Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the perfect treat to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth, especially during the festive season. Featuring a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional brownies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie packed with chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, with every bite giving you that comforting holiday vibe. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies will have your family and friends asking for more!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 80mg
Why Make This Peppermint Brownie Cookies
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are not only fun to make but also bring together the best of both worlds: the dense, fudgy texture of brownies with the delightful crunch of cookies. They are an absolute crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just to enjoy at home with a cup of hot cocoa. Plus, the festive peppermint flavor will instantly elevate your spirit, making them a must-try for any cocoa and mint lover.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Slowly stir in the melted butter until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Cooking
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Next, incorporate the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies into the dough. Using a tablespoon, drop portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Finishing
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows their texture to develop beautifully.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with chocolate sauce, or make gourmet cookie ice cream sandwiches. They make an impressive addition to any dessert platter or holiday cookie box!
How to Store Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Store your Peppermint Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the cookies; just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and they can last for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Use high-quality chocolate chips: This will elevate the overall flavor of your cookies.
- Do not overmix: When incorporating the flour and other dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and encourage a chewier texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so be sure to check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to avoid overbaking.
Delicious Variations
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in some mint chocolate for an added layer of flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Peppermint Frosting: Once cooled, top your cookies with a simple peppermint frosting for a festive look.
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap out regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to add a creamy contrast to the peppermint.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Yes! Dark cocoa powder can intensify the chocolate flavor of the cookies. Just be aware that they might be a bit richer. -
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should look set while the centers might still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. -
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative, though the texture and flavor will slightly change. -
What can I do if my dough is too soft?
If your dough is too soft to scoop, try chilling it for a while in the refrigerator to firm it up. -
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to split the dough into batches if your bowl is too small, and adjust your baking sheets accordingly.
Conclusion
Peppermint Brownie Cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to spread joy during the holiday season. They combine the fudgy goodness of a brownie with the delightful crunch of a cookie, all wrapped up in a refreshing peppermint flavor. These cookies are easy to make, and with the helpful tips and variations provided, you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and whip up a batch of these festive delights today!
Print
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly delicious cookies combining the fudgy texture of brownies with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, perfect for the festive season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla.
- Fold in flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Then, fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly soft. Let cool on sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a unique twist, try using dark cocoa powder or incorporate nuts for a crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
