Peppermint Brownie Cookies: How to Make Them Chewy

Have you ever wondered how to combine the richness of brownies with the festive flavor of peppermint in a single, chewy cookie? If so, you’re in for a treat! Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the perfect blend of fudgy brownies and refreshing peppermint, all wrapped up in a delightfully chewy cookie. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover the secrets to making them irresistibly chewy.

Overview

What makes this recipe special? Peppermint Brownie Cookies offer a unique twist on traditional brownies and cookies. They are rich, fudgy, and bursting with peppermint flavor, making them a perfect treat for the holidays or any time you crave something special. This recipe is easy to follow and requires about 45 minutes of your time, including preparation and baking. The difficulty level is beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to baking, you can create these delicious cookies with ease.

Essential Ingredients

To make the perfect Peppermint Brownie Cookies, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a chewy texture.
• Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds the signature peppermint taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies their chocolatey flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate goodness.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: Provides a festive crunch and peppermint flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Butter: You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt.
• Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
• Peppermint Extract: Adjust the amount to your taste. You can also use peppermint oil, but start with a smaller amount as it’s more concentrated.
• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create your Peppermint Brownie Cookies:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Candies: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This will ensure a chewy texture.
9. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembly

To assemble your Peppermint Brownie Cookies, simply follow the steps above. If you want to make them extra festive, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top. This not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the peppermint flavor.

Tips for Presentation

• Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly and look uniform.
• Decorative Touch: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a elegant finish.
• Serving: Serve your cookies on a decorative plate or tray for a lovely presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store your Peppermint Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Dough Preparation: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can actually enhance the flavor.
• Freezing Dough: You can also freeze the dough in portions. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Peppermint Brownie Cookies! Here are a few variations to try:

• Double Chocolate: Add extra chocolate chips or chunks for a double chocolate experience.
• White Chocolate Peppermint: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark or milk chocolate for a sweeter twist.
• Peppermint Mocha: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the dough for a mocha flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Conclusion

Peppermint Brownie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds—rich brownies and refreshing peppermint. With their chewy texture and burst of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for these cookies. If you must use margarine, opt for one with a high fat content.

Are these cookies suitable for vegans?

The recipe as written is not vegan, but you can make substitutions. Use a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” instead of regular eggs, and ensure your chocolate chips and peppermint candies are dairy-free.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar, use whole wheat flour, and add some chopped nuts for extra nutrition. However, keep in mind that these changes may affect the texture and taste.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place the candies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor.

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of peppermint extract?

Fresh peppermint leaves won’t provide the same intense flavor as peppermint extract. Stick with the extract for the best results.

Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful Peppermint Brownie Cookies!