Decadent Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide

Welcome, fellow baking enthusiasts, to the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas Week! This joyous, multi-blogger event, co-hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen from Juanita’s Cocina, is a week-long celebration of all things festive and delicious. Each day, we’re bringing you an array of Christmas-themed treats that are sure to spread holiday cheer, alongside fantastic Christmas giveaways. The festivities run all week until Saturday, December 14th. I’ll personally be sharing my holiday delights today through Thursday, so make sure to check out all the participating blogs throughout the week (hint: you’ll find participants and giveaway details listed at the bottom of each post).

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies

To kick things off, I’m thrilled to present a recipe that combines several of my absolute favorite holiday flavors into one glorious treat: Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies. There’s just something magical about this season that makes peppermint mocha irresistible, isn’t there? It’s truly the time for those iconic red cups from your favorite coffee chain. While you might technically be able to find peppermint mochas year-round, they simply don’t taste the same when it’s 90 degrees in June. The cool, refreshing bite of peppermint paired with rich chocolate and a hint of coffee is quintessentially December, evoking cozy nights and festive gatherings.

I initially considered making these into cupcakes, but ultimately, the charm and versatility of brownie cookies won me over. Not only do these delightful cookies boast the fudgy, chewy texture of a perfect brownie, but they also offer the convenience and portability of a cookie. This makes them incredibly versatile: they’re ideal for mailing to loved ones far away (a personal favorite gifting method!), perfect for adorning your holiday cookie trays, or simply serving alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly evening. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that feels like a brownie and tastes exactly like the holidays have arrived.

The Genius of the Brownie Cookie Hybrid

Whoever first thought to merge the decadent richness of a brownie with the convenient shape of a cookie was an absolute genius in the culinary world. This hybrid dessert offers the best of both worlds: a rich, dense, and chewy interior that melts in your mouth, encased in a neat, portable cookie form. The sheer deliciousness of these cookies meant I literally couldn’t stop eating them. To save myself from devouring the entire dozen in a single day, I quickly packed them up and mailed them off to a friend. Trust me, when it comes to brownies, cookies, or any dessert I create, my self-control goes out the window. That’s precisely why a significant portion of my baked goods ends up at work – otherwise, I’d undoubtedly be living in perpetually oversized pants!

Mastering the Peppermint Extract: A Key to Flavor Perfection

When working with extracts, it’s crucial to understand their potency. Peppermint extract, in particular, is significantly stronger than vanilla extract. This is why I cannot stress enough the importance of measuring it accurately. I say this from experience, as I tend to be quite liberal with vanilla when I’m not testing a new recipe; I’ve used it so often that I can pretty reliably guesstimate a teaspoon. However, peppermint extract is an entirely different beast! Pour even a tiny bit too much, and its intense flavor can quickly overpower your entire dessert, turning a delightful treat into something resembling toothpaste. Therefore, precise measurement is your best friend here.

For those who might find peppermint a “love it or hate it” flavor, or perhaps you’re simply looking for a year-round chocolate cookie with a rich, fudgy texture, these cookies are incredibly adaptable. If you wish to make them without the peppermint, simply substitute the 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will give you a wonderfully rich and chewy chocolate brownie cookie that’s perfect any time of year.

Choosing Your Festive Toppings: Sprinkles vs. Crushed Candy Canes

You’ll notice in my photos that I opted for festive, candy cane-shaped sprinkles rather than traditional crushed candy canes. This choice primarily comes down to personal preference for texture. I’m not a big fan of hard candy; while I can tolerate eating a candy cane now and then, the soft crunch of sprinkles is far more appealing to my palate. They provide a delightful pop of color and a subtle textural contrast without the extreme hardness that crushed candy canes can bring to a baked good.

I wasn’t initially sure how popular these specific candy cane-shaped sprinkles would be, but they certainly caught attention! I found them at a local farm stand, but for those of you eager to get your hands on them, I’ve since discovered you can order them online. This is what I have. However, feel absolutely free to use your favorite Christmas sprinkles or even finely crushed candy canes if you prefer that crisp, minty crunch. The beauty of holiday baking is making it your own, so choose whatever makes your cookies look and taste the most festive to you!

The Perfect Holiday Treat: Versatility and Charm

These Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies are more than just a delicious dessert; they are incredibly versatile and perfect for any holiday occasion. Thinking of gifting? Their sturdy yet tender structure makes them ideal for shipping to friends and family across distances. Pack them in cute tins or festive cellophane bags, and you’ve got a homemade gift that truly speaks volumes. Planning a holiday party? Arrange them on a platter for a stunning dessert display that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Or perhaps you’re simply looking for a cozy treat to enjoy at home. These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of milk, making them the ultimate indulgence for a quiet evening by the fire.

Beyond their delicious taste and festive appearance, these cookies are a joy to bake. The aroma of chocolate and peppermint filling your home is an instant mood booster, signaling the arrival of the holiday season. They are relatively straightforward to make, making them suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the satisfaction of dipping each cookie in melted chocolate and adorning it with colorful sprinkles is a small, delightful ritual that adds to the magic of holiday baking.

Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies

Yield:
1 dozen

These sinful peppermint mocha brownie cookies, dipped in luscious chocolate, are so incredibly delicious, they’ll vanish faster than you can exclaim “Merry Christmas!” Perfect for your holiday cookie platters, gifting, or simply indulging in the festive spirit.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (for dipping)
• Crushed candy canes or sprinkles (for decorating)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (creating a double boiler), melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth and fully combined. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the egg, granulated sugar, and peppermint extract until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, usually taking about 5-8 minutes. This step incorporates air and creates a light texture. Gradually beat in the melted chocolate mixture until well combined, then slowly add the reserved flour mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Drop the batter by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced two inches apart. The batter may appear somewhat loose initially but will firm up as it sits. Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops exhibit beautiful cracks. The cookies will puff slightly during baking but will gracefully deflate as they cool, retaining their fudgy brownie-like texture. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 4 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once the cookies are completely cool, prepare the dipping chocolate. In another heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the semisweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat. Dip one half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off, then immediately cover the chocolate-dipped portion with crushed candy canes or your chosen sprinkles. Place the decorated cookies on parchment paper or a wire rack and allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

Did you make this festive recipe?

We’d absolutely love to hear from you! Let us know what you think by rating the recipe above. Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your experience, and don’t forget to share a photo of your magnificent Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies on Instagram using the hashtag #HITKrecipes. Your culinary creations inspire us!

This irresistible recipe has been adapted from the wonderful Love and Olive Oil, a testament to how great recipes can inspire new, festive creations.

More Festive Treats to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these Peppermint Mocha Brownie Cookies and are looking for more holiday baking inspiration, you’re in luck! Here are a few other delightful festive recipes from my kitchen that you might also enjoy:

• Candy Cane Kiss Brownies: A chewy brownie base topped with a festive candy cane Kiss for a perfect minty twist.
• No Bake Fudgy Peppermint Cathedral Cookies: For those days when you need a quick yet impressive treat, these no-bake beauties deliver rich chocolate and cool peppermint without turning on the oven.
• Peppermint Rice Crispy Treats: A classic comfort food gets a holiday makeover with the refreshing addition of peppermint – simple, fun, and utterly addictive.

Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy, warmth, and an abundance of delicious homemade treats!