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If you love the fudgy decadence of brownies but crave the hand-held convenience of cookies, you are going to absolutely adore this Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe. These delightful treats combine all the rich chocolatey goodness you expect from a classic brownie with a soft, chewy cookie texture, topped off with a luscious, cool mint frosting. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe lies in its simple but carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating that perfect fudgy base to achieving a creamy, minty frosting with just the right hint of green color. It’s straightforward pantry staples combined with fresh touches that make this recipe a winner every time.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (16 ounces, chopped): Provides the rich, deep chocolate flavor that defines the brownie cookie’s base.
- Butter (4 Tablespoons for brownies, 6 Tablespoons for frosting): Adds moisture, richness, and a smooth texture to both the cookie dough and the frosting.
- Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s chewy yet tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/3 cups): Sweetens the brownies perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, familiar aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives structure without making the cookies too cakey.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Sprinkle throughout for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): The sweet base for the smooth mint frosting.
- Heavy cream or milk (6 Tablespoons): Controls the frosting’s consistency, making it spreadable and creamy.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the frosting that refreshing, cool mint flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Green food coloring (3 to 4 drops): Adds a festive pop of color without altering the taste.
How to Make Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or spraying them with a non-stick spray. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly after their time in the oven.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Combine your chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Let this luscious mix cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step—this is foundational for that fudgy brownie cookie texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until combined. Slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into this bowl and stir to create a rich, glossy batter that’s just begging to be baked into cookies.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Chill
Gently fold in the flour and baking powder, careful not to overmix so your cookies stay tender. Stir in the chocolate chips for those irresistible melty pockets of chocolate. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes—that rest period is key for shaping perfect cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop 2 Tablespoons of dough onto your prepared sheets for each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—watch closely to avoid overbaking. The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center. Allow to cool completely right on the baking sheets before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Mint Frosting and Decorate
Using an electric mixer, beat together powdered sugar and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream or milk until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency. Mix in peppermint extract and green food coloring until fully blended. Generously frost the cooled brownie cookies and, if you like, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for an added chocolate crunch.
How to Serve Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these brownie cookies, consider adding chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting. These garnishes add texture, festive flair, and deepen the chocolate-mint flavor profile, making every bite visually and gastronomically delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair these mint-frosted brownie cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. The creamy sides beautifully complement the richness of the cookies and the freshness of the mint frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange your brownie cookies on a platter lined with holly leaves or festive paper. You can also stack them in alternating layers with wax paper to create a charming cookie tower. For gifting, wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a green ribbon to showcase your homemade talent in delightful style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your finished Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm. Keeping them sealed helps maintain the frosting’s moisture and the cookie’s chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag after they harden. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze fully frosted cookies by separating layers with wax paper and using an airtight container; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, gently microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This quick heat-up will soften the cookie and slightly melt the frosting, reviving that fresh-from-the-bakery feel.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully, offering a more intense chocolate flavor. Just make sure to adjust sweetness to your preference, as dark chocolate tends to be less sweet than semi-sweet.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use spearmint extract or even a small amount of mint-flavored liqueur. Just be careful with the quantities as they can be stronger or milder in flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but equally delicious.
What if I want to make these vegan?
Making this recipe vegan requires a few swaps: use plant-based butter and milk substitutes, an egg replacer like flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate. The texture and taste will vary, but it’s definitely doable with some adjustments.
How long does the mint frosting stay fresh?
The mint frosting tastes best within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe enough! It’s a joyful twist on classic brownies that feels perfectly festive and utterly satisfying. The ease of the ingredients and step-by-step process means you can whip up a batch any time you want to bring a bit of magic—and minty chocolate goodness—to your day. Go ahead, try it, and watch these cookies become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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Print
Brownie Cookies with Mint Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously fudgy brownie cookies topped with a refreshing mint frosting. These treats combine the rich, dense texture of brownies with the convenience and charm of cookies, finished with a creamy peppermint-flavored frosting that adds a festive touch.
Ingredients
For Brownies:
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 to 4 drops green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Egg Mixture and Combine: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir to combine. Gently fold in the flour and baking powder, then stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out portions of dough using 2 tablespoons per cookie and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake—the cookies should be slightly soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Prepare Mint Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter together until combined and smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream or milk, beating until the frosting reaches your desired creamy consistency. Stir in the peppermint extract and green food coloring until evenly mixed.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled, generously spread the mint frosting on top of each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the frosting for garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to maintain their fudgy brownie texture.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract according to your preference for mint flavor intensity.
- For a more festive look, add green and red sprinkles as an alternative topping.
