Peppermint Chocolate Chip Brookies

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.

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

Can you use boxed brownie mix? 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.

Can you use store-bought cookie dough? 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!

Can you make these Brookies without the peppermint and candy canes? 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

• Brown Sugar Date and Walnut Bars
• Fudgy Double Chocolate Walnut Brownies
• S'mores Cookie Bars
• Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review on my website Sugarylogic.com!

ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!