Shortly before the holiday season, I found myself craving something sweet, comforting, and just a little festive. That’s when I stumbled upon this delectable Peppermint Brownie Cookie recipe. What sets these cookies apart is their delightful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights. They are soft, fudgy, and the festive crunch of crushed candy canes gives them an extra special touch. Anyone will find it hard to resist this merry twist on classic brownies!

Reasons to try it

Why bother making peppermint brownie cookies at home? The answer is simple. Not only are these cookies a delight for the senses, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up in your kitchen. This recipe is budget-friendly, making it accessible for any baking enthusiast, and it’s kid-approved, which means the little ones will have a blast participating in the process—mixing, rolling, and decorating!

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just looking to add a festive feel to a regular weeknight treat, these cookies will bring joy to your table.

“These cookies are the highlight of our holiday baking! They’re rich, with a perfect peppermint kick that everyone in my family loves.”

Preparing Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Let’s break down the baking process so you can see just how simple it is to create these delicious cookies. You’ll start with heating the oven, then progress through mixing dry and wet ingredients, and finally bring them all together into a delightful dough. Optional chilling ensures a fudgier texture, so keep that in mind!

Finally, you’ll portion them out, bake to perfection, and enjoy the festive aroma wafting through your home.

What you’ll need

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for your peppermint brownie cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour or a sugar alternative if desired!

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with either parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar until smooth.
Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms. Optionally, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for tighter, fudgier cookies.
Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, and place dollops onto your prepared baking sheets. Top each cookie with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy cooled but still slightly warm, or store for later. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How to serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies

These cookies are a treat on their own, but why not heighten the experience? Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the gentle melting of ice cream to meld with the rich brownie flavor. They can also be served alongside peppermint hot chocolate for a festive pairing, or even festive dairy-free alternatives for a cozy winter treat.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure your peppermint brownie cookies stay delicious for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will maintain their quality for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying. Always make sure to handle any leftovers with clean hands and utensils to ensure food safety.

Pro chef tips

For extra depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting any coffee taste.
If you love a chewy cookie, avoid overbaking; pulling them out while the centers are slightly soft helps them maintain that gooey texture.
Experiment with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate variations alongside your peppermint for a personalized touch.

Creative twists

These cookies can be easily customized! Feel free to replace the peppermint extract with orange or almond extract for a different flavor profile. You may also try adding mix-ins like walnuts or pecans for added texture, or even making them into peppermint brownie cookie sandwiches with a festive frosting filling!

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for peppermint brownie cookies?
The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 10-12 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the results will be just as delicious.
How do I ensure the cookies stay soft and chewy?
To maintain softness, avoid overbaking them. It’s better to take them out when they appear slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set once removed from the oven.