Peppermint brownies are a perfect mix of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. They’re easy to make and great for any occasion, especially around the holidays. These fudgy brownies with a touch of peppermint are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why We Love These Peppermint Brownies
Peppermint brownies are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy chocolate and refreshing mint. Here’s why we absolutely love these brownies:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The cool peppermint extract paired with the indulgent chocolate creates a unique flavor experience. It’s not overpowering but adds just the right amount of minty freshness to the rich brownie base.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for the holidays, these brownies are great for any time of year. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or a birthday or just in the mood for a sweet snack, these brownies fit the bill.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe is simple to follow. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can have fresh, homemade peppermint brownies in no time.
- Great Texture: These brownies are wonderfully fudgy and moist, with a slightly crisp top that adds the perfect contrast to the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth middle. It’s the ideal brownie texture!
- Customization: You can make these peppermint brownies your own by adjusting the level of mint or adding a bit of peppermint chocolate for an extra minty punch.
So, if you’re looking for a decadent yet simple dessert, these peppermint brownies are sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients
Butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and moistens the brownies.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
All-purpose flour: This gives the brownies structure.
Cocoa powder: This adds chocolate flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Peppermint extract: Gives the minty flavor.
Chocolate chips (optional): Adds extra chocolate richness.
Instructions
Making these peppermint brownies is easy and fun! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious brownies ready to enjoy.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of the brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter. This adds extra richness and a delightful chocolatey texture.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips
To make your peppermint brownies even better, here are a few expert tips that will ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder you choose will impact the flavor of your brownies. For the best chocolatey taste, opt for unsweetened cocoa powder that’s rich and full of flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies. You want a fudgy, soft texture, so stir gently and stop once everything is incorporated.
Test for Doneness
Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your brownies. Start checking them around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. A few crumbs mean they’re perfectly fudgy!
Cool Before Cutting
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and ensures cleaner, more uniform slices.
Boost the Mint Flavor
If you love a strong peppermint taste, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract (but don’t go overboard). A little extra can make a big difference in flavor, so adjust based on your preference.
Add Toppings for Extra Flavor
To take these brownies to the next level, top them with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate ganache. These additions can give your brownies a festive touch, especially for holiday gatherings.
Variations
While these peppermint brownies are already delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste or make them more festive. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Peppermint Brownie Bites
Instead of baking a full batch, try making bite-sized brownies by using a mini muffin tin. Bake them for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or gifting!
Add Crushed Peppermint Candies
For an extra burst of minty crunch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the top of the batter before baking. This adds both texture and a fun, holiday-inspired look.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Love chocolate? Add an extra layer of indulgence by swirling in melted chocolate chips or a few spoonfuls of chocolate ganache before baking. The result is a super chocolaty, peppermint-infused treat.
Serving Suggestions
Peppermint brownies are perfect on their own, but with a few creative touches, you can elevate the experience even more. Here are some ideas for serving these festive treats:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
For an indulgent dessert, serve your peppermint brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the rich, minty flavor of the brownies.
Topped with Whipped Cream
A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the rich and fudgy brownies. For extra flair, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top for a little crunch.
Serve as a Holiday Gift
Cut the brownies into small squares and package them in a cute box or tin as a thoughtful homemade gift. A festive ribbon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a charming touch.
Pair with Hot Chocolate
These peppermint brownies go wonderfully with a warm mug of hot chocolate, especially on a chilly day. The minty flavor in the brownies pairs beautifully with the rich, chocolatey taste of the drink.
As a Party Treat
Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear! Peppermint brownies are a crowd-pleaser and look great on a dessert table, especially when paired with other holiday sweets.
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FAQs
How can I store leftover peppermint brownies?
Store your leftover peppermint brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For extra freshness, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing.
What makes peppermint brownies fudgy?
The secret to fudgy brownies lies in the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. The use of butter and eggs helps create a dense, moist texture, while reducing the amount of flour ensures they remain soft and rich. Baking just until set, rather than overbaking, will also keep them fudgy.
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can substitute with other extracts like almond or vanilla. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the strength of the flavor.
peppermint brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of the brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter. This adds extra richness and a delightful chocolatey texture.
Bake the Brownies
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!