Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Soft, fudgy peppermint brownie cookies offer a delightful twist on classic chocolate treats.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over these melt-in-your-mouth delicacies.

Crisp mint notes dance alongside rich cocoa undertones, creating a perfect winter indulgence.

Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch that makes each bite magical.

Simple ingredients blend together to craft these irresistible morsels.

Baking enthusiasts can whip up this easy recipe in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth with a cookie that screams holiday cheer.

Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Store With Care

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F, place cookies on baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore original softness and bring back fresh-baked taste.

Brownie Cookies Sweet Pairing Options

  • Complement Rich Chocolate Flavors: Pair these decadent peppermint brownie cookies with a glass of cold milk, which cuts through the intense chocolate and balances the rich sweetness.
  • Create a Dessert Wine Experience: Serve alongside a ruby port wine, whose sweet berry notes and slight warmth harmonize beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint undertones.
  • Elevate Coffee Enjoyment: Match these cookies with a strong espresso or cappuccino, where the coffee's bold profile enhances the deep chocolate and refreshing peppermint elements.
  • Boost Flavor Contrast: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side, allowing the cool creaminess to complement the cookie's warm, intense chocolate character.
  • Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Mint Chocolate Cookies: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Nut-Free Peppermint Brownie Bites: Remove any nut-based ingredients and use seed-based alternatives to accommodate nut allergies.

FAQs

  • What makes the candy canes work in this recipe?

The crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and peppermint burst to the rich chocolate cookies, creating a delightful textural contrast and holiday flavor profile.

  • Why does the recipe include espresso powder?

The espresso powder enhances the chocolate’s depth and richness without making the cookies taste like coffee, intensifying the overall chocolate flavor.

  • Can I substitute the peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract or skip it entirely, though the distinctive peppermint flavor will be reduced.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when the edges look set and slightly cracked, but the centers still appear slightly soft – they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

What’s Great About Peppermint Brownie Cookies

  • Incredibly Easy to Whip Up: Minimal steps and simple ingredients make these peppermint brownie cookies a breeze for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Festive Holiday Showstopper: Crushed candy canes and rich chocolate create a stunning dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or winter celebrations.
  • Texture-Packed Deliciousness: Combining the fudgy richness of brownies with the crisp cookie format delivers an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth with intense chocolate and peppermint flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: These cookies come together fast, requiring just one saucepan and minimal mixing, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for busy home bakers seeking something spectacular.

Peppermint Brownie Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Chocolate Base: .

  • Chocolate: Rich dark or semi-sweet chocolate for deep flavor.
  • Butter: Creates smooth and rich texture.

Sweeteners: .

  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Helps bind and create structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing minty taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides cookie structure.
  • Cocoa Powder: Deepens chocolate flavor.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness.
  • Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate richness.
Festive Add-Ins:
  • Candy Canes: Creates festive peppermint crunch.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab your parchment paper. Line those baking sheets so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Melt The Chocolate Magic

Grab a saucepan and gently melt:
  • Chocolate
  • Butter

Stir until everything looks silky smooth. Let it cool down for a bit.

Step 3: Whip Up The Sweet Base

In a big mixing bowl, blend together:
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract

Whisk until the mixture looks fluffy and fabulous.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate And Sugar Mixture

Pour the melted chocolate into your sugar mixture. Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 5: Add The Dry Ingredients

Sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt
  • Espresso powder

Slowly fold these into your wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything looks uniform.

Step 6: Sprinkle Candy Cane Crunch

Fold crushed candy canes into the cookie dough. These will give awesome minty bursts.

Step 7: Bake The Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and get ready to munch on these delightful treats.

Tricks for Peppermint Brownie Cookies

  • Master Melting Technique: Use low heat and constant stirring when melting chocolate and butter to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy mixture.
  • Boost Peppermint Power: Crush candy canes finely for even distribution and a more intense peppermint flavor throughout the cookies.
  • Control Cookie Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a soft, chewy brownie-like texture that doesn't become tough or dry.
  • Prevent Spreading Struggle: Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Temperature Timing: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly underbaked for that perfect fudgy brownie-like consistency.
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Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Chocolate meets cool peppermint in these irresistible brownie cookies that blend rich cocoa with festive mint crunch. Holiday baking gets a delightful twist with these indulgent treats you can’t resist sharing at winter gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) white sugar

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder

Flavoring and Additional Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning parchment paper on baking sheets for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Create a smooth chocolate base by gently melting chocolate and butter together in a saucepan, ensuring a silky consistency and allowing slight cooling.
  3. Whip sugars, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract into a light, airy mixture that provides rich flavor and texture.
  4. Integrate the melted chocolate mixture with the egg blend, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform, glossy foundation.
  5. Sift dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder – to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
  6. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully to maintain the delicate air pockets created earlier.
  7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes into the dough, distributing the festive peppermint pieces evenly for consistent flavor in each cookie.
  8. Portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets using tablespoon-sized drops, maintaining consistent cookie size.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for slightly crisp edges and a soft center indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Toast candy canes in a dry skillet before crushing to enhance their flavor and create a more complex peppermint profile.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a more structured cookie.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for deeper, richer chocolate notes that complement the peppermint.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cookie’s texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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