Rich chocolate flavor meets cool peppermint crunch

Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: ultra-fudgy brownies and soft, crackle-topped cookies. With deep chocolate flavor, chewy centers, and a refreshing hint of peppermint, these cookies are a holiday baking essential that consistently disappears first from cookie trays.

What sets these cookies apart is their texture. They look like classic bakery brownie cookies with shiny, crackled tops, but the interior stays dense and fudgy rather than cakey. The addition of peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies adds seasonal flair without overpowering the chocolate.

These cookies are especially popular during Christmas and winter holidays, but their flavor combination works any time chocolate and mint cravings strike. They’re elegant enough for gifting, sturdy enough for shipping, and indulgent enough for dessert tables and parties.

Why Brownie Cookies Are So Popular

Brownie cookies deliver the best of both worlds: the deep cocoa intensity of brownies and the convenience of cookies. They don’t require slicing, chill quickly, and bake faster than traditional brownies.

The crackled tops come from whipping sugar and eggs together before incorporating melted chocolate, creating a thin, glossy crust as the cookies bake. This technique produces bakery-style results without complicated steps.

Peppermint elevates the experience, adding contrast and freshness that cuts through the richness of chocolate. It’s a flavor combination that feels nostalgic, festive, and indulgent all at once.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
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 unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup chocolate chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a heat-safe bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate together until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Whip Eggs and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until pale and thick.
Add Flavorings
Mix in vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Chocolate Mixture
Slowly pour melted chocolate into the egg mixture, mixing gently until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold into the batter just until combined.
Fold in Mix-Ins
Stir in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
Chill the Dough
Refrigerate dough for 20–30 minutes to help cookies hold their shape.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crackled and set on edges.
Cool
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Fudgy Cookies

Do not overbake: The centers should look slightly underdone when removed.
Measure peppermint extract carefully: Too much can overpower the chocolate.
Chill briefly: This prevents excessive spreading.
Use quality chocolate: It directly impacts flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decorative drizzle once cookies cool.
Double Mint: Add peppermint chips for extra mint flavor.
Espresso Boost: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint Brownie Cookies pair beautifully with:

Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
Coffee or espresso
Vanilla ice cream
Holiday dessert platters

Storage and Gifting

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. These cookies ship well, making them ideal for holiday gifting.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe uses classic brownie techniques—whipped eggs, melted chocolate, minimal flour—to achieve rich texture. Peppermint is added sparingly to enhance, not dominate. The result is a cookie that feels decadent, festive, and bakery-quality every time.