Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a holiday treat that combines the rich, dense texture of brownies with the festive zing of peppermint, then you absolutely have to try this Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a fudgy, almost gooey center wrapped in a crackly chocolate crust, perfectly balanced by a refreshing hint of mint and the joyful crunch of crushed candy canes on top. They’re the ultimate cozy indulgence for chilly days and will quickly become your go-to cookie for gifting or savoring by the fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe plays a vital role to bring out deep chocolate flavor, moistness, and that unmistakable peppermint charm. You’ll find the components simple, but together they create a cookie that feels both decadent and delightfully festive.

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate: Provides an intense, rich chocolate base that’s essential for fudginess.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps create the soft, tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Gives moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor.
• 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s glossy crackled top.
• 2 eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors while smoothing the edges of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The hero that brings that unmistakable peppermint punch.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies cakey.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor while keeping the fudgy texture intact.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder: Amplifies the chocolate depth without tasting like coffee.
• 3 candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 cup): Adds festive crunch and bursts of peppermint on top.

How to Make Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Start by finely chopping the bittersweet chocolate for even melting. Combine the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each to avoid burning. When smooth and silky, set this glossy mixture aside to cool slightly. This base creates the luscious fudgy core of your cookies.

Step 2: Whisk Sugars and Eggs

Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the room-temperature eggs with both the brown and white sugars on high speed until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and thick—this should take about three minutes. This aeration step lightens the batter while still holding onto moisture, key for that chewy brownie texture.

Step 3: Combine Chocolate with Egg Mixture

Switch the mixer to low speed, and slowly incorporate your cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the egg-sugar blend. Mix gently until everything is uniform and silky, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts to flood the dough with those warm and cool flavors dancing in harmony.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder all at once. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. The result should be a soft, rich dough packed with chocolate goodness that beckons you to dig in.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Quickly scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets using a standard cookie scoop, leaving about two inches between each mound to allow for gentle spreading. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the cookies have that signature crackled top while remaining gooey in the center. Don’t let the dough sit before scooping, as that glossy top is part of the magic!

Step 6: Add Candy Cane Crunch

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them generously with the crushed candy canes. The residual heat helps the candies stick and slightly melt, infusing each bite with peppermint bursts that make these cookies uniquely festive.

How to Serve Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of whimsy and flavor, consider dusting your cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. You can also drizzle some white chocolate over the top to contrast the dark brownie goodness while adding an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

A warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiced coffee pairs beautifully with these cookies, reinforcing the chocolate-mint vibes and enhancing your cozy moment. For a festive brunch, serve alongside a creamy mascarpone spread or vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your fudgy peppermint brownie cookies into holiday gifts by stacking them in a clear jar tied with twine and a sprig of fresh peppermint. For parties, arrange them on a platter with holly leaves and red berries to make a striking centerpiece that invites everyone to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for up to five days. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful tops and peppermint crunch.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When stored properly, they keep their fudgy texture and peppermint flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy just-baked warmth, gently reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a low oven for 3–5 minutes. This revives their gooey center and softens any hardened peppermint pieces, making every bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

You can swap in milk chocolate, but bittersweet is preferred for its balance of sweetness and deeper chocolate intensity, which perfectly complements the peppermint without making the cookies overly sweet.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract is unavailable, you can substitute with a little peppermint oil or omit it entirely for a classic fudgy brownie cookie. Adding extra crushed candy canes will still lend that signature holiday crunch and flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a certified gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but note the texture might vary slightly.

How do I get the glossy crackled top on these cookies?

The key is to bake the cookies immediately after mixing the dough and not let it sit. The combination of sugar and eggs, plus quick baking, creates that beautiful crackled, shiny surface that’s so characteristic of brownie cookies.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, you’ll need to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and use dairy-free chocolate. The texture may be a bit different, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about biting into these fudgy peppermint brownie cookies—warm chocolatey goodness mingled with bright peppermint that instantly brightens the day. This Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves holiday baking with a twist. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your seasonal obsession too!

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