Get ready to infuse your holiday season with irresistible flavor! These fudgy peppermint brownies are a festive twist on a classic dessert. The rich, decadent chocolate pairs perfectly with cool, refreshing peppermint, making them a holiday essential. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare and will become your go-to treat for gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Brownies
You’ll adore these minty treats for so many reasons! They truly make holiday baking simple and delicious.
- Festive Flavor: The classic chocolate-peppermint combination is pure holiday magic.
- Irresistibly Fudgy: Achieve a perfectly dense, moist, and rich brownie texture every time.
- Holiday Essential: They are ideal for potlucks, parties, or a cozy evening by the fire.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Impress your guests with minimal effort and a beautiful presentation.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even new bakers can whip up these delicious peppermint brownies with confidence.
- Perfect for Gifting: Share homemade joy with friends and family in a beautifully wrapped package.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive peppermint brownies. Quality ingredients truly make a difference in the final taste and texture of these rich chocolate squares.
- 1 c. salted butter, plus more for the pan
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 c. sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp. peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes or peppermints, for topping
Notes & Substitutions
For your bittersweet chocolate, you can use baking bars or good quality chocolate chips. For a darker color and milder chocolate flavor, King Arthur Baking explains the science behind Dutch-processed cocoa powder and its uses in baking. Adjust the peppermint extract quantity to your liking; start with less and add more if you prefer a stronger minty punch. To make these gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Swap semisweet chips for white chocolate chips for a different visual and flavor twist. While butter provides richness, using half oil can create an even chewier texture.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make these delightful peppermint brownies. Just a few kitchen basics will do!
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Wire rack
- Toothpicks
Instructions
Creating these fudgy peppermint brownies is a straightforward process, perfect for any baker. Follow these steps for a delicious, holiday-ready treat.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on two sides for easy removal; lightly butter the parchment as well. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes lifting the cooled brownies simple.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and bittersweet chocolate pieces. Melt them over medium-low heat, stirring continuously for about 3 minutes, until smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Whisk in Cocoa: Whisk the unsweetened cocoa powder into the melted chocolate mixture until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. Let this mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes before proceeding.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir the granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture until it’s fully combined. Next, add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until thoroughly incorporated. Stir in the peppermint extract, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout the batter. This is where the signature mint flavor comes alive.
- Fold in Flour: Gently add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir just until the flour is completely combined and no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
- Pour and Tap: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared 8-inch square pan, spreading it evenly with your rubber spatula. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring a dense, even texture for your peppermint brownies.
- Bake Brownies: Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. Remember, do not overbake; this is key for achieving that desirable fudgy texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan until they are firm enough to easily lift out using the parchment paper overhang, about 25 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before any topping or slicing. This prevents crumbling.
- Melt Chocolate Drizzle: Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smoothly melted.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the completely cooled brownies. Immediately sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes or peppermints. Let the chocolate drizzle set completely before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Once the topping is firm, use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab of peppermint brownies onto a cutting board. Slice them into desired squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownies
Achieve bakery-worthy results every time with these simple tips.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears; overmixing develops gluten and can make brownies tough.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Use good quality bittersweet chocolate for the best depth of flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull the brownies from the oven when a toothpick still has a few moist crumbs attached for ultimate fudginess.
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean, neat cuts, chill the cooled brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Too much flour results in dry brownies.
- Proper Pan Lining: The parchment paper sling ensures easy removal without any sticking or breaking.
- Adjust Peppermint: Start with a smaller amount of peppermint extract and add more to reach your preferred intensity.
- Tap the Pan: Tapping the pan on the counter before baking helps remove air bubbles, leading to a denser brownie.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make these peppermint brownies your own with these flexible ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful brownies plain for a simple treat. Elevate them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For an extra chocolatey experience, add a warm chocolate drizzle. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy holiday indulgence.
Storage Tips
Store your cooled peppermint brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Variations
Introduce a layer of white chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a different flavor profile. Create a stunning cream cheese swirl by dolloping sweetened cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirling with a knife. Top your brownies with a fluffy peppermint frosting instead of a drizzle. Experiment with different crushed candies like starlight mints. For an extra indulgent touch, add a smooth chocolate ganache layer.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these peppermint brownies knowing their nutritional breakdown.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 Calories |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 87 mg |
| Sodium | 142 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 53 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
*Nutrition values are approximate per serving.*
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted into the fudgy center should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This indicates a fudgy center.
Can I use mint extract instead?
Peppermint extract has a distinct flavor, but you can use mint extract for a milder, general mint taste. Adjust quantity as desired.
Where is peppermint extract found?
Look for it in the baking aisle of your grocery store, usually near other extracts and spices.
Conclusion
These fudgy peppermint brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful invitation to celebrate the season. With their rich chocolate base and refreshing peppermint twist, they embody the cozy spirit of the holidays.
Easy to make and universally loved, these festive treats are perfect for sharing with family, bringing to a party, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet bliss. Bake a batch today and let the holiday magic begin!
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave
- wire rack
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 c. salted butter plus more for the pan
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate broken into pieces
- 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 c. sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp. peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes or peppermints for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by buttering and lining it with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and bittersweet chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, then whisk in cocoa powder until smooth and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Mixing and Baking
- Stir sugar into the chocolate mixture until combined, then incorporate eggs one at a time and mix well; stir in peppermint extract.
- Add flour and gently stir until completely combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, being careful not to overbake.
Cooling and Finishing
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 25 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Melt semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, then drizzle over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed candy.