Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies: A Perfect Holiday Treat
When the holiday season rolls around, nothing brings more joy than the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, offering the perfect balance of fudgy, chewy texture with a delightful peppermint twist. Whether you’re in the mood for easy things to bake Christmas, creating Christmas treats recipes for a party, or looking for peppermint baked goods to gift to friends and family, these cookies are the answer.
Packed with deep chocolate flavor and topped with a burst of mint, these cookies offer a delicious bite that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or just a cozy winter afternoon treat, Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies are sure to become a new Christmas favorite.
Why Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies Are the Perfect Holiday Treat
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint during the holidays. The rich, fudgy texture of brownie cookies paired with the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint makes for a truly decadent experience. These cookies are perfect for Christmas treats recipes baking because they strike a balance between indulgence and festive flavor.
Not only do they make a perfect addition to your homemade cookies Christmas collection, but they’re also easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these easy chocolate Christmas cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re making peppermint mocha brownie cookies for a cozy night in or gifting them as part of a holiday cookie box, these cookies are sure to impress.
What Are Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies Cookies?
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a hybrid dessert that combines the best parts of brownies and cookies. They are fudgy, chewy, and intensely chocolatey, thanks to rich cocoa powder and melted chocolate. The peppermint flavor adds a refreshing and festive touch, making these cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these chocolate and peppermint cookies have a dense, moist texture similar to that of brownies. The combination of chocolate fudge Christmas cookies and minty freshness creates a delicious contrast that is perfect for any holiday dessert table. They’re also easily customizable—add a sprinkling of crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients for These Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
To make these chewy chocolate peppermint cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped or in chips
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (optional for topping)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and minty freshness. If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract or sprinkle more candy cane pieces on top.
Essential Tools for Baking Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Before you start baking, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Spatula for scraping dough
- Small saucepan (for melting chocolate)
With these basic tools, you’ll be able to prepare these chocolate fudge Christmas cookies easily and efficiently.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies Step-by-Step
These peppermint chocolate cookies are simple to make. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time!
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
Step 4: Melt the chocolate
In a small saucepan, melt the semisweet chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the butter mixture.
Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
Step 6: Fold in extra ingredients
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, if using. These will add extra flavor and texture to your cookies.
Step 7: Shape and bake the cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, sprinkle a little more crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday cheer.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy these easy chocolate Christmas cookies!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
- Use good-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your cookies will taste. Use semisweet or bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies should remain soft in the center. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just starting to set and the center still looks slightly underbaked.
These small tips will help you create the perfect batch of chewy chocolate peppermint cookies every time.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Storing: After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. For long-term storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Peppermint baked goods like these are perfect for freezing, so you can bake in advance and have fresh cookies ready for every holiday gathering.
Creative Variations for Peppermint Baked Goods
While these peppermint chocolate cookies are delicious as is, you can make them even more exciting with these variations:
- Add a layer of ganache: After baking, top each cookie with a dollop of peppermint-infused chocolate ganache.
- Use flavored extracts: In addition to peppermint extract, try adding a drop of orange or almond extract for a unique twist.
- Double the mint: Add mint chocolate chips or mint-flavored candies to the dough for an extra minty kick.
These variations allow you to get creative with your peppermint baked goods and make them truly unique.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips for Easy Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Make-ahead tips:
- Prepare the dough: Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store them in a container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them onto a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes if baking from frozen.
- Pre-slice and freeze: Slice the dough into rounds, freeze them individually, and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.
These easy chocolate Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday meal prep, so you always have something sweet on hand.
Serving Ideas for Easy Things to Bake for Christmas
These peppermint mocha brownie cookies make the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Serve them alongside other Christmas bakery desserts like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint latte, perfect for sipping while you enjoy your cookies.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider setting up a cookie station with these chocolate and peppermint cookies, allowing guests to mix and match with other treats for a fun, interactive dessert experience.
For more holiday baking ideas, explore our Gingerbread Cookies for another timeless holiday favorite.
How to Present Peppermint Chocolate Cookies for Gifting
Peppermint chocolate cookies make wonderful gifts, and packaging them in a thoughtful way adds to their appeal. You can:
- Gift them in a festive tin or jar with a holiday ribbon.
- Stack them in a cookie box with a custom card for a personal touch.
- Include a few sprigs of rosemary or a decorative holiday tag for extra flair.
These Christmas cookies with cream cheese are the perfect addition to any holiday gift basket.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Not chilling the dough: If the dough is too warm, the cookies can spread too much. Chilling helps them hold their shape.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Baking too long: These cookies should remain soft and chewy. Remove them from the oven while they are still slightly underdone in the middle.
By avoiding these mistakes, your cookies will turn out soft, chewy, and full of that peppermint flavor everyone loves.
Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Serve these chocolate peppermint brownie cookies with:
- A hot cup of peppermint mocha
- A glass of spiced cider or ginger tea
- Vanilla ice cream topped with crushed candy canes
These pairings complement the rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions – Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, but the cookies will be sweeter and less rich. If you prefer milk chocolate, go ahead and substitute it.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts + Subscribe for More Christmas Treats Recipes
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them an ideal treat for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, enjoying them with family, or gifting them to friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe to our blog for more Christmas treats recipes and baking ideas to make your holidays even sweeter.
PrintChocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies – A Perfect Holiday Treat
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delicious holiday treat with a rich, fudgy texture and a festive peppermint twist. With a deep chocolate flavor and a refreshing minty finish, these cookies are perfect for any Christmas occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy holiday baking recipe, hosting a party, or sharing a batch of peppermint treats, these cookies will surely become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped or in chips
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (optional for topping)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
- Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the semisweet chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the butter mixture.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Fold in extra ingredients: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, if using. These will add extra flavor and texture to your cookies.
- Shape and bake the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, sprinkle a little more crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday cheer.
Notes
- Chill the dough if it’s too soft, for 20–30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
- Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cookies—they should remain soft in the center.
- For extra minty flavor, add mint chocolate chips or extra crushed candy canes.




