Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Brownie Cookies! This delightful recipe combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, making it the perfect treat for the holidays—or any time you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence. With every bite, you’ll experience the chewy texture and the playful burst of mint, all harmoniously blended together for a truly delicious cookie experience.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delightful marriage of two beloved treats: the chewy, fudgy brownie and the refreshing taste of peppermint. Their rich chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder and chocolate chips, while the crushed peppermint candies add a seasonal zing that brightens each bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just to treat yourself, these cookies will impress anyone who takes a bite!
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Now, fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Step 4: Finishing
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added touch, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on top while still warm.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat any time of the day. They make a festive addition to dessert platters and can also be wrapped as gifts for friends and family.
How to Store Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be enjoyed for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving!
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Peppermint Candies: For the best flavor, use fresh or new bags of crushed peppermint—stale candies can lose their taste.
- Adjust Cocoa for Richness: You can swap in Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor if desired.
- Add a Pinch of Espresso Powder: Enhance the chocolate flavor with a pinch of espresso powder mixed in with the dry ingredients.
Delicious Variations
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with mint-flavored chips for an extra minty experience.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free treat.
- S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows on top of the cookies before cooling for a s’mores twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for this recipe. Just remember it will impart a more intense chocolate flavor. -
What can I use instead of peppermint candies?
You can substitute crushed candy canes or even use mint extract (about a teaspoon) for a stronger mint flavor. -
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Over-mixing the dough or using melted butter instead of softened butter can cause excessive spreading. Make sure to measure accurately and follow mixing instructions. -
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, and bake when you’re ready. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they bring a festive spirit to your kitchen! With their rich, chocolatey goodness and refreshing peppermint twist, they are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. So gather your ingredients and start baking; your friends and family will thank you for these delightful cookies! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!
Print
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive combo of chewy brownie cookies with refreshing peppermint for a perfect treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape. Use fresh peppermint candies for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
