web analytics

Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies

Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies

Fudgy. Rich. Intense. Chocolaty. Pepperminty. Amazing.

All of these words are ones that I would use to describe these Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies, which just might be my favorite brownies to date. The response to them in general (as soon as my unofficial tasters no longer had their mouths stuffed full of brownie) was “oh my god.” They had a fantastic balance between being fudgy and chewy. Not overly wet or undercooked, the brownies held their shape very well and were still very moist with a nice chew that meant you could savor each piece slowly as you ate.

The brownies were inspired by a box of seasonal Peppermint Jo-Jo’s – the Trader Joe’s version of Oreo cookies – that I bought last week. The cookies are great on their own, with just the right amount of mint filling to balance the chocolaty wafer. They taste kind of like a high-quality thin mint cookie (but better, in my opinion). That flavor came through very well into the finished brownie, giving the treat a refreshing hit of mint that prevented the chocolate flavor from getting too intense.

I added the cookies into the brownies as though they were chocolate chips, roughly chopping them first with a large kitchen knife to get them down into a manageable size. Some pieces were a bit larger than others, but just about every part of the cookie melted slightly into the brownies. I also garnished the top with a sprinkle of crumbs, so that it was easy to see what kind of brownies these were from a glance, but this is entirely optional. The peppermint flavor will b a surprise whether your cookies are garnished or not since it is so unexpected. If you don’t have access to peppermint Oreo-type cookies, use plain Oreos and add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to your batter. Alternatively, you should be able to use other chocolate/peppermint cookies, such as Thin Mints, as a substitution.

Cut these into small pieces, as they are big and rich. Take them to a holiday party or other gathering where there will be lots of people to share them with, too, or risk being tempted to eat them all yourself.

Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies, side view

 Peppermint Cookies n’ Cream Brownies
1 cup butter
6 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 cups sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups roughly chopped peppermint oreo-type cookies (approx 18)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, and grease lightly.
In a medium-large saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally. Whisk in sugar, salt and vanilla, then turn off heat. Whisk in eggs one at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in flour and cocoa powder until mixture is uniform. Stir in peppermint oreo cookies and pour batter into prepared pan. Crush 3-4 additional cookies finely and sprinkle on top of batter, if desired.
Bake for about 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not coated with batter.
Cool brownies in pan for about 20 minutes, then lift brownies in the foil out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Makes 36 brownies (or 48 bite-sized brownies).

Share this article

66 Comments
  • Deb
    December 3, 2009

    I’ve been dreaming about these all year. Made them last year and they were delicious. Just got a new box of Candy Cane Jo-Jo’s and headed straight to the kitchen to make them again. Thank you for this delicious addition to my holiday baking list!

  • Kate
    December 22, 2009

    These may be the best dessert I have ever made. I made them twice in two weeks for two different holiday parties and everyone loved them!

  • Queenscook
    December 30, 2009

    If you can’t get the Trader Joe’s Peppermint cookies, you can use the mint Oreos. I am a big fan of Trader Joe’s, but I actually prefer the mint Oreos. Another advantage (well, not to my waistline!) is that they are available year-round.

  • Kids boxing gloves
    March 2, 2010

    These brownies are devastatingly delicious.ouldn’t get better, I think? I really like the variety of food you bake.

  • Lynn
    March 15, 2010

    I bought the cookies back in January, knowing my sister would be here in March. We baked these together today and they’re yummy good; not as pepperminty as I expected, but fudgy delicious.

  • Vases for centerpieces
    May 12, 2010

    This blog makes me realize the energy of words and pictures. As always your things are just gorgeous and I am grateful that you let us look in! Keep coming up with ideas.

  • Furniture Rental
    May 14, 2010

    Peppermint cookies are my best among all cookies. i have tried using the ways you told. the taste was awesome..

  • Beats
    May 17, 2010

    These brownies were hands down the most delicious that I have tasted. My wide baked these for our family today and all I can say is WOW!… oh and Thank You for the recipe!

  • Longtimecoming
    December 8, 2010

    i made these and everyone ABSOLUTELY loved them… they were gone in no time, and people have been requesting i make some more ASAP!!! great recipe!

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *