The holiday season is upon us, and nothing says festive quite like a batch of Holiday Peppermint Brownies. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie topped with a creamy peppermint frosting, the sweet scent wafting through the air as you savor each delicious morsel. These brownies deliver a delightful crunch of crushed candy canes that adds a burst of flavor with every bite, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
Growing up, my grandmother would whip up these Holiday Peppermint Brownies every December, and I can still hear her chuckling as she tried to keep us kids from sneaking bites before dinner. They’ve become a staple at our holiday celebrations—perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies. So, are you ready to embark on this chocolatey adventure? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes these brownies perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
- Their intense chocolate flavor combined with refreshing peppermint creates an unforgettable dessert experience.
- The gorgeous presentation with colorful candy canes on top ensures they look as good as they taste.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round, not just during the holidays!
I still remember the first time I made these brownies for my friends—their faces lit up with joy and delight when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder to achieve that deep chocolate flavor we all crave.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the bitterness of cocoa and helps create that fudgy texture.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter provides richness and moisture to the brownies.
- Large Eggs: Fresh eggs contribute to the structure and firmness of your brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding ingredients together while keeping the texture delightfully chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances the flavors—don’t skimp on this!
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens; it adds that quintessential holiday flavor.
- Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes not only add texture but also provide a festive touch.
- Peppermint Frosting (Optional): For an extra layer of sweetness, whip up some peppermint frosting to spread on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Holiday Peppermint Brownies
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt Butter and Mix in Sugar and Cocoa: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar and cocoa powder until everything is smooth and combined—let those yummy aromas fill your kitchen!
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is blended into a silky batter.
Sift in Flour and Peppermint Extract: Gently fold in all-purpose flour along with peppermint extract using a spatula—try not to overmix; we want our brownies nice and fudgy!
Bake Until Just Set: Pour your luscious brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should look set but still moist in the center when done.
Cool & Top with Candy Canes: Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting if desired. Crush those candy canes into small pieces—sprinkle them generously over the top for that festive crunch!
There you have it! Simple steps lead you to these delicious Holiday Peppermint Brownies that everyone will love. Enjoy sharing (or hiding) them from eager hands!
This amazing recipe for Holiday Peppermint Brownies will make your holiday season sweeter and merrier. The rich chocolate combined with refreshing peppermint creates a delightful treat that everyone will love. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “sugar rush.”
Key Tips for Success:
Use high-quality chocolate for rich flavor and fudge-like texture. I learned this the hard way when I substituted with cheap chocolate, and the brownies tasted like sadness.
Add crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. It not only looks great but gives a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie.
You Must Know
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them.
- Trust me, warm brownies are tempting, but they fall apart like my New Year’s resolutions if you cut them too soon.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting your chocolate and butter together to create a luscious base. Mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then gently fold in flour and peppermint extract for the perfect balance of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for gluten-free options or substitute mint chips for a different flavor twist. You can also experiment with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream!
Storing & Reheating
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When mixing your batter, avoid overmixing to keep brownies fudgy instead of cakey.
- Always check with a toothpick; moist crumbs indicate perfection!
- Keep an eye on baking time as ovens can vary—don’t let them dry out!
When I first made these Holiday Peppermint Brownies, my family devoured them within minutes. Their smiles were worth every ounce of effort—and trust me, it felt like winning a baking championship!
FAQ
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs attached.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds depth and richness to these brownies.
What should I serve with these brownies?
Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast!
Holiday Peppermint Brownies
Indulge in the festive delight of Holiday Peppermint Brownies, where rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint in every bite. These fudgy brownies are topped with creamy peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
- Peppermint frosting (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gently fold in flour and peppermint extract until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set but still moist in the center.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before sprinkling with crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For gluten-free brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Pair these brownies with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
