There’s a certain magic that happens when rich, fudgy chocolate meets the cool, crisp tingle of peppermint. It’s a flavor combination that instantly brings to mind cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and the joy of the holiday season. Consequently, if you could capture that feeling in a single bite, it would undoubtedly be these incredible Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies. This recipe is the ultimate dessert hybrid, flawlessly merging the decadent, chewy center of a perfect brownie with the convenient, shareable form of a cookie. In short, get ready to find your new favorite holiday treat that will disappear from the cookie jar in record time.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking technique. Furthermore, we’ll share professional tips to ensure your cookies have that signature crinkly top and gooey interior every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your holiday baking journey, this recipe for chocolate peppermint brownie cookies is designed for success. As a result, you’ll be able to create a festive dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Why This Recipe is an Instant Holiday Classic
First and foremost, the appeal of these cookies lies in their extraordinary texture. Unlike a standard chocolate cookie, these have a dense, fudgy core that is unmistakably brownie-like. Biting into one gives you that satisfying chewiness, which is then followed by a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate experience. In addition, the tops bake into a beautiful, glossy, and slightly crackled finish, just like the best homemade brownies. This textural contrast is what makes them so addictive and memorable.
Moreover, the flavor profile is perfectly balanced. The deep, robust flavor of dark chocolate and cocoa powder provides a rich foundation. Then, the bright, refreshing peppermint cuts through that richness, preventing the cookies from feeling too heavy. Finally, the sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds a delightful crunch and an extra burst of minty coolness. This makes them a standout addition to any holiday cookie platter, offering a festive alternative to more traditional treats like gingerbread cookie bars. They are, without a doubt, a sophisticated yet simple dessert for any occasion.
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Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies: The 12 Ultimate Steps to Festive Perfection
These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the festive flavor of peppermint. Topped with crushed candy canes and bursting with chocolate, they’re the ultimate holiday cookie.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with 1 cup of the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
8. Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still soft.
10. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of warm cookies and gently press them in.
11. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Do not overbake—the centers should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven.
Tap the baking sheet on the counter after baking for crinkled tops.
Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Chill the dough for thicker cookies or to bake ahead.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
The secret to exceptional cookies always begins with high-quality ingredients. While the list for these chocolate peppermint brownie cookies is straightforward, choosing the right components will make a significant difference in the final product. Therefore, let’s break down what you’ll need.
For the Fudgy Chocolate Base
- Unsalted Butter: This gives the cookies their rich flavor and tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A portion of these will be melted with the butter to create the liquid chocolate base, while the rest are folded in for those delightful gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination of both sugars provides the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar, in particular, contributes to the chewy texture.
- Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs. They help bind the ingredients and create that signature crinkly brownie top.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give the cookies structure without making them cakey. Be sure to measure it correctly.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This intensifies the chocolate flavor. A high-quality Dutch-process cocoa will yield a darker, richer cookie. Research from sources like Healthline suggests dark chocolate has several health benefits, adding another reason to enjoy them.
- Baking Powder: Provides a small amount of lift so the cookies aren’t overly dense.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
For the Peppermint Sparkle
- Vanilla Extract: A baking staple that deepens all the other flavors.
- Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way! This is what gives the cookies their distinct minty aroma and taste. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.
- Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies: For that festive topping. They add a beautiful sparkle and a satisfying crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, it’s time to bring these delicious chocolate peppermint brownie cookies to life. Follow these steps carefully for perfect results. Remember, baking is a science, so precision is key. However, don’t forget to have fun with the process!
- Prep Your Station: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Fold in Chips: Gently fold in the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and glossy, similar to a brownie batter.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers should look slightly underdone. This is the key to a fudgy interior.
- Add Peppermint Topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle the tops with the crushed candy canes. Gently press them into the warm cookies if needed.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly.
Tips for Bakery-Worthy Results
Achieving the perfect cookie is often about small details. Consequently, here are a few professional tips to elevate your Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies from good to absolutely irresistible.
Do Not Overbake
This is perhaps the most important tip. The key to a fudgy, brownie-like center is to pull the cookies from the oven when they still look a little soft in the middle. They will continue to bake on the hot pan after you take them out. As a result, you’ll get that perfectly gooey texture instead of a dry, cakey cookie.
Use Quality Chocolate
Since chocolate is the star of the show, using high-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder will make a noticeable difference in flavor. Look for brands with a high percentage of cacao for a richer, more complex taste. This single swap can transform your cookies.
The “Scoop and Tap” Method
For perfectly round cookies with those beautiful crinkly tops, try this trick. As soon as you pull the baking sheet from the oven, tap it firmly on the counter a few times. This causes the cookies to settle slightly, enhancing the cracks on the surface and ensuring a denser center. It’s a simple step that yields professional-looking results. For another easy and impressive holiday option, you might also enjoy these classic candy cane cookies.
Variations and Storage Solutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the classic chocolate and peppermint combination is fantastic, you can easily customize it. Furthermore, knowing how to store them properly will keep them fresh for days.
Fun Variations
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled completely, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the tops for a beautiful and delicious contrast.
- Add Different Chips: Instead of semi-sweet chips, try using dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, or even Andes mint baking chips for an extra layer of minty flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It won’t make the cookies taste like coffee; instead, it will deepen and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Proper Storage
To keep your chocolate peppermint brownie cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you’re looking for more freezable cookie dough ideas, our recipe for chocolate thumbprint cookies is another great choice.
Interestingly, some people find that peppermint can aid digestion, a claim supported by some studies mentioned on sites like WebMD, which is a nice bonus during the indulgent holiday season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies is a true holiday champion, delivering everything we love about festive baking in one perfect package. With their deep chocolate flavor, refreshing peppermint kick, and irresistible fudgy texture, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. By following the detailed steps and professional tips provided, you can confidently create a batch that is both beautiful and incredibly delicious. Ultimately, these cookies are more than just a treat; they are an experience, bringing warmth and joy to your kitchen. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the holiday spirit one cookie at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavor and result in thicker, less spread-out cookies. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping, as it will be quite firm.
Why didn’t my cookies get crinkly tops?
The crinkly top on brownie cookies comes from properly whipping the eggs and sugar together to dissolve the sugar and create a meringue-like layer. Make sure you whisk the eggs and sugar mixture vigorously until it’s pale and slightly thickened. Using melted butter and chocolate, rather than creamed butter, also contributes to this signature texture.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
You can, but you must be extremely careful. Peppermint oil is significantly more potent than peppermint extract. You would only need a tiny drop or two for the entire batch. It’s generally safer and easier to control the flavor intensity with extract.
