The Joy of Baking Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Baking is not just about making food; it’s about creating experiences and memories. One of the best treats to make during the holiday season or whenever you crave a sweet minty flavor is Peppermint Brownie Cookies. These cookies combine rich chocolate brownie flavor with the refreshing taste of peppermint. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor thanks to the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Not only are they fun to make, but they’re also delightful to eat. Whether you share them with friends and family or enjoy them yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why Make This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to make Peppermint Brownie Cookies. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. These cookies are excellent for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings at home. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is classic and beloved, making them appealing to both kids and adults.
Moreover, these cookies are versatile. You can customize them based on your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract or add in more chocolate chips if you like. They also store well, which means you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them later. Lastly, making these cookies fills your home with a delightful aroma that will make everyone around you feel warm and cheerful.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Making Peppermint Brownie Cookies is a simple process that anyone can follow. Below, you will find the ingredients needed, the step-by-step directions, and tips for serving and storing your delicious cookies.
Ingredients
To make Peppermint Brownie Cookies, you will need the following 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
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these straightforward steps to make your Peppermint Brownie Cookies.
Prep — Heat the Oven and Get Set
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make for an easy clean-up.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Start with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add in ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients well. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which will lead to perfectly baked cookies.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. First, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stove. Once melted, let it cool for a minute. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Mix these together until they are smooth. Next, add in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Combine Wet + Dry — Make the Dough
Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them together until combined. The dough may look thick, which is perfect for making hearty cookies. Finally, fold in ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for that lovely peppermint crunch.
Optional Chill for Tighter, Fudgier Cookies
For cookies that are extra fudgy and chewy, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is optional, but it can improve the texture.
Portioning & Decorating
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls, about 1 to 2 tablespoons each. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each ball to allow for spreading. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or crushed candy canes on top for decoration.
Bake — Timing for Texture
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. This will help achieve that perfect chewy texture. After baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Cooling & Storing
Let your cookies cool completely on the wire rack before storing them. Once cooled, you can keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers of cookies before sealing them in freezer bags.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Serving Peppermint Brownie Cookies is easy. You can present them on a festive plate with some holiday decorations around them for a nice touch. They are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Pair them up with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a delightful snack. These cookies also make great festive gifts. Just pack them nicely in a tin or box and share with friends and family.
How to Store Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Storing Peppermint Brownie Cookies is simple. After they cool completely, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about a week. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you have extra cookies, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, just take out how many you want and let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Check for Doneness: Remember that cookies continue to bake after you take them out of the oven, so it’s better to underbake slightly.
Add Variations: Feel free to switch up the mix-ins! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra flair.
Variations
You can experiment with different flavors and toppings for your Peppermint Brownie Cookies. Here are some ideas:
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Replace some semi-sweet chocolate chips with mint-flavored chocolate chips for an extra minty punch.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for some added crunch.
- Frosted Cookies: Once cooled, you can frost your cookies with chocolate ganache or a simple buttercream frosting flavored with peppermint.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour in this recipe. Make sure the other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips, depending on your taste.
What if I don’t like peppermint?
If peppermint is not your favorite flavor, you can omit the peppermint extract and add a little more vanilla extract instead. You can also try other flavorings like almond extract or orange zest for a different twist.
With these easy steps and tips, you can successfully make Peppermint Brownie Cookies that will delight your taste buds and impress those around you. Happy baking!
Print
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint brownie cookies featuring rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors, perfect for the holiday season.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Form dough balls of 1 to 2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra chewy cookies, consider chilling the dough before baking. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peppermint cookies, brownie cookies, holiday desserts, chocolate cookies, baking
