These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Brookies are the perfect holiday treat. This brookie recipe combines the best qualities of brownies and chocolate chip cookies with festive peppermint flavors. Crushed candy pieces complete the profile of these holiday-inspired cookie bars!
When you cannot decide between a cookie or a brownie, brookies are always the answer. Adding a little peppermint extract and candy cane pieces to the mix makes these cookie bars the perfect holiday treat.
These peppermint chocolate chip brookies are festive and gosh darn delicious! They would be the perfect addition to your holiday cookie list. Everything about them screams holiday. I hope you love them as much as we do!
If you're looking for more holiday-friendly cookie recipes check out 5 Cookie Recipes to Start Holiday Baking.
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Why You Will Love This Cookie Bar Recipe
- These cookie bars are the best of both worlds - brownie AND cookie.
- This recipe is perfect for the holiday season thanks to the peppermint extract and candy cane pieces.
- This peppermint chocolate chip brookies recipe is fun to make and DELICIOUS!
- The finished brookies look impressive making them a perfect homemade gift.
What are Brookies?
Brookies are a delicious blend of brownies and chocolate chip cookies. They're the best of both worlds. This brookie recipe puts a little holiday spin on the hybrid treat with the addition of peppermint extract and candy cane pieces. When the craving hits for something sweet, it's hard to decide between a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie. Why not both?
Ingredients and Substitutions
This brookie recipe has two components: the Brownie Batter and the Cookie Dough.
- Unsalted Butter - Melted (for the brownies) & Softened (for the cookie dough)
- Avocado Oil - Or canola oil.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar
- Eggs - Room temperature.
- Extracts - Pure vanilla & pure peppermint extracts.
- Dry Ingredients - All-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Crushed Candy Canes - Can be crushed by hand in a zip-top bag or in the Food Processor.
*Note: This brownie recipe is almost the same as my Fudgy Double Chocolate Walnut Brownies minus the walnuts and chocolate chips.
Steps for Making Brookies (from scratch)
- The brookies are made in a greased 8-by-8-inch baking pan lined with parchment.
- Bake at 350° F.
- Make the Brownie Batter first.
- Then, make the Cookie Dough. A ¼ cup of candy cane pieces is folded into the dough.
- Once the batter and dough have been made, it is time for assembly.
Brookie Assembly
STEP 1 - Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out handfuls of the cookie dough and press into various areas of the bottom of the prepared baking pan. *Tip: You can use a square of wax paper to press the cookie dough in. Use half of the cookie dough for this layer. Pour the brownie batter over this layer, and smooth until even (covering the first cookie dough layer).
STEP 2 - Again, using your hands or a spoon, scoop out handfuls of the remaining half of the cookie dough and press into the brownie layer. Try to gently press into the batter to achieve a mostly even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of crushed candy canes, gently press them into the dough.
STEP 3 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brookies to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Equipment You May Need
- USA Pan Bakeware 8x8-inch Square Baking Pan - This is the baking pan that I have, and I use it regularly. It has a nonstick and quick-release coating, which is perfect for all baked goods from cake to cookie bars.
- Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor - For a simplified process, use a food processor for crushing the candy canes (it will be loud). Otherwise, double bag two zip-top bags. Fill the interior bad with the candy canes and smash with a rolling pin or the bottom of a bowl.
- Kitchen Aid Standing Mixer - Once you invest in a standing mixer, it will stick with you for years and years.
- Black and Decker Handheld Mixer - It is always a good idea to have a handheld mixer on hand. I love my Black and Decker!
Tips for Success
When crushing the candy canes, it really does speed the process to use a food processor. However, it can be satisfying to crush them by hand. Keep in mind the candy crumbs are sticky.
As stated above, use a small sheet of wax paper to press the cookie dough in. The dough will not stick to the wax paper making the process much easier.
It may go without saying but melt the butter in the microwave when making the brownie component. It is much easier and quicker than melting on the stovetop.
Storing & Freezing
- STORAGE - Store cooled brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a longer shelf life store the cookie bars in the refrigerator.
- FREEZE - Wrap the brookies in plastic wrap before placing them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQ
You can use a boxed brownie mix if you'd like. Follow the instructions on the box and add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Proceed by making the cookie dough and follow instructions for assembly.
Because of the candy cane pieces in the dough, I would advise against this. I strongly suggest making it from scratch. The buttery homemade version is so much better!
Yes! If you would like to make these peppermint cookie bars outside of the holiday season, you can omit the peppermint extract and candy cane pieces for a classic brookie recipe.
Related Recipes
📖 Recipe
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Brookies
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease and line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment, set aside.
- For the Brownie Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together butter, avocado oil, and sugar. Whisk well for 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Whisk for an additional 2 minutes, until light in color.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg butter mixture, until just combined. Set aside.
- For the Cookie Dough: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mix until incorporated. Add the flour mixture, mixing only until incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips and the ¼ cup of candy cane pieces.
Assembly:
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out handfuls of the cookie dough and press into various areas of the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use half of the cookie dough for this layer. Pour the brownie batter over this layer, and smooth until even (covering the first cookie dough layer.)
- Again, using your hands or a spoon, scoop out handfuls of the remaining half of the cookie dough and press into the brownie layer. Try to gently press into the batter to achieve a mostly even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of crushed candy canes.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brookies to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- STORAGE - Store cooled brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a longer shelf life store the cookie bars in the refrigerator.
- FREEZE - Wrap the brookies in plastic wrap before placing them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review below!
ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!
somekindofwonderful91
These look so good, really want to try these!
kryan0911
Thank you so much! Please do, they are super delicious 🙂