Desserts

Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

Name: Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup crushed peppermint cookies; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped nuts; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter; 2 tablespoons water

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This peppermint-packed brittle mixes crunchy cookie crumbs, toasted nuts, smooth melted chocolate, and a caramelized sugar base for a simple, festive treat. It smells like warm peppermint and browned butter, tastes sweet with a cool mint finish, and snaps clean when broken. Make a batch for cookie exchanges, holiday platters, or a quick sweet snack to brighten a chilly afternoon. If you enjoy chaotic holiday combos, you might also like this Chaos Cake Cherry Soda Cookie for more inspiration.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 12 (small pieces)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1 of 12 pieces)

Calories per serving: 270 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 80 mg

Why Make This Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

This treat is fast, festive, and fun. It combines the crisp snap of brittle with crunchy nuts and peppermint cookie flavor. The melted chocolate on top adds a glossy finish and smooth contrast. It’s a great make-ahead sweet for holiday parties or a quick gift tucked into jars. The recipe is forgiving — you can swap nuts, chocolate types, or cookie crumbs and still end up with a delicious crunchy candy.

How to Make Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

Follow simple steps to caramelize sugar, fold in cookie crumbs and nuts, bake briefly, and finish with melted chocolate. Watch the sugar closely so it doesn’t burn; once it bubbles it moves quickly. The brittle should be bubbly and slightly golden before you add chocolate.

Ingredients:

1 cup crushed peppermint cookies
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment for easier removal. Crush the peppermint cookies into coarse crumbs and chop the nuts if needed. Measure the sugar, butter, and water so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Mixing

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil and the sugar dissolves and starts to amber slightly. Keep stirring so it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Cooking

Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the 1 cup crushed peppermint cookies and 1/2 cup chopped nuts until well combined. Spread the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer using a spatula.

Step 4: Finishing

Bake the sheet for 10–12 minutes or until the brittle is bubbly and slightly golden at the edges. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer. Allow the brittle to cool completely, then break into pieces.

How to Serve Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

Serve at room temperature so the chocolate is firm but not cold. Arrange on a platter with other holiday cookies, crumble over vanilla ice cream, or package in cellophane bags for gifts. It’s great alongside coffee or hot chocolate; the mint flavor pairs nicely with creamy, warm drinks.

How to Store Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

Store pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid humid spots — moisture will soften the brittle.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle

Use even heat and constant stirring while cooking the sugar to prevent burning.
Work quickly when spreading the hot mixture; it sets fast.
If you like extra shine, spread the melted chocolate when the brittle is warm but not hot.
Swap nuts: pecans, almonds, or walnuts all work well.
For a firmer brittle, let it cool fully on a flat surface; chilling briefly in the fridge speeds this up.
Use room-temperature ingredients where noted so the chocolate melts smoothly.
If a candy thermometer is available, aim for the mixture to reach about 300°F (hard crack) before removing from heat for the most reliable snap.

Delicious Variations

Peppermint Bark Brittle: Use white chocolate chips and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Nut-Free: Replace nuts with toasted coconut flakes or extra cookie crumbs.
Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate for a sweet-salty contrast.
Double Chocolate: Stir 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the sugar mixture for richer flavor.
Spiced Holiday: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm holiday notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other cookies instead of peppermint cookies?
A: Yes. Any crisp cookie will work, such as vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or chocolate cookies. Peppermint gives a holiday touch, but swap freely to change the flavor.

Q: What if my sugar mixture hardens before I spread it?
A: Sugar hardens quickly as it cools. Work faster next time or reduce the baking sheet area to spread the hot mix. If it hardens in the pan, you can warm it gently to soften, but be careful not to burn.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from becoming grainy?
A: Let the brittle cool slightly before adding chocolate so it melts smoothly without overheating. Use good-quality chips and spread while still warm. Avoid refrigerating immediately, which can cause chocolate bloom.

Q: Can I make this without nuts for someone with allergies?
A: Yes. Replace nuts with extra cookie crumbs, seeds (if safe), or toasted coconut. Be sure to label the batch if serving others.

Q: Will this stick to the pan?
A: If you grease the pan or use parchment, it should release easily. Parchment is best for a clean removal and easier cleanup.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, double ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two sheets. Keep the same baking time but watch for color and bubbling — larger batches can behave slightly differently.

Q: Does altitude affect the recipe?
A: At high altitude, sugar can behave differently. You may need slightly higher oven temperature or a shorter bake time; watch for bubbling and golden color rather than strictly timing.

Conclusion

This Chaos Cake Peppermint Cookie Brittle is quick, festive, and satisfying — a perfect mix of crunchy, minty, and chocolate flavors that make holiday trays and gifts shine. It’s easy to adapt and stores well, making it a reliable, crowd-pleasing treat. For another fun holiday chaos cake idea that inspired this flavor mash-up, check out Christmas Chaos Cake – The Fervent Mama. Give this brittle a try and enjoy the crack, the mint, and the chocolate — you’ll love how fast it disappears.