Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delightful dessert combining the fudgy richness of brownies with the refreshing coolness of peppermint. These cookies feature a chewy, brownie-like center infused with deep chocolate and mint flavors, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy everyday treats. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, they offer a festive, versatile, and indulgent bite that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flaxseed meal equivalent for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins and Optional
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (use dairy-free for vegan)
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes for mixing in or topping
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend), baking powder, and salt. This blend forms the base for perfect fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporating air helps keep the cookies soft but prevents them from becoming cakey.
- Incorporate Eggs and Peppermint Extract: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the peppermint extract to evenly distribute moisture and minty aroma throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix to maintain tender cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Stir in the chocolate chips to create gooey pockets of melted chocolate. Optionally, gently fold in crushed candy canes or sprinkle them on top for a festive crunch and peppermint kick.
- Bake Until Soft and Chewy: Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft to achieve the perfect chewy bite.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have firm edges but soft centers for ideal chewy texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to improve cookie shape and intensify flavor.
- Add peppermint extract gradually to avoid overpowering the chocolate.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth batter and even texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: peppermint brownie cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, fudgy cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint chocolate dessert, chewy brownie cookies