There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint, especially during the holiday season. These Peppermint Brownies bring together the fudgy decadence of a classic brownie with the refreshing zing of peppermint for a dessert that’s simply irresistible.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, or simply when you’re craving something special, these brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and that refreshing candy cane flavor we all love. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time with only 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and cooling peppermint
- Ideal for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations
- Simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned bakers
- Makes a small batch (4 servings) so you won’t have too many leftovers tempting you
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add sugar and whisk until well combined. Stir in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in milk and peppermint extract until smooth. Add red food coloring if desired and stir until you get a light pink color.
- Dollop the peppermint frosting over the cooled brownies and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to ¾ teaspoon.
- Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor profile.
- Add a simple chocolate ganache topping and sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint for an extra festive touch.
- For a minty green swirl, mix a few drops of green food coloring with 2 tablespoons of the batter and swirl it into the pan before baking.
- These brownies can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months – perfect for holiday prep!
Serving Suggestions
These Peppermint Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re truly spectacular when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm, fudgy brownie and cold ice cream creates a delightful temperature play that complements the cool peppermint flavor.
For a festive holiday dessert board, serve these brownies alongside hot chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate-dipped candy canes, and some fresh berries for a colorful presentation.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For the perfect fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake – it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
- Crush peppermint candies by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently hammering with a rolling pin.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint candy canes instead of peppermint candies?
Absolutely! Crushed candy canes work perfectly in this recipe and add a festive touch.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean (which would indicate overbaking).
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these without peppermint for a traditional brownie?
Certainly! Simply omit the peppermint extract and crushed candies for a classic chocolate brownie.
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