Amazing Peppermint Brownies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Decadent chocolate meets festive peppermint in these irresistible fudgy peppermint brownies that promise pure bliss.

The rich, deep cocoa flavor blends seamlessly with cool, crisp peppermint notes for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Soft, dense brownies carry a delightful minty twist that dances on your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of intense chocolate and refreshing peppermint undertones.

Crumbling with a tender texture and sparkling with crushed candy cane pieces, these brownies elevate your holiday baking game.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that captures the magic of the season in one delectable square.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 215 kcal

Servings: 15

Everything Needed For Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives structure and bineness to your decadent brownies, choose unbleached flour for richer texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep, intense chocolate flavor powerhouse that transforms ordinary brownies into extraordinary treats, opt for Dutch-processed for smoother taste.
• Baking Powder: Magical rising agent that helps brownies achieve that perfect soft, fudgy consistency, always use fresh for optimal lift.
• Salt: Tiny flavor enhancer that balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes, use fine sea salt for seamless integration.

• Butter: Creamy richness that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, select high-quality unsalted butter for pure flavor control.
• Eggs: Binding superhero that provides structure and moisture, choose fresh room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic depth charger that complements chocolate beautifully, use pure extract for authentic flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Cooling, festive flavor booster that adds wintery excitement, select clear extract for vibrant color.

• Chocolate Chips: Silky ganache creator with luxurious chocolate punch, select semi-sweet chips for balanced sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth ganache transformer that ensures glossy, spreadable texture, use fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Peppermint Candies: Crunchy, festive decoration that adds delightful peppermint crunch, crush just before sprinkling for maximum freshness.

Tools To Bake Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Cleanly

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized brownies with even baking.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy brownie removal and preventing sticking.
• Medium mixing bowls: Perfect for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending wet ingredients smoothly and breaking up egg lumps.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and spread ganache evenly.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well combined.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting chocolate and cream smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Vital for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting brownies into clean, precise squares.

How To Make Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Chewy

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to 350F. Grab an 8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

• Batter Creation

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and flavor boosters like vanilla and peppermint extracts. In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just blended.

• Brownie Baking

Pour the rich chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs mean perfection. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

• Luxurious Topping

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in short microwave bursts, stirring until silky smooth. Pour the glossy ganache over the cooled brownies, creating an even layer. While still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the top for a festive crunch.

• Final Touch

Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For quicker results, pop the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once set, lift the brownies out using the parchment edges, slice into delectable squares, and serve.

Flavor Enhancements For Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Perfect Peppermint Brownie Secrets
• Cocoa Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for richer, deeper chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa creates an extra luxurious texture and intensifies the brownie's depth.
• Ganache Precision: Ensure chocolate chips and cream are at similar temperatures to prevent separation. Stir gently and consistently when melting to achieve a silky smooth ganache without breaking.
• Peppermint Balance: Adjust peppermint extract according to personal preference. Start with less, as the flavor can quickly become overwhelming. Taste and add incrementally for perfect minty intensity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure and texture in gluten-free versions.

Serving Fudgy Peppermint Brownies For Winter Treats

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange brownie squares on a decorative Christmas plate, garnishing with extra candy cane pieces and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a winter wonderland effect.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a delightful flavor combination that enhances the chocolatey mint experience.
• Elegant Gifting Option: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating a homemade gift that looks professional and tastes incredible for friends and family.
• Brunch Dessert Showcase: Present brownies as a special sweet finale to a holiday brunch, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing and elegant presentation.

Tips To Keep Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Soft

• Flavor Preservation Tactics: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for quick chocolate cravings anytime.
• Refrigeration Strategy: When topped with ganache, store in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. Let brownies come to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare brownie base and ganache separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and peppermint crunch.

Festive Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate peppermint brownies deliver pure holiday magic in one delectable dessert. Cold winter nights become sweeter when you savor these festive chocolate treats with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Elevate the oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy extraction.
2. Liquid Fusion: Whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract in a mixing bowl until achieving a seamless, glossy emulsion.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then delicately fold into the liquid mixture, maintaining a light touch to preserve batter integrity.
4. Baking Transformation: Distribute batter evenly in the prepared pan, then bake for 22-26 minutes. Validate doneness with a toothpick test, revealing moist crumbs. Cool completely within the pan.
5. Ganache Creation: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until reaching a luxurious, smooth consistency.
6. Decorative Finale: Cascade ganache over cooled brownies, spreading meticulously. Immediately scatter crushed peppermint candies across the liquid chocolate surface.
7. Serving Preparation: Allow ganache to solidify at room temperature for 30 minutes, or accelerate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Extract brownies using parchment edges, slice into squares, and present.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, fudgy texture. Aggressive stirring can develop gluten, resulting in tough, dense brownies.
• Control Chocolate Melting: Use low, steady microwave heat or a double boiler when creating ganache to avoid scorching. Stir frequently and remove from heat when just melted for smooth consistency.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Brownies continue cooking after removal from oven, so remove when toothpick shows slightly moist crumbs. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly texture.
• Customize Peppermint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract quantity to personal preference. Start with smaller amounts, taste, and incrementally increase for balanced flavor without overwhelming mint notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg