Peppermint Brownies are the ultimate festive treat, combining rich chocolate flavors with a refreshing minty twist. These delectable brownies are not only fudgy but are also layered with creamy peppermint frosting and silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful gift, these brownies are sure to impress everyone. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible goodies!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Brownies

These peppermint brownies are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. First, they are rich and fudgy, making them a chocolate lover’s dream. Second, the creamy peppermint frosting adds a refreshing note that perfectly complements the chocolate. They are also easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to impress their friends and family. Additionally, these brownies are versatile; they can be dressed up as peppermint brownie dessert bars or enjoyed as mint chocolate brownies. Perfect for holidays, they bring festive cheer to any table. Plus, they can be made gluten-free or vegan, accommodating various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Peppermint Brownies

Gather these items:

Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp milk (optional)
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1 drop red food coloring, or as needed
1 tsp milk (optional)
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
10 (1 oz) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped

How to Make Peppermint Brownies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Whisk together flour and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder, then add melted butter and mix well.
Step 3: Mix in eggs and peppermint extract, then fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Step 4: Bake 40–50 minutes, until edges pull from the sides and top looks dry. Cool for 20 minutes.
Step 5: For frosting: cream butter, then add powdered sugar gradually. Add milk (if using), peppermint extract, and food coloring. Add additional milk if needed. Spread over cooled brownies; refrigerate to set.
Step 6: For ganache: heat cream and butter until simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate; stir until smooth. Chill in freezer 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until thick but spreadable.
Step 7: Spread ganache over peppermint frosting. Slice into 16 brownies.

Peppermint Brownies: 7 Irresistibly Decadent Treats - Peppermint Brownies - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Brownies

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
Make sure not to overbake; check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
For extra mint flavor, consider adding crushed peppermint candies on top.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Brownies

Here are a few serving suggestions: You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious peppermint brownie sundae. Alternatively, drizzle with extra chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. For holiday parties, cut them into small squares and place them on a festive platter as peppermint chocolate treats.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Brownies

To store, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. These brownies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Brownies

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Brownies?

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter and ensuring not to overbake them. This will keep your brownies fudgy and moist, creating the best peppermint brownie dessert.

Can I make Peppermint Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Brownies?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and keep an eye on the baking time. Each oven can vary, so check for doneness early.

Variations of Peppermint Brownies You Can Try

There are several delicious peppermint brownie variations you can try. Consider making a vegan peppermint brownie recipe by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using dairy-free chocolate. Additionally, you can create gluten-free peppermint brownies by using almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. For a fun twist, try adding crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy texture on top.

For more delicious recipes, check out our desserts category or try making easy cinnamon rolls for a delightful breakfast treat. If you’re looking for a savory option, our spaghetti with garlic and oil is a must-try!

For more information on the benefits of peppermint, you can visit Healthline.

Peppermint Brownies: 7 Irresistibly Decadent Treats

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Rich, fudgy peppermint brownies layered with creamy peppermint frosting and silky chocolate ganache. A festive, decadent treat perfect for holidays or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp milk (optional)
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1 drop red food coloring, or as needed
1 tsp milk (optional)
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
10 (1 oz) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder, then add melted butter and mix well.
Mix in eggs and peppermint extract, then fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake 40–50 minutes, until edges pull from the sides and top looks dry. Cool for 20 minutes.
For frosting: cream butter, then add powdered sugar gradually. Add milk (if using), peppermint extract, and food coloring. Add additional milk if needed. Spread over cooled brownies; refrigerate to set.
For ganache: heat cream and butter until simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate; stir until smooth. Chill in freezer 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until thick but spreadable.
Spread ganache over peppermint frosting. Slice into 16 brownies.