Peppermint Brownie Cookies

- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for garnish) - Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional) These ingredients come together to create a rich, minty flavor. The base of flour and cocoa gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture. The butter and sugar add creaminess and sweetness. Eggs help bind the mix, while extracts pump in flavor. Chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies add fun and festive touches. If you want to switch it up, consider adding nuts or more candies. - For gluten-free cookies, use almond or coconut flour. - For dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. - For vegan cookies, use flax eggs or applesauce in place of eggs. - You can replace peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract for a twist. These substitutions help more people enjoy this treat. Each option allows you to keep the taste while meeting dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Prepping the oven and baking sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Set it aside for later. 2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients until fully blended. This step adds air and helps your cookies rise. 1. Whisking together butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This forms a rich base for your cookie batter. 2. Integrating eggs and extracts: Add 2 large eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time. Whisk well after each addition to ensure they mix in fully. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This adds a lovely flavor that makes your cookies special. 1. Incorporating dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture. Use a gentle folding motion until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft and chewy. 2. Baking and cooling instructions: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should look soft. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack until completely cool. To make the best peppermint brownie cookies, avoid common mistakes. Here are some key tips: - Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a scale for precise measurements. A little extra flour can make your cookies dry. - Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. - Use Fresh Ingredients: Old baking powder or expired extracts can change the flavor and texture. - Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix better. For the ideal texture, follow these steps: - Chill the Dough: After mixing, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape. - Watch the Baking Time: Bake until the edges are firm but the center is soft. They will continue to cook on the tray. - Cool on a Wire Rack: Let them cool fully on a rack for the perfect chewy bite. Presentation matters, especially for festive occasions. Try these ideas: - Decorative Platter: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter. Use festive paper to line it. - Garnish with Peppermint: Sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top for a pop of color. - Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of chocolate syrup adds elegance. Pair these cookies with hot beverages or ice cream: - Hot Chocolate: Serve with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. - Coffee or Tea: The mint flavor complements coffee nicely or enjoy with a cup of tea. - Ice Cream: Top cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a delicious sundae. To keep your cookies fresh, follow these best storage practices: - Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy. - Separate Layers: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer shelf life, freeze your cookies: - Freezing Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. - Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the dough. Portion it out and wrap it tightly. Thaw before baking. By following these tips and tricks, you ensure your peppermint brownie cookies remain a delightful treat for any occasion. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help your cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the rich flavor of your cookies. This makes a noticeable difference in taste! Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Pull them out when the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture. Experiment with Extracts: For a twist, try adding a hint of almond extract along with the peppermint for a unique flavor combination that complements the chocolate beautifully. {{image_4}} You can give peppermint brownie cookies a twist. Try adding other extracts. Almond extract adds a sweet note. Hazelnut or orange extracts can change the flavor too. You can also mix in nuts or candies. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Mini marshmallows can bring fun textures. Try adding toffee bits for a sweet surprise in each bite. Need gluten-free options? Use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Both flours work well and keep cookies soft. If you want a vegan version, swap eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use coconut oil in place of butter for a rich taste. Get festive with your cookies! Create peppermint swirls by swirling dough with a knife before baking. You can also shape the dough into holiday forms like stars or trees. Try adding holiday spices too! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavor. These small changes can make your cookies feel special for any celebration. To keep your peppermint brownie cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in a single layer on a plate or in a shallow container. Cover them lightly with a clean cloth to avoid moisture. Using airtight containers works best for maintaining freshness. This method stops air from drying out your cookies. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together. You can freeze both cookie dough and baked cookies. To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in a container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, defrost the cookies at room temperature. For dough, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Peppermint brownie cookies can last about a week at room temperature. If stored properly, they can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Look for signs that cookies have gone stale. Stale cookies may feel hard or dry. If they lose their aroma or flavor, it’s time to toss them. Keep an eye on your cookies to enjoy them at their best! Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cookies taste even better. You can also bake them, cool, and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days. What can I use instead of peppermint extract? If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract. It won’t give the same minty flavor, but it will still add sweetness. You could also use other flavor extracts like almond or orange for a fun twist. Why are my cookies flat or dry? Cookies can be flat if you use too little flour or not enough fat. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Cookies can also be dry if you bake them too long. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the edges are set. How can I tell when cookies are done baking? You can tell cookies are done when the edges look firm, and the center is slightly soft. They will continue to bake a bit after you take them out of the oven. If you want chewy cookies, don’t overbake them. Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips. You can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars. Each will give a different taste and texture to your cookies. What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies? The best way to crush peppermint candies is to place them in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to gently crush them into smaller pieces. This method is simple and keeps the mess contained. You could also use a food processor, but be careful not to turn them into powder. You now have a guide to make delicious peppermint brownie cookies. We covered ingredients, preparation, and tips for the best cookie texture. Don’t forget the storage methods to keep them fresh. Experiment with variations to find flavors you love. Remember, baking is fun and allows your creativity to shine. Enjoy your baking journey and share your cookie creations with friends and family! Let every batch bring joy to your kitchen.

Deliciously chewy cookies infused with peppermint and chocolate, perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon peppermint extract
0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
0.25 cup crushed peppermint candies
optional chocolate syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; set this aside for later use.
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together until they are fully blended and aerated.
In a separate bowl, pour in the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for your cookies.
One at a time, add the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor boost.
Gradually introduce the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture, using a gentle folding motion until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft and chewy texture in your cookies.
Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candies until they're evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there's enough space between each dollop to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they're ready when the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time will help them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
After the cookies have cooled, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies to elevate the fun festive flair.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with festive paper for a beautiful presentation.

Keyword brownies, cookies, holiday, peppermint