Festive Peppermint Brownies Recipe
Nothing brings the festive spirit to life quite like a batch of Festive Peppermint Brownies. These deliciously rich and fudgy treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy nights at home with loved ones. The combination of deep chocolatey flavors and the refreshing zing of peppermint makes these brownies truly special. I love how easy they are to whip up, yet they always impress everyone who gets a taste.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Festive Peppermint Brownies recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, they are incredibly quick to prepare and bake. There’s no complicated preparation, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules. Plus, these brownies are kid-approved! Your little ones will enjoy helping out in the kitchen, particularly when it comes to sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top.
“These brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings. They look as good as they taste, and the peppermint twist is such a hit with my family!”
Besides being easy to make, they also offer flexibility. You might serve these decadent treats at a holiday party or simply enjoy them while relaxing after a long day. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the joy and warmth that the festive season brings.
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparing these Festive Peppermint Brownies is a straightforward process. You’ll start with melting salted butter, combine your wet and dry ingredients, and bake to perfection. The process is designed to be efficient, so you can have decadent brownies cooling on your countertop in no time. Tempted yet? Let’s dive into the components!
What You’ll Need
For this yummy treat, gather the following ingredients:
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- ¾ + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but recommended for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted) for frosting
- ½ cup cocoa powder for frosting
- 2⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- Crushed peppermint candy (for decoration)
Feel free to make substitutions based on dietary needs, for instance using unsalted butter or gluten-free flour if that’s a requirement for you.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the salted butter until smooth, then stir in the light brown sugar until you’ve achieved a glossy mixture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the peppermint extract along the way.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), cornstarch, and baking powder. Fold this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips or chunks.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before preparing the frosting.
- Combine melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and finish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Festive Peppermint Brownies shine when served with a warm cup of cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful presentation, cut them into squares and serve them on a beautiful platter. Drizzle some leftover frosting or chocolate sauce on the plate for an elegant touch. A sprinkle of additional crushed peppermint on top can add as much beauty as flavor!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Festive Peppermint Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, these brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to enhance your brownie-making experience:
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps them blend better into the batter.
- Sift your cocoa powder to avoid lumps and achieve a smoother texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to denser brownies instead of the desired fudgy consistency.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Festive Peppermint Brownies! You could add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for a fun flavor combination. Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like white chocolate or dark chocolate for distinct tastes. You may even try substituting the peppermint extract with orange zest or almond extract for a flavorful twist!
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to prepare these brownies?
A: The total time for preparation and baking is around 45 minutes, making these brownies perfect for a quick dessert option.
Q: Can I substitute any ingredients?
A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter or gluten-free flour based on dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, consider vegan butter.
Q: How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
A: Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This indicates you have fudgy not dry brownies.
If you’re seeking more delicious recipes, check out our high-protein recipes or try making a flavorful cottage cheese quiche for breakfast!
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Festive Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- ¾ + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon espresso powder (optional) Recommended for a deeper flavor
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
Frosting Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
- ½ cup cocoa powder for frosting
- 2⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- Crushed peppermint candy (for decoration)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the salted butter until smooth, then stir in the light brown sugar until you’ve achieved a glossy mixture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the peppermint extract along the way.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), cornstarch, and baking powder. Fold this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in your choice of chocolate chips or chunks.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out with a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before preparing the frosting.
- Combine melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and finish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy.