Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Must-Have Treat

There’s something magical about that first bite of the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe—the crisp exterior giving way to a chewy, fudgy center, kissed with the refreshing chill of peppermint. It’s the kind of cookie that brings you back to cozy winter evenings, where the smell of chocolate fills the kitchen, and laughter bounces off the walls. I still remember the first time I baked these cookies for my family; the tray barely touched the counter before they vanished. Since then, it’s been our holiday signature.

The Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe perfectly balances rich cocoa with cool peppermint, making them a festive favorite. They’re not just another cookie—they’re a bite of nostalgia wrapped in chocolate and candy cane crunch. Whether you’re planning to impress guests or add a new recipe to your Christmas cookie lineup, this one’s unbeatable.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to bake these cookies to perfection, discover smart baking tips, explore creative variations, and even find ideas for pairing them with other delicious holiday treats.

Peppermint Brownie Cookies ready to serve

The Magic Behind the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

The Story That Started It All

The Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe came about when I was experimenting one chilly December evening. I wanted the deep, indulgent flavor of brownies but in a cookie that could be shared and gifted easily. After a few tweaks—less flour, more cocoa, and crushed peppermint—the result was perfection. These cookies don’t just look festive; they taste like the holidays.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate how the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe delivers on richness without being overly sweet. The peppermint cuts through the chocolate, keeping every bite fresh and balanced. The recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity: you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and a touch of peppermint extract.

For more cookie inspiration, check out the equally divine Raspberry Linzer Cookies Recipe or the melt-in-your-mouth Soft Danish Butter Cookies Recipe.

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Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Must-Have Treat

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The Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe by Tasty is a rich, chewy, and festive cookie combining the deep chocolate flavor of brownies with refreshing peppermint. Perfect for the holidays, these cookies feature a fudgy center, crackly top, and crushed candy canes for a beautiful finish.

  • Author: Carla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
  • White chocolate for drizzle (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, melted chocolate, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  5. Fold in dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips and espresso powder if using.
  6. Chill dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
  7. Scoop dough balls onto prepared trays and bake for 8–10 minutes until tops crackle.
  8. Let cookies cool, then drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Notes

  • Do not overbake — cookies should stay soft in the center.
  • Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for 48 hours.
  • Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Ingredients That Make It Unforgettable

What makes this Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe so irresistible? It’s all in the ingredients. Using both cocoa powder and melted chocolate ensures a dense, fudgy texture, while crushed peppermint adds a delightful crunch. A dash of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, taking it from good to gourmet.

The secret tip: chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking. This keeps the cookies thick and chewy. When baked just until set, the result is that classic brownie crackle top everyone loves.

Perfecting the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Mixing Techniques That Matter

When it comes to the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe, the process is as important as the ingredients. Start by whisking your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa, baking powder—before creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by melted chocolate and peppermint extract. Gently fold in the dry mix to keep the batter thick and rich.

To maintain that signature chewy center, avoid overmixing. Stir until combined and fold in chocolate chunks for added decadence. Bake them on parchment-lined trays, spaced apart, to ensure even baking.

For another festive chocolate fix, try the Italian Cannoli Cookies Recipe or these classic Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Both pair beautifully with hot cocoa or peppermint tea.

Timing Is Everything

One key to perfecting the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is knowing when to pull them out of the oven. At 350°F, bake for 8–10 minutes until the tops are cracked but still slightly soft in the center. Remember—they’ll continue baking on the tray after being removed.

Once cooled, drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. That extra detail not only adds texture but also turns them into show-stopping gifts or dessert table stars.

Creative Twists on the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

The Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is flexible and fun to customize. For a mint mocha twist, add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the dough. Prefer a sweeter crunch? Mix in white chocolate chips or swirl the dough with a peppermint bark mixture.

Another crowd-pleaser is transforming them into ice cream sandwiches. Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint chip ice cream for a dessert that feels straight out of a café.

If you love this kind of creative baking, check out Traditional Chocolate Yule Log Recipe for another chocolate-forward treat or these festive Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe that perfectly match the holiday vibe.

Presentation That Delights

How you present your Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe can make them even more special. Stack them in a clear jar tied with a red ribbon for gifting or serve them on a platter with candy cane pieces scattered around. For parties, label each treat with handwritten tags—it’s a simple touch that adds warmth.

Hosting a cookie swap? Pair them alongside Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts or Baked Churro Bites Recipe for a stunning dessert spread.

The Art of Serving the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Perfect Pairings for Every Occasion

The best thing about the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is how versatile they are. They shine on a Christmas dessert platter, at a bake sale, or even as an after-dinner indulgence. Pair them with hot cocoa, eggnog, or a warm latte for cozy winter evenings.

During the holidays, serve them with a side of Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake or Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread to create a festive brunch table that smells like heaven.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe dough up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then scoop and bake as needed. Once baked, they stay chewy for up to a week when stored at room temperature in a sealed jar.

For long-term storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls. When the craving hits, bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute to the baking time. They taste as fresh as day one.

Want to expand your baking collection? Try Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle or Blueberry Cake Donuts for equally delightful flavors that complement your cookie creations.

Holiday cookie platter featuring peppermint brownie cookies.

Serving Up the Final Words

The Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition in the making. Each bite carries the essence of the holidays: warmth, sweetness, and joy. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies always hit the spot.

From their chocolatey aroma to the cool peppermint finish, this recipe proves that a simple idea can become something extraordinary. Keep your apron handy—you’ll want to bake them again and again.

FAQs About the Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Can I make Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe without peppermint extract?

Yes! Substitute peppermint extract with a bit of vanilla or almond extract for a more classic brownie flavor.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and remain thick and chewy.

Can I add crushed candy canes on top before baking?

It’s best to sprinkle them immediately after baking. Adding them before can cause the candy to melt and lose texture.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Freeze either baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough directly with just one extra minute added to the time.

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