Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts that come together to create an irresistible treat. With their chewy, fudgy texture and a refreshing burst of peppermint, these cookies have become a seasonal favorite for many. There’s something incredibly special about the combination of rich chocolate and cool mint that evokes feelings of nostalgia and holiday cheer. Whether you’re enjoying them during a festive gathering or cozying up at home with a cup of cocoa, Peppermint Brownie Cookies promise to elevate your dessert game and satisfy your sweet tooth like no other cookie can.
What Is Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a unique cookie that combines the dense, fudgy goodness of traditional brownies with the shape and bite of a cookie. Unlike classic chocolate chip cookies, these treats boast a rich cocoa base, delivering a deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the invigorating notes of peppermint. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, making it a delightful alternative to typical holiday confections. If you love brownies and have a penchant for mint, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly chewy and fudgy texture.
- Family-friendly; kids and adults alike will adore them.
- Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Versatile; they can be dressed up with festive decorations or enjoyed plain.
How Does It Taste?
When you take a bite of a Peppermint Brownie Cookie, you’re greeted with a delightful explosion of flavors. The rich, dark chocolate provides a sweet and slightly bittersweet foundation, while the peppermint adds a refreshing contrast that dances on your palate. The texture is a harmonious blend of chewy and soft, with a slight crisp on the edges that makes each cookie a perfect indulgence. It’s a flavor experience that captures the essence of the holiday season, making every bite feel like a celebration.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
Key ingredients in Peppermint Brownie Cookies include cocoa powder, which is rich in antioxidants and can support heart health; eggs, which provide a good source of protein; and peppermint extract, known for its digestive benefits. These cookies offer a comforting treat that, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet. So go ahead, indulge in the festive flavors while enjoying the benefits of these simple, wholesome ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cookies, providing structure and a chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise, creating a soft but dense consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Provides moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that delightful chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and extra moisture with its molasses content.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, complementing the chocolate and peppermint.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Gives those classic peppermint vibes, perfect for the holiday season.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Adds melty chunks of chocolate throughout the cookies for extra richness.
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes – Provides a festive crunch and burst of peppermint flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Oven
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Dairy-free option: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed in for added texture and flavor.
- More chocolate: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a different twist.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the color change to a pale yellow, indicating it’s well mixed.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Continue to blend until everything is well incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to incorporate everything until just combined.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. This will add delightful pockets of chocolate and that signature peppermint crunch to your cookies.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps them firm up while keeping that fudgy interior.
What to Serve With
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside peppermint tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should look slightly underdone in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
- For extra peppermint flavor, consider sprinkling additional crushed candy canes on top before baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them to avoid sogginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter can lead to a dense texture; always use softened butter.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
- Baking cookies on a warm baking sheet can cause them to spread too much; ensure it’s cool before scooping the dough.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet can lead to breakage.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Store the cooled Peppermint Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for a crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips? Absolutely! Mint chocolate chips will enhance the peppermint flavor.
- Do I need to chill the dough before baking? Chilling is not necessary, but it can help the cookies maintain their shape if you prefer a thicker cookie.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What’s the best way to crush candy canes? Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into desired sizes.
Nutritional Info
Each Peppermint Brownie Cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with about 7 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. This estimation may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements used.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the refreshing zing of peppermint, then look no further than these Peppermint Brownie Cookies. They are not just cookies; they are a celebration of flavors that will bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. The way the chocolate melts in your mouth, complemented by the cool peppermint, makes these cookies truly irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends during the holiday season or any time you’re craving something sweet. So, gather your ingredients and give these Peppermint Brownie Cookies a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
What makes these cookies extra special is the combination of two holiday favorites: brownies and peppermint.
Ingredients 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
Instructions
-
Step 1
1. Prep — heat the oven and get set. -
Step 2
2. Mix the dry ingredients. -
Step 3
3. Mix the wet ingredients. -
Step 4
4. Combine wet + dry — make the dough. -
Step 5
5. Optional chill for tighter, fudgier cookies. -
Step 6
6. Portioning & decorating. -
Step 7
7. Bake — timing for texture. -
Step 8
8. Cooling & storing.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: ~350 calories. Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Allergy Information
Always check labels for specific allergen information.
