Peppermint Brownie Cookies – Fudgy, Festive, and Perfectly Minty

Peppermint brownie cookies are the ultimate holiday chocolate treat. They combine everything we love about rich, fudgy brownies with the convenience and charm of cookies, all finished with a cool burst of peppermint that makes them unmistakably festive. With crackled tops, soft centers, and melty chocolate throughout, these cookies feel indulgent, cozy, and celebratory all at once.

These cookies are especially popular during the Christmas season, when peppermint and chocolate reign supreme. The deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with peppermint extract, creating a balance that’s refreshing without overpowering. Add crushed candy canes or peppermint bits, and you get a subtle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, brownie-like interior.

What sets peppermint brownie cookies apart is their texture. They’re dense and chewy like brownies, but still hold their shape like cookies. The crackled tops come from whipping the sugar and eggs well, creating that classic shiny finish you’d expect from a pan of brownies. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind rich chocolate flavor with a clean peppermint finish.

These cookies are ideal for holiday cookie trays, gift boxes, or cozy nights by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa. They look impressive, taste decadent, and yet are surprisingly simple to make. If you love brownies and peppermint, this recipe is destined to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• Powdered sugar, optional for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until thick and glossy.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
5. Slowly mix in the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
7. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
8. Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
9. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are crackled and the edges are set.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Use peppermint extract sparingly—it’s strong and a little goes a long way.
• Don’t overbake; the centers should stay soft and fudgy.
• Let cookies cool slightly to set their structure before moving.

Variations

• Add white chocolate chips for a classic peppermint bark flavor.
• Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate after baking.
• Use peppermint baking chips instead of candy canes for less crunch.

Serving Suggestions
Serve peppermint brownie cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea. They’re perfect for holiday dessert trays and make wonderful edible gifts when packaged in festive boxes.

Storage Information
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.

FAQ
Are these more like brownies or cookies?
They have a brownie-like interior with a cookie shape and crackled top.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I skip the peppermint?
Yes, omit peppermint extract for classic brownie cookies.

History / Fun Facts
Peppermint and chocolate became a popular pairing in holiday desserts due to peppermint’s cooling contrast to rich cocoa. Brownie cookies emerged as a modern hybrid dessert, blending the best qualities of both treats.