There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious brownie, rich and fudgy, with bursts of cool peppermint and crunchy pieces of candy canes—a holiday delight that warms the heart and lifts the spirits. air fryer dessert options perfect pairing for holiday treats Peppermint Bark Brownies are like the festive cheer in dessert form, perfect for cozy gatherings or just treating yourself on a chilly evening. lighter cookie alternative creative dessert combinations. For more inspiration, check out this Zesty Strawberry Salsa recipe.
I remember the first time I made these brownies; the whole house smelled like a winter wonderland. Friends gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation as I cut into the thick, chocolatey squares. The laughter, sugar highs, and peppermint-infused joy were simply unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a sweet escape, these brownies will surely steal the show.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Peppermint Bark Brownies are ridiculously easy to make, so even kitchen novices can impress their friends. The flavor is an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. Visually stunning with flecks of red and green from candy canes, they are perfect for festive occasions. Versatile enough to enjoy year-round but especially delightful during the holidays. [/info_box]
These brownies were a hit at last year’s Christmas party; everyone raved about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa for deep chocolate flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar adds sweetness; consider brown sugar for added moisture.
Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter for better control over saltiness in my baking.
Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and richness; room temperature works best for even mixing. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour gives these brownies their chewy texture—avoid too much flour!
Peppermint Extract: Use pure extract for authentic minty flavor; a little goes a long way!
Candy Canes: Crush these up to sprinkle on top—they add visual charm and crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chips create pockets of melty goodness throughout each brownie.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended—this creates a uniform texture in your brownies.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration will help make your brownies soft yet dense.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add peppermint extract next—this is where the magic happens!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula—don’t overmix; lumps are okay here!
Stir In Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently mix in chocolate chips along with half of your crushed candy canes. Save some candy canes for topping!
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set but still soft in the center—your nose will tell you when they’re ready!
These Peppermint Bark Brownies will quickly become your new favorite treat! Just remember to keep some aside because they disappear faster than you think!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Peppermint Bark Brownies are a festive delight that combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint. These brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make delightful gifts. The texture is fudgy and satisfying, while the delightful minty aroma fills your kitchen, creating a warm holiday atmosphere. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the chocolate and butter together before mixing in the sugar and eggs. This ensures a smooth batter and helps to fully incorporate the flavors.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding crushed candy canes or nuts to the brownie mix for extra crunch. You can also swap in white chocolate for a different layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to reheat them, do so in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When making Peppermint Bark Brownies, always use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor. Letting them cool completely before cutting ensures clean edges. Experiment with different types of peppermint extract for unique flavor profiles. [/info_box]
Creating these Peppermint Bark Brownies always reminds me of my sister’s holiday parties. Her guests rave about them, but little do they know my secret is simply following this recipe!
FAQ
What type of chocolate should I use?
Using semi-sweet or dark chocolate will enhance the brownie’s richness and flavor.
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Try almond or orange extract for a unique twist on these brownies.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Peppermint Bark Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive joy of Peppermint Bark Brownies, where rich chocolate meets refreshing peppermint for a holiday treat that delights every palate. These fudgy brownies, topped with crushed candy canes, are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet gift. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, they are bound to be a hit at any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips and half of the crushed candy canes, reserving some for topping.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until set but soft in the center.
- Let cool before cutting into squares and topping with remaining crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
