Quick Overview

If you’re searching for a delightful treat this holiday season, look no further than these Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies. They combine the rich taste of chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint, offering a perfect balance that will satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate chocolate peppermint experience!

Ingredient Breakdown

Chocolate

Chocolate is the star of these cookies. Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich and decadent flavor. About 1 cup (170g) will provide the chocolatey base that makes these cookies irresistible.

Unsalted Butter

Unsalted butter adds moisture and richness to the cookie dough. You’ll need 1/2 cup (115g) melted butter to ensure a chewy texture while maintaining the perfect balance of sweetness.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and helps create that lovely crispy edge on the brownie cookies. Use 1 cup (200g) for optimal sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the cookie dough because of its molasses content. Using 1/2 cup (100g) will give your cookies a nice chewiness and enhance their overall taste.

Eggs

Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, creating structure within the cookie while adding richness. Incorporate 2 large eggs at room temperature to achieve the best results.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour provides structure to your cookies while allowing them to remain soft in the center. Use 3/4 cup (90g), which will create that perfect brownie-like texture.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor in your cookies. Using 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder ensures you get that deep, rich taste without added sweetness.

Peppermint Extract

Peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature flavor. Just 1 teaspoon will infuse each bite with that refreshing minty essence we all love during the holidays.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps your cookies rise slightly while keeping them soft and chewy inside. Use 1/2 teaspoon for optimal results without affecting flavor.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances all flavors present in these cookies, balancing out sweetness and bringing out the richness of the chocolate. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for best results.

Step By Step Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Start by melting your chopped chocolate and unsalted butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Heat gently until smooth, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This step creates a rich base for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar with the melted chocolate mixture. Stir well until fully blended; this should take about two minutes. The sugars should dissolve into the warm mixture, creating a glossy finish.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Next, add two large eggs one at a time into your mixture, whisking vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. This process introduces air into your batter, giving it lightness while ensuring everything combines smoothly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix! A few flour streaks are okay; they will disappear during baking.

Step 5: Add Peppermint Extract

Gently fold in one teaspoon of peppermint extract into your cookie dough until evenly distributed. This step is crucial as it infuses each bite with that refreshing minty flavor that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough which prevents spreading during baking while promoting chewy texture.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While waiting for your cookie dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing ahead ensures even baking once you’re ready to scoop out those delicious cookie balls!

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Scoop heaping tablespoons of chilled cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets spacing them about two inches apart; they will spread slightly while baking! Bake for approximately ten minutes or until edges look set but centers remain soft—don’t overbake!

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely—this cooling period gives them time to firm up without becoming hard!

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Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestion

Serve these Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies warm alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat! Consider sprinkling some crushed candy canes on top before serving for an extra festive touch!

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—if they last that long! For longer storage options, freeze individual cookies between layers of parchment paper within an airtight container; they can last up to three months frozen!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the cookie dough. When you overmix, you develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Another mistake is using cold butter straight from the fridge. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and a dense texture. Instead, use softened butter at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.

Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your batch of Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision or leveled measuring cups to ensure you add the right amount of flour, cocoa powder, and sugar.

Using old or expired baking soda can affect your cookies’ rise. Always check the expiration date on your leavening agents before starting your baking project to achieve perfect results.

Lastly, skipping parchment paper or a silicone mat can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets to ensure easy removal of your cookies and maintain their beautiful shape.

Tips and tricks

When making Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies, one effective tip is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps solidify the fats in the dough, which can prevent spreading during baking and result in thicker cookies. This also allows flavors to meld together nicely, enhancing the overall taste of your cookies.

Another useful trick is to use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. The type of cocoa powder significantly impacts your cookies’ taste; Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother flavor profile, while natural cocoa tends to be more acidic and can add brightness. Experiment with different brands until you find one that you love.

Consider adding chunks of dark chocolate or peppermint bark into your cookie dough for extra indulgence. This not only enhances texture but also amplifies the chocolatey flavor with delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout each cookie.

Don’t forget about the importance of letting your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly so they don’t break apart when moved. Patience here will lead to perfect-looking cookies!

Finally, when decorating with crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles, do it while the cookies are still warm from the oven. The heat helps these toppings adhere better, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor and festive cheer.

Suggestions for Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies

For an exciting twist on traditional flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder into your cookie dough. Espresso complements chocolate beautifully, intensifying its richness without altering the taste noticeably.

Another suggestion is substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for added moisture and nutty flavor. This variation creates a unique texture that pairs wonderfully with peppermint flavors while keeping it gluten-friendly if needed.

If you’re looking for a fun presentation, try shaping your cookie dough into holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters instead of traditional rounds. This technique not only adds creativity but also makes serving simple during festive gatherings.

Pairing these cookies with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa will take your dessert experience up a notch! The creamy beverages balance out sweetness while enhancing flavors.

Lastly, consider packaging these cookies as homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions. Beautifully wrapped treats make thoughtful presents that friends and family will appreciate during festive times.

FAQs

What makes Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies different from regular brownies?

Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies feature a delightful combination of brownie-like texture and peppermint flavor that sets them apart from classic brownies. While traditional brownies are baked in a pan and cut into squares, these cookies retain that fudgy texture in individual portions perfect for sharing or gifting!

Can I use other types of mint instead of peppermint?

Yes! While peppermint is popular due to its strong minty flavor, you can substitute it with spearmint if you prefer something milder and sweeter. Just remember that using fresh mint will alter both flavor strength and texture compared to extracts or oils commonly used in recipes.

How should I store leftover Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies?

To keep your remaining cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like them to last even longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll stay fresh for up to three months!

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This not only saves time but also allows flavors to develop further, resulting in tastier cookies once baked!

Is there a vegan version available for this recipe?

Yes! To create vegan Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as binding agents. Additionally, swap dairy butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives while choosing plant-based chocolate options as well.

Are there gluten-free options for these cookies?

Definitely! You can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed specifically for baking purposes while ensuring other ingredients like chocolate chips are also free from gluten contamination—this way everyone can enjoy these delicious treats!

Summary

In summary, creating delicious Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies requires attention to detail while avoiding common mistakes like overmixing or using cold butter. Implementing helpful tips such as chilling dough enhances texture without sacrificing flavor quality! Consider unique suggestions like incorporating espresso powder or trying new shapes for added fun when serving friends and family during special occasions—all while remembering proper storage methods ensure enjoyment long after they’re baked!