Few things say holiday baking season quite like the irresistible combination of deep chocolate and cool peppermint. These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are everything you want in a festive dessert: rich, fudgy centers, slightly chewy edges, crackled tops, and that unmistakable chocolate-mint flavor that feels like Christmas in every bite.
Made with a simple boxed brownie mix and just a handful of pantry ingredients, this recipe is perfect whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. It’s quick enough for busy December days, impressive enough for cookie exchanges, and indulgent enough to become a yearly tradition.
In this full 1500-word SEO-optimized recipe article, you’ll find:
-
Step-by-step instructions
-
Pro baking tips for perfect texture
-
Storage & freezing advice
-
Variations and substitutions
-
Holiday serving ideas
-
FAQs for flawless results
Let’s dive in 🎄
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Brownie Cookies
These cookies strike the perfect balance between brownies and cookies, giving you the best of both worlds.
Key reasons to love them:
-
✔️ Made with boxed brownie mix (easy + reliable)
-
✔️ Fudgy, moist centers with chewy edges
-
✔️ Perfect chocolate-peppermint balance
-
✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes
-
✔️ Ideal for Christmas cookie trays & gifting
If you love brownies but want something handheld and festive, this recipe was made for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
-
1 box brownie mix (18–19 oz, family size works best)
-
2 large eggs
-
¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
-
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (do not overdo!)
-
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
-
½ cup crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint baking bits
Optional Toppings
-
Extra crushed candy canes
-
White chocolate drizzle
-
Powdered sugar dusting
Why Use Boxed Brownie Mix?
Using a boxed brownie mix is not “cheating” — it’s smart baking.
Benefits include:
-
Consistent chocolate flavor
-
Perfect cocoa-to-sugar ratio
-
Foolproof fudgy texture
-
Saves time and reduces ingredients
This shortcut allows you to focus on flavor upgrades, like peppermint extract and festive toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
-
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large bowl:
-
Add brownie mix
-
Stir in eggs and oil
-
Add peppermint extract
-
Fold in chocolate chips
The dough will be thick and sticky, more like brownie batter than cookie dough — that’s exactly what you want.
