Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Fudgy, Festive, and Full of Holiday Cheer

Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Chef Josie

If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly captures the flavor of the holidays, these Peppermint Brownie Cookies are it. With rich chocolate flavor, chewy centers, and a refreshing peppermint crunch on top, they combine everything you love about brownies and Christmas desserts in one irresistible bite.

These cookies are soft, fudgy, and topped with crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Christmas dessert platters, or a cozy night in with hot cocoa, they’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy the classic chocolate-peppermint pairing.

Click to Access the Table of Contents:

Table of Contents

Print

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Brownie Cookies

• Rich and chewy: Deep chocolate flavor with soft, brownie-like centers.
• Festive topping: Crushed candy canes add color and crunch.
• Simple to make: One-bowl recipe, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for gifting: Beautiful and sturdy enough for cookie boxes.
• Holiday-approved: The perfect combination of chocolate and peppermint.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat in 20-second intervals until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Add sugars and eggs: Whisk in granulated and brown sugar, then eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
5. Scoop dough: Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake: Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
7. Top with candy canes: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over warm cookies.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Notes and Top Tips

• Don’t overbake! The cookies continue to set as they cool.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor.
• Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra decoration.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep the candy canes crisp.
• If desired, replace peppermint extract with vanilla for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the ultimate winter indulgence; perfect for cookie trays, dessert tables, or edible gifts.

Try these delicious twists:

• Double Chocolate Peppermint: Add white chocolate chips to the batter.
• Frosted Version: Top with peppermint buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
• Hot Cocoa Cookies: Add mini marshmallows and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Place in freezer-safe containers, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2 months.
• Freeze Dough: Scoop dough balls and freeze. Bake from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Peppermint Brownie Cookies bring together everything you crave in a Christmas treat: the deep chocolate flavor of a brownie, the soft chew of a perfect cookie, and the cool sweetness of peppermint. They’re rich, festive, and easy enough to make any night of the week.

Bake a batch for your next holiday gathering or as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors, they’ll disappear fast!

FAQs

1. Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies work just as well and add a similar festive crunch.

2. How do I make my cookies extra fudgy?
Use slightly less flour and avoid overmixing; this keeps the texture soft and brownie-like.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

4. Will the candy canes melt?
Some melting is normal, but they’ll set beautifully once the cookies cool.

For more delicious recipes follow me on :

Medium: @RecipesByJosie

Instagram: @RecipesByJosie

Pinterest: @RecipesByJosie