As the aroma of freshly baked chocolate fills the air, I can’t help but smile, knowing that something magical is about to happen in the kitchen. Enter the Festive Peppermint Brownies – a holiday delight that combines the rich, fudgy essence of brownies with a refreshing peppermint twist. This easy-to-make dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for cozy nights in or to share at gatherings with loved ones. Topped with a dreamy frosting and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, these brownies bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday table. Ready to immerse yourself in the joys of baking something extraordinary? Let’s whip up these decadent treats together!
Why Are These Brownies So Irresistible?
Decadence in Every Bite: These Festive Peppermint Brownies boast a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
Effortless to Make: Even if you’re a baking beginner, this recipe is straightforward and fun, requiring minimal effort for maximum gains.
Perfect for the Holidays: The delightful peppermint flavor and seasonal decorations make them an ideal treat for any festive gathering.
Instant Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves brownies, and adding peppermint elevates them to a professional-level dessert that’s sure to impress guests!
Versatile Treats: You can easily customize these by swapping toppings or mixing in different flavors, making them suitable for any occasion.
If you’re a fan of cozy sweets, check out my other favorites, like Gingerbread Brownies Cozy for a festive twist or the luscious Double Chocolate Peppermint for a double dose of indulgence!
Festive Peppermint Brownies Ingredients
• Get ready to create festive magic!
For the Brownie Batter:
- Salted Butter – For moisture and richness; can substitute with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; granulated sugar can be used for a firmer texture.
- Large Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Peppermint Extract – Delivers that unmistakable holiday flavor profile; can replace with vanilla extract for a different taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Contributes to the brownie’s structure; no gluten-free option is provided.
- Cocoa Powder – Provides the rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-process cocoa can enhance the depth of flavor.
- Espresso Powder (optional) – Enhances the chocolate flavor; omit if not available.
- Cornstarch – Helps keep the brownies tender and chewy; can be omitted but may affect the texture.
- Baking Powder – Creates a slight lift; skip for denser brownies.
- Chocolate Chips/Chunks – Adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout; dark, milk, or white chocolate options are all wonderful.
For the Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar – The main sweetener for the frosting; sift before measuring to remove lumps.
- Whole Milk – Achieves desired frosting consistency; adjust the amount depending on thickness preference.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy – For decoration and added texture; feel free to use any holiday-themed candy as an alternative.
Whip up these Festive Peppermint Brownies and let the holiday cheer fill your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Festive Peppermint Brownies
Step 1: Prep Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it heats, take an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly butter the edges to ensure the brownies release smoothly after baking. This preparation sets the stage for your delicious Festive Peppermint Brownies!
Step 2: Create Brownie Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of salted butter until completely liquid. Once melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in 1 ¾ cups of light brown sugar until glossy and well combined. Add in 3 large eggs, one at a time, stirring gently after each addition, then incorporate 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for that delightful holiday flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and optional 1 teaspoon of espresso powder. This dry blend will add richness to your Festive Peppermint Brownies. Gradually fold it into the wet mixture, stirring gently until there are no visible flour streaks to maintain a fudgy texture.
Step 4: Add Chocolate
Once the batter is well combined, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step infuses your Festive Peppermint Brownies with wonderful pockets of melted chocolate. Reserve a small handful of chips for sprinkling on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Start checking at 28 minutes using a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture your brownies are known for!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re comfortable to the touch, lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial before adding your frosting to avoid melting it!
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of melted butter, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Pour in enough whole milk, about 2-4 tablespoons, to achieve your desired glaze-like frosting consistency. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy, ready to enhance those decadent Festive Peppermint Brownies!
Step 8: Frost & Decorate
Using a spatula, evenly spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, ensuring every inch is covered. Sprinkle the top with crushed peppermint candy, creating a festive and crunchy texture that complements the rich chocolate. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes, adding that final touch to your festive creation!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
To slice your delicious brownies, use a warm knife for clean edges—this makes serving much easier! Cut into squares, making sure each piece gets its share of frosting and peppermint crunch. These Festive Peppermint Brownies are now ready to bring joy and delight to any holiday gathering!
Expert Tips for Festive Peppermint Brownies
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Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter for fudgier brownies; combine ingredients until just smooth to maintain that decadent texture.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps in the batter, leading to a smoother final product.
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Cool Before Frosting: Always allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the delicious icing stays intact and doesn’t melt into a puddle.
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Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 28 minutes by using a toothpick. This helps retain the moisture that makes these Festive Peppermint Brownies so delightful.
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Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to switch out the crushed peppermint candy for your favorite holiday treats like crushed Oreos or nuts for a personal touch.
