These peppermint brownies are rich, fudgy, and totally satisfying! With a minty twist, each bite is like a holiday hug for your taste buds. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😋
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and let the chocolatey goodness melt in your mouth! Serve them warm or chilled; either way, they’re a treat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: These chocolates provide deep chocolate flavor. If unavailable, you can use chocolate chips or even cocoa powder (but adjust the butter accordingly).
Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination gives a great texture. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly caramel flavor.
White Chocolate Chips: These are optional but add creaminess. You could swap with dark chocolate chips or leave them out for a simpler brownie.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. If you want a different flavor, consider Dutch-processed cocoa, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melt chocolate carefully to keep it smooth and prevent burning. Here’s how:
- Use a double boiler: Fill the bottom pot with water, bring it to a slow simmer, and place the chocolate in the top pot. Stir until melted.
- In the microwave: Use short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between until fully melted. This prevents overheating, which can cause seizing.
Always let melting chocolate cool slightly before adding to the batter to avoid cooking the eggs.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Brownies are Chewy?
To keep them chewy, here are a few tips:
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Use the right flour amount—too much can make them cakey. Weighing ingredients is best!
- For a fudgier result, underbake slightly. A toothpick should have some moist crumbs when checking for doneness.
Following these tips will help you enjoy rich and fudgy peppermint brownies every time! Happy baking!
Peppermint Brownies (Rich and Fudgy Recipe)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (for swirls)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint candies, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. So, if you’re looking for rich, fudgy treats, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, turn on your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together. You can do this over a double boiler or by microwaving in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix Sugars and Eggs:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is well blended and slightly thickened. This will add nice volume to your brownies!
4. Combine Chocolate Mixture:
Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This keeps the eggs from cooking in the heat, resulting in a smooth batter.
5. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures that there are no lumps and everything mixes nicely!
6. Fold it All Together:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay!
7. Add Peppermint Flavor:
Stir in the peppermint extract for a refreshing kick. If you like, fold in the white chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
8. Pour and Top:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle about half of the crushed peppermint candies over the batter to add a festive touch!
9. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
10. Finish with Peppermint:
As soon as you take the brownies out, sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top, pressing them gently into the warm brownies.
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy your delicious peppermint brownies!
12. Storage:
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them for a chewier texture. Happy baking!
These brownies are sure to impress with their rich, fudgy texture and a refreshing peppermint crunch—perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat anytime you crave something sweet!
Can I Use Unsweetened Chocolate Instead of Semisweet?
Yes, you can use unsweetened chocolate, but be sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe. Reduce the granulated sugar by about 1/4 cup to balance the flavors since unsweetened chocolate has no sugar.
How Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free peppermint brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What Else Can I Add to the Brownie Batter?
You can customize your brownie batter by adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans, or even mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness. Just be careful not to overmix after adding additional ingredients.
