Gingerbread Cookies: A festive twist! Adding these spiced delights creates a playful flavor celebration and showcases a range of beloved holiday tastes on your dessert table.
Celebrate the season by enjoying these pairings with your Peppermint Brownie Cookies—your friends and family will thank you!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and refrigerating it in an airtight container. Just be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking to achieve that fabulous, chewy texture. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. With these make-ahead tips, your Peppermint Brownie Cookies will be just as delicious and fresh, ready to spread holiday cheer!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Butter Temperature: Ensure the melted butter is slightly warm, not hot, to prevent the dough from becoming too loose.
Flour Measurement: Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure flour, preventing dry cookies caused by too much flour.
Chilling Benefits: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking; this step enhances texture and flavor.
Choose the Right Sheets: Opt for light-colored, parchment-lined baking sheets for even baking—dark pans may cause cookies to brown too quickly.
Storing Freshness: Maintain the moisture of stored cookies by including a slice of bread in the container; this helps keep them soft and delightful!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and delightful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Dough Freezing: Flash-freeze scooped dough balls on a baking sheet, then place in an airtight container or bag; bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready!
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to these delightful Peppermint Brownie Cookies, and let your creativity shine!
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Nutty Delight: Replace crushed candy canes with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and earthy flavor. The contrast between the chocolate and nuts is simply divine!
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White Chocolate Wonder: Add white chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet ones for a sweeter, creamier contrast to the peppermint. This twist creates a lovely balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the dough for a surprising hint of heat that complements the sweetness perfectly. It’s an adventurous take that will delight spice lovers!
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Dairy-Free Joy: Swap out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter to make these cookies completely dairy-free. You won’t lose any richness, and they’ll still be delightfully decadent!
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Chunky Chocolate: Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chunks instead of chips to intensify the chocolate flavor in every bite. The varying sizes offer a delectable, gooey texture throughout.
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Minty Green: For an extra pop of color, add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough. This festive hue will elevate the look of your cookies, making them even more cheerful for the holidays!
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Andes Mint Fusion: Instead of topping with crushed candy canes, use crushed Andes mints for an even stronger mint flavor. It’s a dreamy combination of chocolate and mint that fans will love!
For more festive treats, consider trying Peppermint Kiss Chocolate or enjoy some yummy Christmas Cookies Butterscotch for a delightful variety at your next holiday gathering.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppermint extract?
When selecting peppermint extract, opt for high-quality pure extract for the best flavor. I recommend checking the ingredient list—avoid those with artificial flavors. If you’re looking for a stronger peppermint taste, use peppermint oil, but do so sparingly, as it is much more concentrated—start with just a drop!
What’s the best way to store Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Store your peppermint brownie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their delightful chewy texture. For extra freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container—this helps keep them moist and soft!
Can I freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these delectable cookies, first, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy warm, fresh cookies whenever you desire!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too runny?
If your dough turns out too runny, it might be due to melted butter that is too hot, which can affect texture. Simply add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Additionally, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and bake.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes, if you’re baking for those with dietary restrictions, you can make a few adjustments! Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if someone has nut allergies, ensure any chocolate you use is nut-free and consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep it on the healthier side.
What is the best way to decorate Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
For a festive touch, I recommend topping your cookies with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies before baking. Alternatively, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful finish. This adds not only a decorative flair but also an extra layer of delicious flavor!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies That Will Brighten Your Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Optional: Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator for thicker cookies.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Top with extra chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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