Why Make This Recipe

Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with a refreshing twist of peppermint. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or when you simply crave something sweet. The crunchy candy cane topping adds a festive touch and a bit of crunch, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

How to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
4 ounces good quality unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream, plus more if needed (for frosting)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
3/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring (for frosting)
8-10 small candy canes or 4-5 large candy canes, finely crushed (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler.
In a separate bowl, beat together the sugars and eggs until light and fluffy.
Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the egg mixture and mix in the extracts.
Whisk together the dry ingredients and mix them into the wet ingredients until no streaks of flour remain.
Drop rounded spoonfuls of the batter onto the baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
For the frosting, cream the softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in the milk, extracts, and salt until fluffy.
Crush candy canes for topping. Once cookies are cool, frost them and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Peppermint Brownie Cookies

How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Serve them on a festive platter for holiday parties or share them in a cute gift box with friends and family. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

How to Store Peppermint Brownie Cookies

To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about one week. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Tips to Make Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the frosting to achieve a smooth consistency.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
If you like a stronger peppermint flavor, you can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your liking.
For more texture, add chopped nuts or extra chocolate chips to the batter.

Variation

You can create different flavors by swapping peppermint extract with other extracts, like almond or orange, for a unique twist. You can also omit the frosting altogether for a more classic brownie cookie.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Peppermint Brownie Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before eating.

2. Can I use chocolate chips in the cookie batter?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a nice texture to the cookies.

3. How do I make the frosting colorful?
You can add 1-2 drops of green food coloring to the frosting for a festive look. Mix it well to achieve the desired shade.