Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies Recipe for Festive Treats

Why You’ll Love This Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Imagine a holiday treat that combines the rich, chewy texture of brownies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, all topped with creamy frosting. These frosted peppermint brownie cookies are perfect for turning any gathering into a festive event, and they’re easy enough for anyone to whip up at home. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dessert or a baking enthusiast experimenting with new flavors, this recipe fits the bill with its simple steps and delicious results.

One of the best things about these frosted peppermint brownie cookies is how straightforward they are to make. You only need basic ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, and the process takes less than an hour from start to finish once the dough is ready. Plus, they offer a fun twist on traditional cookies, making them a hit at parties or as gifts during the holidays.

To make these treats even more appealing, consider their adaptability. You can tweak the recipe to suit different dietary needs, like using vegan swaps or gluten-free options, while keeping that signature fudgy bite. These frosted peppermint brownie cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of joy to every bite, making them a go-to choice for festive occasions.

Key Benefits and Features

• Easy preparation means you can bake a batch in under an hour, ideal for busy schedules.
• They incorporate wholesome elements like chocolate and peppermint, which add natural flavors without overwhelming additives.
• Versatile options allow customization, such as making them dairy-free or low-sugar, to fit various lifestyles.
• The unique blend of brownie-like texture and minty frosting creates a standout taste that everyone will enjoy.

For more ideas on baking simple yet impressive treats, check out our delicious apple spice muffins recipe on the blog.

Essential Ingredients for Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful frosted peppermint brownie cookies. Each item plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and cool peppermint flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need to get started, ensuring your baking session goes smoothly.

Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference, so choose high-quality options when possible. This will help your cookies turn out moist and flavorful every time. Below is a complete list based on the recipe, formatted clearly for easy shopping and measuring.

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, diced
• 1 cup (6 oz) good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 1/4 cups (175g) flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2/3 cup packed (148g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• Crushed peppermint candy canes for topping (quantity not specified, use as needed for garnish)

This structured list covers everything required for the recipe, making it simple to follow along. For those interested in exploring more baking basics, our guide on easy homemade jam offers great tips on ingredient prep.

How to Prepare the Perfect Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these frosted peppermint brownie cookies. This guide walks you through each step, from melting chocolate to frosting the final treats. Follow along, and you’ll end up with cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of holiday spirit.

Start by setting up your workspace to keep things organized. This recipe involves a bit of melting and mixing, so having all tools handy makes the process fun and efficient. The total time, including prep and chilling, is about 50 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick baking project.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Melt the 1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, and 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool for 25-30 minutes to ensure it’s not too hot for the next steps.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups (175g) flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside to keep the dry ingredients ready for mixing.
3. Using an electric hand mixer at medium-high speed, whip the 2 eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 2/3 cup packed (148g) light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Then mix in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp peppermint extract before adding the cooled chocolate mixture.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Cover and chill the dough for about 45 minutes until partially set. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 10 minutes of chilling to save time.
5. Scoop 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, shape into balls, and place on parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart for even baking.
6. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the cookies look slightly underbaked. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. To make the frosting, whip the 4 oz cream cheese and 4 tablespoons butter until pale and fluffy, then add the 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, and mix until light and creamy.
8. Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive finish.

These steps ensure your cookies turn out just right, with that fudgy center everyone loves. For more on baking techniques, you might enjoy our apple spice crumb muffins recipe.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

One of the great things about frosted peppermint brownie cookies is how easy it is to adapt them for different needs. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or looking for a vegan option, small changes can make a big difference without losing that delicious taste. Let’s explore some simple swaps to make these cookies work for you.

For instance, if you’re vegan, swapping out animal-based ingredients keeps the texture soft and enjoyable. Always test a small batch first to see how changes affect the final product. This flexibility makes frosted peppermint brownie cookies a favorite for various diets.

• Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan bind that holds everything together.
• Use almond or oat flour as a gluten-free flour alternative to maintain the chewy texture.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for dairy-free needs that still add moisture.
• Incorporate unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture and to cut down on fat without altering flavor much.
• Experiment with different extracts like spearmint for a fresh twist on the classic peppermint taste.
• Use natural sweeteners such as maple syrup to adjust sweetness levels for a healthier option.

Mastering Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can elevate your frosted peppermint brownie cookies with some pro techniques. Chilling the dough, for example, helps prevent it from spreading too much, leading to thicker, more satisfying cookies. These tips can turn your baking from good to great.

Adding flavors like crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips brings a fun twist. Presentation matters too, so think about how you serve them. You could make ahead and freeze portions for later, keeping things fresh and ready for any occasion.

Remember, baking is all about enjoying the process, so have fun experimenting with these variations to make the recipe your own.

How to Store Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies: Best Practices

Keeping your frosted peppermint brownie cookies fresh is key to enjoying them later. Proper storage helps maintain that soft center and creamy topping, so let’s cover the basics. Whether you’re refrigerating or freezing, these methods keep your treats tasting great.

For short-term needs, an airtight container works wonders. If you’re planning ahead, freezing is a smart choice. Always let them thaw properly to preserve the texture and flavor you worked hard to achieve.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

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🍪 Delight in the rich, fudgy texture of these Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies, perfect for festive occasions.
❄️ The refreshing peppermint cream cheese frosting adds a cool, seasonal twist to classic brownie flavors.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

– 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, diced

– 1 cup (6 oz) good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, roughly chopped

– 1 1/4 cups (175g) flour (scoop and level to measure)

– 1/2 tsp baking powder

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 2 eggs

– 1 large egg yolk

– 2/3 cup packed (148g) light brown sugar

– 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

– 4 oz cream cheese, softened

– 4 tablespoons butter, softened

– 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

– 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

– Crushed peppermint candy canes for topping

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Instructions

1- Melt the 1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, and 1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool for 25-30 minutes to ensure it’s not too hot for the next steps.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups (175g) flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside to keep the dry ingredients ready for mixing.

3- Using an electric hand mixer at medium-high speed, whip the 2 eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 2/3 cup packed (148g) light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Then mix in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp peppermint extract before adding the cooled chocolate mixture.

4- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Cover and chill the dough for about 45 minutes until partially set. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 10 minutes of chilling to save time.

5- Scoop 2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, shape into balls, and place on parchment or Silpat-lined baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart for even baking.

6- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the cookies look slightly underbaked. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

7- To make the frosting, whip the 4 oz cream cheese and 4 tablespoons butter until pale and fluffy, then add the 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, and mix until light and creamy.

8- Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive finish.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍫 Use real melted chocolate to keep cookies moist and fudgy.
🥄 Whip eggs and sugar well to achieve fluffy texture.
❄️ Chill dough to reduce spreading and make shaping easier.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 74 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg