Peppermint Brownies
The moment you take a tray of freshly baked brownies out of the oven, that warm, chocolaty aroma fills the air, inviting you to take that first bite. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie topped with smooth, creamy frosting and a sprinkle of peppermint crunch. It’s a delightful balance of sweetness and a refreshing twist that makes these Peppermint Brownies a seasonal favorite. Reminiscing about the days of baking with family during the holiday season brings a smile to my face. Lively chatter, laughter, and a sprinkle of flour as we gathered around the kitchen island always made those moments special.
As the holiday season approaches, the idea of crafting something deliciously festive seems even more appealing. These Peppermint Brownies aren’t just another dessert; they’re a treat to share, to impress, and to enjoy during cozy gatherings. I can’t wait for you to experience this delectable combination that brings holiday cheer into every bite. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip these brownies up in just about 40 minutes, plus some cooling time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint will dazzle your taste buds.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant pop of colors and textures makes these brownies a fun centerpiece for any holiday dessert spread.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, cozy evenings, or as a delightful snack any time.
- Adaptable Ingredients: Gluten-free or dairy-free modifications can easily be made for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brownie Mix (16-ounce box): A classic convenience, it saves time while delivering delicious chocolate goodness. You may substitute with homemade brownie batter for a from-scratch option.
- Water, Eggs, and Oil: Typically required ingredients to prepare the brownie mix that keeps the texture moist and fudgy.
- Butter (¾ cup, softened): Essential for the frosting, adding richness. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending; this will lead to a smoother frosting.
- Confectioner’s Sugar (2 cups): For sweetness and that fluffy texture in your frosting; it can be substituted with powdered erythritol for a low-sugar version.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1-2 tablespoons + 1 cup): Adds creaminess to the frosting and ganache. Full-fat cream yields the best flavor; for a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead.
- Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup + ½ cup for topping): They provide that signature peppermint flavor and a festive crunch. You can swap out for crushed peppermint candies if preferred.
- Red Food Coloring (2 drops): Just a hint for the festive look; use natural food color if you prefer an alternative.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Essential for the ganache that coats the brownies, bringing rich chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips will work deliciously too.
How to Make Peppermint Brownies
Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prep is key to ensuring a great bake.
Bake Brownies: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box. Usually, you’ll mix together water, eggs, and oil with the brownie mix. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, grab your stand mixer or a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the heavy cream and fold in the crushed peppermint candies along with red food coloring until you get your desired shade of pink.
Frost the Brownies: Take your cooled brownie base and generously spread the peppermint buttercream frosting over the top. Be sure to cover it all to seal in the rich brownie flavor. Pop them into the refrigerator or freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up the frosting while you prepare the ganache.
Prepare the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream on high for about 60 seconds, until it begins to steam. Immediately pour in the chocolate chips, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 3 minutes. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This step is key since it creates that luscious layer of ganache.
Top and Chill: Pour the velvety ganache over the frosted brownies, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top for that festive touch. Chill in the freezer until the ganache is set—around 20 minutes is perfect.
Slice and Serve: Carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve them at your holiday gathering, or keep them to enjoy later—if they last that long!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your peppermint brownies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If refrigeration is preferred, they will last for about a week in a sealed container in the fridge, but be aware they might lose some of that fresh-out-of-the-oven allure. For long-term storage, freeze the brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or reheat briefly in the microwave for that warm, gooey texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-mixing your brownie batter once the dry ingredients are incorporated; this can lead to a denser texture.
- Use room-temperature butter for smoother frosting; cold butter will not cream properly.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring, as piping hot ganache can melt the frosting underneath.
- Experiment with different extracts; vanilla or almond extract can add an extra flavor dimension to the frosting.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
Remember that cooking is about creativity—have fun with this recipe!
The mouthwatering flavors of chocolate and peppermint are truly something special. Plus, there’s just something magical about sharing a dessert that you’ve made with your own hands. Whether you choose to keep them for yourself or share with friends and family, the joy these Peppermint Brownies can bring is limitless. Don’t shy away from experimenting with this recipe; perhaps a little chunk of brownie on a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel would elevate this delight even further.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of brownie mix?
How can I make these brownies less sweet?
Can these brownies be made ahead of time?
Can I freeze the brownies after they are frosted?
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Peppermint Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peppermint Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, featuring rich chocolate, fluffy frosting, and refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday enjoyment, they’re simple to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Brownie Mix (16-ounce box)
- Water, Eggs, and Oil
- Butter (¾ cup, softened)
- Confectioner’s Sugar (2 cups)
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1-2 tablespoons + 1 cup)
- Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup + ½ cup for topping)
- Red Food Coloring (2 drops)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the brownie mix with water, eggs, and oil according to package instructions, then bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Beat softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add confectioner’s sugar and mix.
- Stir in heavy cream and fold in crushed peppermint candies and red food coloring.
- Frost the cooled brownies with peppermint buttercream, then chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the ganache by heating cream, adding chocolate chips, and whisking until smooth.
- Pour ganache over frosted brownies, sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes, and chill until set.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
For long-term storage, freeze un-frosted brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Experiment with flavored extracts in the frosting for an added twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
