There's a certain thrill that accompanies the first bite of a freshly baked cookie, especially when chocolate and peppermint come together in perfect harmony. The magical swirling of flavors transports me to cozy winter evenings, with twinkling lights and the enchanting fragrance of festive treats filling the air. I discovered this delightful recipe for Peppermint Brownie Cookies while searching for a way to elevate my usual cookie game—and boy, did it exceed my expectations!
Imagine rich, fudgy brownies wrapped up in the form of a cookie, topped with crunchy peppermint candies that add a delightful crunch. It’s a twist that not only looks stunning on a dessert platter but also captures the hearts (and taste buds) of friends and family alike. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep and a mere 12 minutes in the oven, you’ll be enjoying these indulgent bites in no time. Trust me, these cookies are bound to become a holiday favorite!
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- The delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor explosion that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Their versatility means they can be enjoyed during the holiday season or any time you crave a delicious treat.
- Not only do they taste fantastic, but their visually appealing topping of crushed peppermint candies makes them a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Ingredients
Discover the simple ingredients that make these cookies a festive delight!
For the Cookie Dough
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – used for a rich, fudgy texture; you can substitute with dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Unsalted butter – enables better control over the saltiness; feel free to use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar can be a healthier alternative.
• Brown sugar (packed) – contributes to the cookie's chewiness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• Large eggs – provide structure and richness; flax eggs can be swapped for a vegan-friendly choice.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the chocolate flavor; look for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Peppermint extract – brings the festive flavor to life, making these Peppermint Brownie Cookies truly special.
• All-purpose flour – the base of our dough; gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free treat.
• Cocoa powder – adds an extra chocolate kick, intensifying the brownie flavor.
• Baking powder – helps the cookies rise for that lovely, fluffy texture.
• Salt – balances sweetness; a pinch elevates the flavor profile of the cookies.
For the Topping
• Crushed peppermint candies – provide a delightful crunch and festive flair; consider using crushed candy canes for extra holiday spirit.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly, helping to achieve that perfect texture.
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Melt 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 0.5 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly; you should have a glossy mixture that’s not too hot to touch.
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Whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with 0.5 cup of granulated sugar, 0.25 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. This step adds richness and depth to the dough.
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Fold in 0.75 cup of all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup of cocoa powder, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.25 teaspoon salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that fudgy texture!
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Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, and top each cookie with 0.5 cup of crushed peppermint candies just before baking. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Optional: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh, fudgy texture and prevent them from drying out.
Fridge: If you prefer, these Peppermint Brownie Cookies can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to avoid absorbing unwanted odors.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you like them warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds each; they'll taste as good as fresh-baked!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who love to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix your ingredients as directed, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep it fresh and prevent any drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheets, top with crushed peppermint candies, and bake for 10-12 minutes. This way, you can enjoy delicious, freshly baked cookies on demand, just as mouthwatering as if you made them the same day!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these ideas for customizing your cookies, infusing them with personal touches that delight the senses.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delightful, creamy texture without the dairy.
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Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist, enhancing the chocolatey goodness with extra sweetness.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 0.5 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy element that pairs beautifully with the fudgy brownie base.
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Spicy Peppermint: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough for a surprising kick of heat that beautifully contrasts the cool peppermint flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends while keeping the texture perfectly chewy.
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Choco-Mint Swirl: Marble the cookie dough with some additional melted chocolate before baking, creating a stunning visual effect and a rich cocoa taste in every bite.
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Chocolate Mint Frosting: Top the cooled cookies with a swirl of chocolate mint frosting for an extravagant touch that amplifies both flavor and indulgence.
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Caramel Surprise: Place a small caramel candy in the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey, delightful surprise when biting into these cookies.
What to Serve with Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Indulging in these decadent cookies opens up a world of delightful pairings that elevate your dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy coolness complements the warm cookies and balances the rich chocolate and peppermint.
- Hot Chocolate: Luxuriate in a warm mug of hot chocolate, enhancing the chocolate flavor of the cookies and adding an extra layer of coziness.
- Fresh Berries: Light, tart berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, fudgy cookies, cutting through the richness perfectly.
- Espresso: A bold shot of espresso intensifies the chocolate notes in the cookies while giving you a delightful coffee break that pairs beautifully with dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a luscious creamy texture that balances the cookies’ chewy bite without overpowering them.
- Mint Tea: Herbal mint tea harmonizes with the peppermint extract in the cookies, creating a lovely, refreshing finish after your sweet treat.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip leftover cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience that’s both fun and deliciously interactive with guests.
- Milk: A tall glass of cold milk serves as a comforting classic that always feels right when sinking your teeth into a warm cookie.
- Peanut Butter Cups: For the adventurous, serve the cookies alongside peanut butter cups, merging chocolate, peppermint, and creamy peanut butter into a flavor explosion.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Peppermint Brownie Cookies, ensure your chocolate mixture has cooled adequately before adding the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
- To achieve that perfect fudgy texture, gently fold in the dry ingredients just until combined and avoid overmixing.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Keep an eye on your cookies while baking, as they should come out slightly underbaked in the center for that ideal chewy consistency.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right peppermint candy for the topping?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and presentation, choose crushed peppermint candies or candy canes that are vibrant in color and free of any dark spots. These will add a lovely crunch and festive look to your cookies.
How should I store my Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week; just ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid any unwanted odors from your fridge.
Can I freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Very! To freeze, you’ll want to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them into a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a delightful treat that's just as good as fresh!
What should I do if the cookie dough seems too sticky or dry?
If your dough feels sticky, it's likely that the chocolate mixture was too warm when you incorporated the sugars and eggs. Let it cool completely next time before mixing. On the other hand, if it's too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter or a little milk to reach the desired consistency. Remember, you want that fudgy texture!
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of with these cookies?
Absolutely! These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are made with standard baking ingredients, including eggs and gluten. If you're cooking for someone with allergies, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs for a vegan option and use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Always check your candy for potential allergens!
How can I enhance the peppermint flavor in the cookies?
For more peppermint punch, feel free to increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon or add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies into the dough itself before baking. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so adjust according to your taste preference!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 0.5 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with 0.5 cup of granulated sugar, 0.25 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in 0.75 cup of all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup of cocoa powder, 0.5 teaspoon baking powder, and 0.25 teaspoon salt until just combined.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, and top each cookie with 0.5 cup of crushed peppermint candies just before baking. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
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