Hey there, baking buddy! If you’re anything like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to whip up mouthwatering desserts that fill your home with warmth and joy. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen: Peppermint Brownie Cookies! Imagine a delightful combination of rich chocolatey brownie goodness and refreshing peppermint twist, what a dream, right? These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or just a tasty treat to brighten your day. Let’s dive into the world of these heavenly cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

What makes this Peppermint Brownie Cookies recipe so special? First off, they’re the perfect merger of two beloved treats: brownies and cookies. Each bite is a delightful explosion of fudgy chocolaty goodness, with a refreshing peppermint kick that’s simply irresistible. The crushed candy canes add a fun crunch and a festive flair, making these cookies not only delicious but also stunning to present.

Not only are they tasty, but these cookies are also relatively easy to make! If you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, you will find joy in creating these delectable treats. Baking can be your moment of bliss and creativity, and I can promise you that every time you pull a batch of these cookies from the oven, you’ll be greeted by compliments from family and friends!

Step-by-Step: Making Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Are you ready to make these delightful cookies? Here’s how to whip up a batch of Peppermint Brownie Cookies that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

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

Directions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is the first step to ensuring a smooth cookie experience!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This blend creates the perfect base for our cookies.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until it’s all smooth and creamy, a delightful sight!
Combine Wet + Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix. This creates the thick and fudgy cookie dough we all love.
Optional Chill for Tighter, Fudgier Cookies: If you want an extra fudgy texture, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Portioning & Decorating: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Each cookie should have a bit of space, as they will spread while baking. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes to make them festive!
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, the edges should be firm, and the centers slightly soft.
Cooling & Storing: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before transferring them to your cookie jar.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Now that your Peppermint Brownie Cookies are ready, let’s talk about how to present this festive treat! You can serve these cookies as part of a holiday cookie platter, pairing them with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread or snickerdoodles.

For an elegant touch, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate over the top. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also adds a creamy flavor that balances the minty punch. Or, if you want a fun twist, serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the hot, melty cookie and cold ice cream combination is heavenly!

Keeping Your Peppermint Brownie Cookies Fresh

Once you’ve baked up a storm, you’ll want to keep those Peppermint Brownie Cookies fresh for as long as possible. Here are some storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy as needed!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownie Cookies

To ensure your Peppermint Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly (trust me, these tips will make a difference):

Measure Accurately: Baking is as much about science as it is about art. Use the spoon-and-level method to accurately measure your flour and cocoa. This will ensure the correct texture.
Don’t Overbake: The magic of these cookies lies in their fudgy centers. Pull them from the oven just as the edges set to keep that soft texture. Remember, they will continue to cook a little while cooling!
Use Quality Ingredients: Since these cookies are so chocolatey, using high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips will elevate the flavors beautifully.

Delicious Variations of Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Want to customize your Peppermint Brownie Cookies? Here are some variations to try:

Add Nuts: Consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Flavored Extracts: Switch things up by using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
Other Mint Candies: Instead of crushed candy canes, try other mint-flavored candies like York Peppermint Patties or Andes Mints for a different minty surprise.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to make that swap. The richness will pair beautifully with the peppermint.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, just ensure it has a 1:1 ratio for best results.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even results.

So, what are you waiting for? Put on your favorite playlist, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these festive Peppermint Brownie Cookies. Happy baking!