These peppermint brownies are rich, fudgy, and just the right balance of chocolate and mint. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of year!
Trust me, the mint gives them a fun twist that makes them extra special. I love serving these at holiday gatherings—watch them disappear! 🎉
Making these brownies is a breeze; just mix, bake, and enjoy. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a treat that’s hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for the texture of your brownies. You can substitute with an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine if you prefer dairy-free options.
Bittersweet or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This gives the brownies that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out of either, dark chocolate or even a mix of cocoa powder and melted chocolate can work.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar adds complex sweetness. If you need to cut sugar, try using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia, though this may alter texture slightly.
Peppermint Chips: Peppermint chips add a festive touch. If you can’t find them, use white chocolate chips or even regular chocolate chips with a drop of peppermint extract in the batter.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: These give a lovely crunch and bright flavor. Substitute with crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts if you want a different texture or have allergies.
How Do I Melt Chocolate and Butter Without Burning It?
Melt chocolate and butter gently to maintain smoothness and avoid burning. Here’s how:
- Use low heat on the stove and stir frequently—this helps distribute the heat evenly.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds), stirring in between until fully melted.
This careful melting technique prevents texture issues in the brownies, resulting in that delightful fudgy consistency!
Is There a Special Way to Mix the Brownie Batter?
Yes! Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough brownies. Here’s what to do:
- After adding flour and cocoa, mix at a low speed or gently fold using a spatula until just combined.
- Over-mixing introduces air, leading to a cakey texture instead of the desired fudginess.
Remember, it’s okay to have a few flour streaks; they will disappear as the brownies bake!
Peppermint Brownies (Rich and Fudgy Recipe)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint baking chips or white chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (peppermint candy canes or peppermint bark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of bake time. After baking, you should allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing, which takes about 30 minutes. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cool the brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Get that oven ready for some delicious magic!
2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate has melted. When it’s nice and melted, remove it from the heat.
3. Combine Sugars:
Next, stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar into your melted chocolate mixture. Mix well until everything is nicely combined. This will add sweetness and moisture to your brownies!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, it’s time to get eggy! Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step is important to avoid lumps. Gradually fold this mixture into the chocolate mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix!
6. Add Peppermint Chips:
Gently fold in the peppermint baking chips or white chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout your batter. The minty flavor is what makes these brownies stand out!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Get ready to bake this fudgy goodness!
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
9. Add Topping:
When they come out of the oven, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the warm brownies. Press them down gently so they stick to the surface.
10. Cool and Slice:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Once cooled, slice into squares, and get ready for a delicious treat!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these rich and fudgy peppermint brownies to your friends and family, or keep them all for yourself! Each bite offers a delightful combination of chocolatey depth and minty brightness. Perfect for any occasion!
These peppermint brownies combine deep, fudgy chocolate with a festive mint crunch. They’re not just a dessert—they’re a celebration in every bite!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works well in this recipe and will give your brownies an even richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness if you prefer a less sweet brownie, as dark chocolate can be more intense.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week! Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
What if I Don’t Have Peppermint Chips?
No worries! If you don’t have peppermint baking chips, you can use white chocolate chips or even regular chocolate chips. For a minty flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter instead.
