These peppermint brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream! Rich, fudgy, and topped with a refreshing minty twist, they’re perfect for any occasion.
I love how the chocolate and mint flavors dance together like a winter holiday party! Grab a brownie and a glass of milk, and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! 🥳
Making these brownies is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Trust me, they’re great for sharing—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is key for a rich flavor and texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the salt in the recipe to taste.
Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate adds a deep flavor. If you prefer, semisweet chocolate works too! For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate or cocoa powder with a bit of vegetable oil.
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives sweetness and moisture. Want less sugar? You can reduce the total and add mashed bananas or applesauce for a healthier twist!
Eggs: Four large eggs provide structure and moisture. For a vegan option, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).
White Chocolate Chips: These add sweetness and creaminess. You can substitute them with dark chocolate chips if you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Candies: Crush them for a festive touch! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, substitute with crushed nuts or leave them out for classic brownies.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate is essential for those fudgy brownies, but burning it is a common concern. Here’s a simple way to achieve silky smooth melted chocolate:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat chocolate in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring in between until fully melted.
- Alternatively, use a double boiler: place chocolate in a bowl set over simmering water, stirring until melted. This method prevents direct heat, making it less likely to burn.
- Always keep an eye on it, as chocolate can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
With these tips, you’re set to have the most delicious peppermint brownies! Enjoy baking and tasting! 🍫
Peppermint Brownies (Rich and Fudgy Recipe)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peppermint brownies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Plan for an additional cooling time before slicing, making it a roughly total of 1 hour before you can enjoy your rich and fudgy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
Place the unsalted butter and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in short bursts of 15-30 seconds, stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. If you prefer, you can use a double boiler for this step. Let it cool slightly after melting.
3. Mix the Sugars and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture:
Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring continually until everything is fully combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint:
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. This step will add delightful flavor and texture to your brownies!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on top if desired for an extra festive touch!
8. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your rich and fudgy peppermint brownies are now ready to be enjoyed! They make a delightful treat for any occasion, so indulge in the delicious combination of chocolate and mint!
Happy baking! Enjoy the combination of decadent chocolate and refreshing peppermint in every sweet bite!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Bittersweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate can be used in place of bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s of good quality and adjust the sweetness if needed, as dark chocolate may be slightly less sweet.
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil for Butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option! Use the same amount (1 cup) and melt it before adding it to the mixture. Keep in mind that this will give the brownies a slight coconut flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!