If you’re looking for the ultimate festive treat that combines the fudgy richness of brownies with the chewy delight of cookies, the Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine biting into soft, chocolate-packed cookies with refreshing peppermint notes and the occasional crunch of crushed candy canes. Perfectly chewy, incredibly chocolaty, and just the right hint of holiday magic, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite seasonal indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy snack at home, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the brownie mix that guarantees fudgy goodness to the peppermint extract that brings that refreshing holiday spirit, each component is essential.
- Brownie mix (1 box): The foundation of these cookies, ensuring a rich chocolate taste without fuss.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Adds just enough structure so your cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps cookies moist and enhances fudgy texture; canola or any neutral oil works great.
- Eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy consistency.
- Peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon): The star of the show, adding a cool, festive flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Milk chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melts within for creamy pockets of chocolate joy.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Contrast in color and flavor, enhancing the visual appeal and sweetness.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional): For that satisfying peppermint crunch and extra holiday sparkle.
- Extra chocolate chips (optional): Ideal for melting and drizzling to decorate your cookies beautifully.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the middle. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, setting you up for smooth sailing throughout the baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and well incorporated. This ensures the peppermint flavor is evenly distributed and the dough has a luscious consistency.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in both the milk and white chocolate chips. This step is like infusing your cookie dough with little pockets of melty sweetness, promising delightful surprises in every bite of these brownie cookies.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Shape the dough into 2-inch balls and arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Depending on your batch size, you might need to bake in two rounds. Pop them in the oven for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for that perfect balance of soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
Step 5: Prepare Crushed Candy Canes
While the cookies bake, crush your candy canes by placing them inside a ZipLoc bag and gently rolling over with a rolling pin until the pieces reach your preferred size. These crushed candies add that irresistible peppermint crunch on top.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the tart pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. If you want to get fancy, melt a quarter cup of chocolate chips in brief bursts in the microwave, then drizzle over the cookies with a fork. Sprinkle your crushed candy canes on top while the drizzle is still warm to make them stick beautifully.
Step 7: Store Your Cookies
After the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and chewy for days, so you can enjoy the peppermint chocolate delight whenever a craving hits.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, top your cookies with additional crushed candy canes or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate elevates their appearance and flavor, making them look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these peppermint chocolate brownie cookies with a cold glass of milk, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy peppermint mocha for a truly decadent experience. The cool mint and warm chocolate flavors become even more enjoyable when sipped alongside your cookie treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make all the difference! Serve these cookies on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh pine sprigs and red ribbons for holiday gatherings. You could also box them up beautifully as homemade gifts, complete with a festive bow and handwritten notes — a thoughtful way to share the joy of this Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about three to four days, perfect for enjoying over a few cozy evenings or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a resealable bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This helps revive their gooey texture and brings out the chocolate and peppermint aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade brownie mix instead of box mix?
Absolutely! While box mixes offer convenience, a homemade brownie base can provide a richer, more personalized flavor. Just be sure your batter has the right consistency to hold cookie shape well.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract? Can I substitute something else?
You can substitute with peppermint oil, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, a drop or two of vanilla extract combined with crushed candy canes sprinkled on top can still give a nice festive touch.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
Definitely! Dark chocolate chips add a slightly more intense chocolate flavor and pair beautifully with peppermint. Feel free to customize based on your preference for sweetness and bitterness.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, avoid overbaking and slightly undercook them by a minute or two. Adding a teaspoon of corn syrup or an extra egg yolk can also increase chewiness without compromising taste.
Are these cookies allergy-friendly?
This recipe contains eggs, flour, and chocolate, so it’s not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. However, you can experiment with allergen-friendly substitutions, such as gluten-free flour or egg replacers, to accommodate dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe — it brings together the most comforting chocolatey goodness and the refreshing zing of peppermint in a way that feels both indulgent and special. Whether it’s for holiday celebrations or just treating yourself on a chilly afternoon, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking; your new favorite festive tradition starts here!
Print
Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the festive flavor of peppermint, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a chocolaty treat with a refreshing twist. Soft and chewy with bursts of milk and white chocolate chips, plus optional crushed candy canes for extra crunch and minty goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (15.8 ounce) box brownie mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, to taste (optional)
- Extra chocolate chips for melting, about 1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Use an electric hand mixer to blend everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Scoop and roll the cookie batter into 2-inch diameter balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least a 1-inch gap between each cookie to allow room for spreading. Bake in batches if necessary for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Prepare Candy Canes: While the cookies bake, crush candy canes or peppermint candies by placing them in a ZipLoc bag and gently rolling a rolling pin over them until you reach your desired size of pieces.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For an optional finishing touch, melt about 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a fork, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while the chocolate is still warm.
- Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for several days.
Notes
- If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute with a small amount of vanilla extract, though the mint flavor will be missing.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free flour.
- The melted chocolate drizzle and crushed candy canes are optional but add a lovely decorative and flavor element to the cookies.
- Make sure not to overbake; these cookies should be slightly soft in the center for a chewy brownie texture.
- These cookies freeze well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
