As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with laughter, love, and, of course, the delightful scents of baking. This year, I found myself yearning for a treat that seamlessly blends the joy of brownies and the festive spirit of cookies. Thus, my peppermint brownie cookies were born, a deliciously chewy, fudgy confection that captures the essence of the season in every bite. Each cookie is a lavish blend of rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint, topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes that add a delightful crunch and vibrancy.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or looking for that perfect gift to share with friends and family, these peppermint brownie cookies will surely impress. Join me in creating these magical treats that transform any occasion into a celebration of flavor and warmth!
Why are Peppermint Brownie Cookies a must-try?
Festive Flair: These cookies are a joyful addition to your holiday baking lineup, blending brownie and cookie vibes into one delightful treat.
Easy to Bake: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
Irresistible Flavor: The marriage of rich chocolate and zesty peppermint creates an unforgettable taste that captivates everyone.
Perfect for Sharing: Guests will rave about these cookies at parties, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts.
Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite toppings or extracts for a personal twist!
Embrace the magic of the season with these peppermint brownie cookies, and share the love of homemade treats!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookie. Note: Spoon flour into the measuring cup to avoid packing.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor. Substitution: Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste.
- Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise slightly for a lighter texture. Note: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal effectiveness.
- Salt – Enhances flavor balance. Tip: A touch of sea salt can elevate the taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a fudgy texture when melted. Prep Note: Let cool slightly before mixing with sugars.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and texture. Note: Can be adjusted for less sweetness.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. Substitution: Can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Large Eggs – Provides moisture and binds ingredients. Note: Make sure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor profile. Note: Use pure extract for best results.
- Peppermint Extract – Key flavoring for the holiday theme. Substitution: Start with a smaller amount of peppermint oil for a stronger taste.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds richness and texture. Variation: Substitute with dark chocolate or white chocolate as desired.
- Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies – Provides festive decoration and flavor. Note: Can also use peppermint chips for extra fun.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
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Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Stir in the large eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy; this is where the magic begins!
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy—avoid overmixing!
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Add Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
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Chill Dough (optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Portion and Decorate: Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Press a few extra chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on top for that festive touch!
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Bake: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, removing them while the centers are still soft for a fudgy texture.
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Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Optional: Garnish with additional crushed candy canes for a festive look.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Indulging in the decadent flavors of these cookies is a treat in itself, but pairing them with delightful accompaniments elevates the experience!
- Rich Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing, a steaming cup of hot cocoa brings warmth, complementing the cookies’ fudgy texture and peppermint zing.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a heavenly mix of temperatures and textures. The cold contrasts beautifully with the warm cookie.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A bright, fresh fruit salad adds a light acidity, balancing the sweetness of the cookies. Include vibrant holiday fruits like pomegranate and clementines.
- Chocolate Milk: For chocolate lovers, rich chocolate milk enhances the cookie experience. It’s a fantastic drink choice that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- Peppermint Tea: Complement the peppermint flavor with a soothing peppermint herbal tea, perfect for winding down after a holiday gathering. This adds a refreshing note as well.
- Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: Create a festive cookie platter that includes chewy gingerbread cookies. Their warm spices beautifully balance the chocolate and mint of your brownies!
- Buttercream Frosting Dip: Whip up a simple vanilla buttercream frosting to use as a dip. The creamy sweetness adds another delicious layer to each bite!
- Eggnog: For a festive touch, serve these cookies with a glass of spiced eggnog. It’s a classic holiday drink that pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ rich flavors.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-dipped pretzels provides a delightful texture contrast. Their sweet and salty combo is irresistible alongside brownie cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week; just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your peppermint brownie cookies for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: Warm frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel; they’re delightful served warm!
Expert Tips for Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is warm but not hot. Hot butter can cook the eggs and alter the final texture of your cookies.
- Accurate Flour Measure: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping, which prevents compacting and keeps your dough from being overly sticky.
- Chill for Thickness: If you prefer thicker peppermint brownie cookies, chill the dough after scooping for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Check Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies, especially if using dark baking sheets; they may bake faster due to increased heat absorption.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined to maintain that soft, fudgy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a fantastic option for busy bakers looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow your mixing steps, then cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dough to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough onto your baking sheet, press in some extra chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, and bake as directed. If you’re in a more extended meal prep mode, you can also freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking, so they’ll come out just as delightful and fudgy as if made the same day! Enjoy the ease of baking these crowd-pleasers right when you need them!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Variations
Personalize your cookies with delightful twists that amplify their festive spirit and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative that still delivers on texture and taste.
- Mint Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips for an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
- Nutty Option: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful nutty crunch in every bite.
- Spicy Touch: Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising kick that warms the soul!
- Holiday Swaps: Feel free to replace crushed candy canes with festive sprinkles or chopped holiday chocolates for a colorful twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing their chewy goodness.
- Stuffed Cookies: For extra indulgence, place a chocolate truffle or peppermint patty in the center of each cookie before baking.
- Citrus Zing: Grate a little orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your peppermint brownie cookies, select high-quality ingredients. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder that is rich in color and aroma. For the butter, I recommend using unsalted for better control over the sweetness, and ensure that your eggs are fresh and at room temperature for easier blending.
How should I store my cookies, and how long do they last?
I often store my peppermint brownie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to store them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze peppermint brownie cookies? How?
Yes, indeed! Freezing your peppermint brownie cookies is a fantastic option for longer storage. To freeze, first ensure they are completely cooled. Layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up, and they’ll taste fresh-baked!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very good question! If your peppermint brownie cookies spread too much, it can often be due to an insufficient chill time before baking. I recommend chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before scooping and baking. Additionally, make sure to accurately measure your flour; measuring incorrectly can lead to overly sticky dough.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
While my peppermint brownie cookies don’t cater to specific dietary restrictions, ensure your ingredients are free from allergens for anyone with sensitivities. If you’re concerned about gluten, you could experiment with gluten-free flour, but the texture will vary. Always check the labels for any potential allergens.
Is it possible to customize the recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of these peppermint brownie cookies lies in their versatility. You can substitute chocolate chips with mint-filled chocolates or add different flavored extracts to play around with the taste. Feel free to top them with various festive decorations or sprinkles—let your creativity shine this holiday season!
Delicious Peppermint Brownie Cookies to Brighten Your Holiday!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Stir in the large eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Optionally chill the dough for 20–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and press extra chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, removing while the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.