Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Fudgy Chocolate Cookies with a Festive Twist
Few flavors feel as instantly festive as chocolate and peppermint. Peppermint brownie cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the convenience and charm of a cookie — all finished with a cool peppermint crunch that makes them perfect for the holiday season.
These cookies are deeply chocolatey with soft, crackled tops and dense centers that taste just like the middle of a pan of brownies. The peppermint flavor is balanced, not overpowering, adding freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top add crunch, sparkle, and unmistakable holiday flair.
If you love brownies but want something easier to portion, gift, or serve at holiday gatherings, these cookies are the perfect solution.
Why Peppermint Brownie Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
These cookies check every box for holiday baking: flavor, texture, and presentation.
Here’s why they’re always a hit:
- Fudgy brownie texture in cookie form
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Cool peppermint contrast
- Festive appearance for cookie trays
- Easy to bake and serve
They feel indulgent without being complicated, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
The Secret to Their Fudgy Texture
What separates brownie cookies from regular chocolate cookies is moisture and fat content. These cookies use melted chocolate and butter instead of just cocoa powder, creating that dense, chewy interior.
Key texture elements include:
- Melted chocolate for richness
- Minimal flour to keep cookies soft
- Eggs for structure without dryness
- Slight underbaking for gooey centers
The result is a cookie that cracks beautifully on top and stays soft for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cookie Dough
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Peppermint extract
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Toppings
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Extra chocolate drizzle (optional)
Each ingredient plays a role in building deep chocolate flavor while keeping the peppermint balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter together until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugars into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Sprinkle tops with crushed peppermint candies.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until crackled on top but soft in the center.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter; cool slightly.
- Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- Fold in dry ingredients until combined.
- Scoop dough, top with peppermint, and bake 10–12 minutes.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownie Cookies
- Do not overbake — centers should look slightly underdone
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor
- Add peppermint extract sparingly — a little goes a long way
- Crush peppermint finely for even topping distribution
These details ensure bakery-style results every time.
Flavor Variations
- Add white chocolate chips to the dough
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking
- Use dark chocolate for deeper flavor
- Add espresso powder to enhance chocolate notes
These variations let you customize the cookies while keeping their signature texture.
Serving Suggestions
Peppermint brownie cookies are perfect:
- On holiday cookie trays
- Packaged as edible gifts
- Served warm with hot cocoa
- As a festive dessert for parties
They look impressive and taste even better.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Dough can be refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Baked cookies also freeze well without toppings.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This recipe focuses on:
- Balanced chocolate-to-flour ratio
- Proper melting and mixing technique
- Controlled baking time
The result is consistently fudgy, crackled cookies with bold holiday flavor.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint brownie cookies bring together everything people love about brownies and cookies in one festive bite. Rich chocolate, soft centers, and cool peppermint crunch make them a standout addition to any holiday dessert spread.
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels indulgent, seasonal, and unforgettable, these cookies deserve a place in your baking rotation.
