If you adore the rich decadence of brownies but crave the ease and fun of cookies, you are going to fall head over heels for the Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the fudgy texture and deep cocoa flavor of a brownie with a refreshing burst of peppermint, all wrapped up in a delightful, frosted treat perfect for any occasion. They’re utterly addictive, easy to whip up, and that creamy peppermint frosting takes them from everyday sweet to holiday showstopper or charming gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe is deceptively simple with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role—flour and cocoa blending for that perfect bite, sugars adding sweetness and depth, while peppermint extract and a luscious frosting bring that signature festive flair.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure that keeps your cookies chewy yet tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor with a luscious dark color.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel note for richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses buttery flavor and makes the dough easy to mix.
- Large eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Peppermint extract: Injects that refreshing, cool burst that makes this recipe truly unique.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky, sweet frosting for the perfect finishing touch.
- Milk: Thins the frosting to a creamy consistency that spreads effortlessly.
How to Make Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also helps your cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Adding the two eggs one at a time helps the mixture emulsify properly, leading to perfectly tender cookies. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts last to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This uniform dry mix ensures that every bite has an even chocolate flavor and balanced sweetness. Gradually fold this into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep your cookies wonderfully soft and fudgy.
Step 4: Scooping and Baking the Cookies
Drop generous spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet with about two inches of space between each. That spacing gives them room to spread without merging. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set but the centers still feel soft—this is key for maintaining their chewy brownie-like center.
Step 5: Preparing the Frosting and Cooling the Cookies
While the cookies cool on a wire rack, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and creamy. This simple frosting balances the deep chocolate and bright peppermint flavors, adding an irresistible sweet finish. Don’t be shy about spreading it thickly—the frosting is half the fun!
Step 6: Frosting and Optional Finishing Touch
Spread the frosting generously onto each cooled cookie. For an extra festive touch and crunch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. This adds both color and that classic holiday flare that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste these gems.
How to Serve Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or finely chopped candy canes elevates the holiday spirit and adds delightful texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder or edible silver glitter can create an elegant look perfect for special celebrations.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat combo. They’re also superb alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to boost their dessert status.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or holly leaves for a stunning centerpiece. You can also stack them in a decorative jar with layers of crushed peppermint for gifting or party giveaways that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration will extend their lifespan but may slightly firm up the frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls for up to 2 months by placing them on a tray, freezing solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For frosted cookies, freeze them on a tray until firm, then wrap individually to preserve freshness and frosting quality.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact and the cookie tender.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Peppermint oil is much stronger than extract, so if you use it, start with only a few drops and taste the batter. It’s easy to overpower the cookies, so adjust carefully to maintain that perfect peppermint balance.
What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?
You can substitute light brown sugar with an equal amount of white granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of molasses for every ½ cup. This combination closely mimics the moisture and flavor brown sugar provides.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The original Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make a gluten-friendly version without sacrificing taste.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free, but double-check that your cocoa powder and extracts are processed in nut-free facilities if allergies are a concern.
How do I get the frosting just right?
The frosting should be thick but spreadable—think creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time; if too thin, sprinkle in a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the perfect consistency for spreading without sliding off.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. The chewy chocolate base paired with a creamy peppermint frosting creates a flavor combo that’s irresistible and pure joy to bake and share. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to become your go-to festive treat. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and festive Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies, combining the fudgy texture of brownies with the soft bite of cookies. Enhanced with peppermint extract and topped with a smooth, sweet frosting, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a minty chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- Optional: crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Then mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about two inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fudgy.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, which will help the frosting adhere and prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, mix powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy to create a simple frosting.
- Frost and Decorate: Generously spread the frosting over each cooled cookie, and if desired, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for added texture and festive flair.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra ½ tsp of peppermint extract to the dough or frosting.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better batter consistency.
- You can store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If crushed peppermint candies are not available, mini chocolate chips or colored sprinkles can be used as alternatives.
