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Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop
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Drop dough balls 2 inches apart
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Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top (press gently)
4️⃣ Bake
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Bake for 9–11 minutes
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Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center
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Edges set, centers soft and crackled
⚠️ Do NOT overbake — they firm up as they cool.
5️⃣ Cool
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Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes
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Transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Texture Secrets: Fudgy vs. Chewy
To get that perfect brownie-cookie texture, follow these tips:
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✔️ Use oil instead of butter for extra moisture
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✔️ Pull cookies out when centers look soft
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✔️ Let them cool — structure develops after baking
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✔️ Avoid over-mixing (keeps cookies tender)
Peppermint Extract: Less Is More
Peppermint extract is powerful. Too much can overpower the chocolate.
Golden rule:
➡️ 1 teaspoon is perfect
➡️ Never exceed 1¼ teaspoons
If you want stronger mint flavor, add peppermint baking bits instead of extra extract.
Optional Variations to Try
🎄 White Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cookies
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Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips
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Drizzle melted white chocolate on top after baking
🍫 Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
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Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
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Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chips
❄️ Snowy Peppermint Cookies
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Skip candy canes
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Dust with powdered sugar after cooling
🌱 Gluten-Free Version
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Use a gluten-free brownie mix
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Confirm candy canes are gluten-free
How to Store Peppermint Brownie Cookies
Room Temperature
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Store in airtight container
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Keeps fresh for 4–5 days
Refrigeration
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Not recommended (can dry them out)
Freezing
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Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months
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Freeze dough balls for easy holiday baking
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Bake directly from frozen (+1 minute bake time)
Make-Ahead Holiday Baking Tip 🎁
Bake a double batch, freeze half, and pull them out when unexpected guests arrive or when you need a last-minute dessert. These cookies reheat beautifully and taste bakery-fresh.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
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Add to Christmas cookie platters
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Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
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Stack in clear gift bags with ribbon
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Pair with vanilla ice cream for brownie cookie sundaes
They’re festive, elegant, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate per cookie)
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Calories: ~140
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugar: 14g
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Protein: 2g
(Exact values depend on brand of brownie mix used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes! Use ¼ cup melted butter for richer flavor, but cookies may be slightly firmer.
❓ Why did my cookies spread too much?
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Dough was too warm
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Too much oil
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Baking sheet not lined
➡️ Chill dough 15 minutes if needed.
❓ Can I skip candy canes?
Absolutely. Use peppermint chips or leave them plain.
❓ Can kids help make these?
Yes! This is a great kid-friendly recipe — simple mixing and scooping.
Final Thoughts: A Holiday Cookie Worth Repeating
These Peppermint Brownie Cookies are the definition of easy holiday magic. They deliver big flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for:
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🎄 Christmas baking
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🎁 Cookie exchanges
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☕ Cozy winter nights
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🍪 Chocolate-mint lovers
Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your holiday recipe box.