What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Brownies
As the sweet aroma of peppermint and chocolate wafts through your kitchen, it’s the perfect time to think about what delightful companions will round out your treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the fudgy brownies, creating a delightful flavor pairing that’s hard to resist.
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Hot Chocolate: Cozy up your dessert experience with a warm cup of rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The combination will keep your spirits bright during those chilly nights.
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Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing pop of color and flavor, harmonizing wonderfully with the sweetness of the brownies.
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Peppermint Bark: Enhance the festive spirit with a side of peppermint bark. Its crunchy, chocolatey texture perfectly matches the brownies while continuing the peppermint theme!
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing with a rich coffee or espresso elevates the chocolate flavor of the brownies. The warmth and bitterness balance the sweetness, making for a perfect dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy, fluffy texture to each bite, creating an elegant contrast to the dense, fudgy brownies.
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Chocolate Mint Cookies: For those who can never have enough chocolate, serve these alongside for a double dose of deliciousness that keeps the festive cheer going.
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Nutty Snack Mix: Offer a crunchy alternative with a mix of nuts and chocolate, which brings a delightful texture contrast while complementing your peppermint brownies splendidly.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Peppermint Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the brownie batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply mix the ingredients together, then cover the bowl tightly to prevent any odors from seeping in. For best results, bake the brownies right before serving to ensure they’re fresh and fudgy. Additionally, you can frost the brownies a day ahead; just wait for them to cool completely, frost them, and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, simply bring them to room temperature before cutting and serving!
How to Store and Freeze Festive Peppermint Brownies
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and fudgy.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. Just ensure they’re tightly wrapped to prevent moisture loss.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a festive treat anytime! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, briefly microwave each brownie for about 10-15 seconds. This revives the fudgy texture beautifully!
Festive Peppermint Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these brownies your own with delightful twists and swaps that will elevate your baking experience!
- Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Flavor Twist: Try replacing the peppermint extract with almond or orange extract to create a unique flavor profile that dazzles the taste buds.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch that enhances both texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy twist, whip up a cream cheese frosting instead of the traditional buttercream, creating a delicious contrast to the chocolate.
- Reduced Sugar Delight: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar version, easing the guilt but keeping the indulgence.
- Boozy Boost: Add a splash of peppermint schnapps to the batter for a delightful adult twist that’s festive and fun.
- Mixed Toppings: Get creative with toppings—try a sprinkle of crushed Oreos or festive holiday sprinkles alongside or instead of the peppermint candy to mix it up!
These Festive Peppermint Brownies are the perfect canvas for your baking creativity! For more enchanting treats like Peppermint Meltaways or a cozy option like Gingerbread Brownies Cozy, explore and enjoy the magic of holiday baking!
Festive Peppermint Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Peppermint Brownies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips, as they significantly impact the flavor. Look for cocoa powder that is dark and rich, preferably Dutch-process for a more intense chocolate profile. Ensure your eggs are fresh and at room temperature, which helps create a smoother batter. For peppermint extract, opt for pure extracts over imitation for a more vibrant flavor.
What’s the best way to store my brownies after baking?
You can store your Festive Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudginess. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out. They’ll be just as delicious a few days later!
Can I freeze my brownies, and if so, how?
Yes, freezing is a great way to keep your brownies for later! To freeze your Festive Peppermint Brownies, let them cool completely after baking. Then, individually wrap each brownie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in an airtight freezer bag or container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight!
Why might my brownies turn out dry, and how can I avoid that?
Very good question! If your brownies turn out dry, it might be due to overbaking. Always start checking for doneness at around 28 minutes, using a toothpick to look for moist crumbs rather than a clean finish. Additionally, make sure to mix the batter just until combined—overmixing can incorporate air and lead to dryness. Lastly, using room temperature eggs can also help achieve that perfect fudgy texture!
Are there any dietary considerations for my brownies?
Definitely! If you’re concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions, keep in mind that the recipe contains gluten and dairy. For gluten-free options, unfortunately, that is not provided in the original recipe since all-purpose flour is used. Both the peppermint extract and chocolate should be checked for gluten sources. For egg replacements, you can use flax eggs or applesauce, but this may alter the texture slightly. Always check the labels to be safe!
Decadent Festive Peppermint Brownies for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt 1 cup of salted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 ¾ cups of light brown sugar until glossy.
- Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing gently, then mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 30 minutes, checking for doneness at 28 minutes with a toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before lifting them out to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting by mixing together ⅓ cup melted butter, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, and 2 cups powdered sugar, adding whole milk to desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy, and let set before slicing.
- Use a warm knife to slice into squares for serving.
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