Peppermint Brownies are like a winter wonderland wrapped in a fudgy, chocolatey embrace. Imagine biting into a dense, velvety brownie that bursts with cool peppermint flavor, sending your taste buds on a rollercoaster of joy. The sweet aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing everyone within sniffing distance and making them feel giddy with anticipation. You can’t help but smile as you envision these decadent delights at your holiday gatherings or cozy movie nights.
Now, let me take you back to the first time I made Peppermint Brownies. It was a chilly December evening, and my kitchen became a battleground of flour clouds and chocolate smudges. My dog, Oscar, sat nearby, judging my every move with his head cocked to one side. As I mixed the ingredients together, I knew this creation would become a family favorite—perfect for indulging while curled up under blankets with loved ones. Trust me; once you whip up these brownies, you’ll want to make them every year!
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Brownies
- These incredible Peppermint Brownies transform simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peppermint Brownies:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for rich flavor; it helps create that fudgy texture we all crave.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This ingredient balances out the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; it makes these brownies extra chewy and oh-so-delicious.
- Cocoa Powder: Go for Dutch-processed cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
- Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure; they help bind everything together and create that lovely rise in your brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for that perfect brownie texture—just enough to hold everything together without being dry.
- Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! Just a little adds that refreshing burst of flavor we’re all here for.
- Chocolate Chips: A mix of semi-sweet and mint chocolate chips adds delightful pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Peppermint Brownies:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in both granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding in two large eggs one at a time. Stir vigorously after each addition until smooth and glossy—this is where we build our brownie magic!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your buttery sugar concoction using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix; we want fudgy brownies!
Step 5: Infuse Flavor
Stir in peppermint extract and add those luscious chocolate chips. The smell alone will make you want to dive right into the batter (just remember not to eat it all!).
Step 6: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but still moist—perfectly fudgy!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch.
Enjoying Peppermint Brownies is more than just tasting something sweet; it’s about creating memories during those chilly nights filled with laughter and joy. So gather your loved ones around these delightful treats—they’re sure to be gone faster than you can say “holiday cheer!”
You Must Know About Peppermint Brownies
- This showstopping Peppermint Brownies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you melt the chocolate and butter together. Next, mix in the sugar before adding eggs for a smooth texture. Finally, fold in flour and crushed peppermint candies before baking to perfection.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter brownie. You can also add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor punch. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, simply microwave each piece for about 10 seconds to enjoy that gooey chocolate goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Peppermint Brownies
- This professional-quality Peppermint Brownies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
It was during a holiday gathering when my Aunt Marge took one bite of these Peppermint Brownies and exclaimed they were better than her famous chocolate cake! Who knew this sweet minty treat could spark such family rivalry?
FAQs
What are Peppermint Brownies?
Peppermint brownies are a delicious dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. These treats often feature a layer of creamy peppermint frosting on top, adding both flavor and visual appeal. The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a delightful contrast that many people love during the holiday season. Whether served at parties or enjoyed as an everyday treat, peppermint brownies are sure to please chocolate lovers and mint enthusiasts alike.
How do I make Peppermint Brownies from scratch?
To make peppermint brownies from scratch, start by preparing your brownie batter using cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Once combined, add in crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract for flavor. Bake the brownies until they are set but still fudgy in the center. After cooling, you can top them with a layer of peppermint frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and more peppermint extract. Finally, garnish with extra crushed candies for a festive touch.
Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint for my brownies?
Yes, you can use mint extract instead of peppermint extract in your brownies if you prefer a different flavor profile. Mint has a slightly more herbal taste compared to the sweet cooling effect of peppermint. Adjust the amount based on your preference; typically, mint extract is more concentrated than peppermint extract. This substitution will give your brownies a unique twist while still providing that refreshing flavor many enjoy in desserts.
How should I store leftover Peppermint Brownies?
To store leftover peppermint brownies effectively, allow them to cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to one week for maximum freshness. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before serving for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Peppermint brownies are a delightful treat that blends rich chocolate with refreshing minty goodness. Making these brownies from scratch is simple and allows you to customize flavors to suit your taste buds. Whether preparing them for holiday gatherings or enjoying them as an everyday dessert, they are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly! Indulging in peppermint brownies is always a delicious choice for any occasion.
Peppermint Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Peppermint Brownies are a festive treat that perfectly blend rich chocolate with refreshing mint. These fudgy, velvety brownies are a must-have for holiday celebrations or cozy nights in. With a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist these sweet bites of joy. Top them with crushed candy canes or a drizzle of chocolate for the ultimate indulgence that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet and mint)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in granulated and brown sugar until well combined.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold this dry mixture into the butter-sugar mix until just combined.
- Stir in peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean but moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg








