Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat for chocolate lovers who crave rich, fudgy texture with a festive twist. These cookies combine the deep, indulgent flavor of classic brownies with the convenience and charm of soft-baked cookies, finished with cool peppermint and crunchy candy canes. Each bite delivers a crackly top, gooey center, and bursts of melted chocolate that melt in your mouth while the peppermint adds a refreshing holiday finish.
Perfect for easy dinner ideas that need a sweet ending, holiday cookie trays, and quick weeknight recipes when you want something special without complicated steps, these cookies strike the perfect balance between bakery-style indulgence and simple family recipes. They’re affordable, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like Christmas magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, fudgy brownie texture in cookie form
• Easy holiday dessert with simple pantry ingredients
• Budget-friendly recipe perfect for gift-giving
• Family-approved flavor for kids and adults
• Ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and festive platters
• Beginner-friendly baking with bakery-style results

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and soft instead of cakey, making them perfect for brownie-style cookies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that signature brownie richness. Sifting ensures a smooth batter with no lumps.
Baking Powder – Adds just enough lift to keep the cookies from being too dense while preserving a fudgy interior.
Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness for a more complex taste.
Unsalted Butter – Melted butter creates a dense, chewy texture and rich mouthfeel typical of classic brownies.
Granulated Sugar – Helps form crackly tops and adds sweetness that complements the cocoa.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness while enhancing the cookie’s depth with subtle caramel notes.
Eggs – Bind the dough and contribute to the glossy, fudgy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the dough.
Peppermint Extract – Brings a cool, refreshing holiday flavor that transforms these cookies into a festive favorite.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melt into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout each cookie for indulgent bites.
Crushed Candy Canes – Add crunch, color, and classic Christmas flair while reinforcing the peppermint flavor.

Pro Tips

Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling and ensure a smooth batter.
Whisk sugars thoroughly into the butter to help create shiny, crackled cookie tops.
Fold the dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies cakey instead of fudgy.
Remove cookies while centers still look slightly underbaked; residual heat will finish cooking them perfectly.
Chill the dough briefly if you prefer thicker cookies with a denser, brownie-like bite.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Make gluten-free brownie cookies by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Swap peppermint extract for orange or almond extract for a non-holiday flavor twist.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet cookie.
Add espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
Replace candy canes with crushed peppermint bark for extra chocolatey crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint Brownie Cookies shine on holiday dessert platters alongside sugar cookies, shortbread, and truffles. Serve them after easy dinner recipes like baked chicken, comfort food casseroles, or family comfort food classics. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or a simple glass of milk. For parties, stack them on a festive tray as easy party food ideas that disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are ideal for meal prep ideas during the busy holiday season. You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to three months. Bake frozen dough directly from the freezer by adding one to two minutes to the bake time.

Holiday Baking Inspiration

Chocolate and peppermint are a classic holiday pairing rooted in American Christmas baking traditions. Peppermint desserts gained popularity as candy canes became a seasonal staple, and pairing them with chocolate brownies or cookies is now a beloved holiday ritual. These Peppermint Brownie Cookies blend traditional flavors with modern cookie convenience, making them a must-have for festive gatherings and homemade gift boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to two days in advance, or baked cookies can be frozen for later use.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce sugar slightly or use dark chocolate for a less sweet version while keeping the rich texture.
Can I skip the peppermint?
Absolutely. Simply omit the peppermint extract and candy canes for classic brownie cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough or skipping chilling can cause extra spreading. Chilling helps cookies hold their shape.

Maya