Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

These Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love are the ultimate holiday treat! With their rich chocolate flavor, creamy frosting, and a delightful crunch of peppermint, they bring joy to any gathering. These brownies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home. Their unique combination of chocolate and peppermint makes them an unforgettable dessert that everyone will adore.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Brownies
• For the Frosting
• For Decoration
• How to Make Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
• Step 5: Bake the Brownies
• Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
• Step 7: Make the Frosting
• Step 8: Decorate with Peppermint Candy
• How to Serve Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Served with Fresh Berries
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• With Hot Chocolate
• How to Perfect Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• Best Side Dishes for Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• Reheating Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love are done?
• Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil?
• Can I customize this recipe?
• What’s the best way to cut these brownies?
• Can I use gluten-free flour?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and peppermint extract creates a decadent taste that’s truly festive.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these brownies as a holiday dessert or a sweet surprise any time of year.
• Decorative Appeal: The crushed peppermint candy on top not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful festive touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these brownies make wonderful gifts or potluck contributions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Festive Peppermint Brownies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick

Importance of Each Tool

• 8-inch square baking pan: This size is ideal for achieving the perfect brownie thickness.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the brownies out after baking.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in your batter.
• Spatula: Use a spatula for easy mixing and smoothing the brownie batter in the pan.

Ingredients

These Peppermint Brownies are here to make your holidays extra sweet. Rich, fudgy, and chocolatey, with a creamy frosting and a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy, they’re the perfect treat to bake and enjoy right away.

For the Brownies

• ½ cup salted butter (melted)
• ¾ + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• ¾ tsp Peppermint Extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp espresso powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks

For the Frosting

• ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

For Decoration

• Crushed peppermint candy

How to Make Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly butter the sides for easier removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Melt the salted butter until smooth.
2. Stir in the light brown sugar until glossy.
3. Beat in eggs one by one, mixing gently.
4. Add peppermint extract; enjoy that holiday aroma!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, cornstarch, and baking powder.
2. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in dark chocolate chips or chunks, reserving some to scatter on top before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan:
1. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for about 30 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick—it should have some moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Mix melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until creamy:
1. Adjust milk quantity if too thick.
2. Spread over cooled brownies evenly.

Step 8: Decorate with Peppermint Candy

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over frosting for that festive touch!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love!

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

Serving your Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your friends and family.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor, creating a classic dessert experience.
• For a festive twist, try peppermint or chocolate chip ice cream for added flavor.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce enhances the fudginess of the brownies and makes them extra indulgent.
• You can use store-bought sauce or make your own for a personal touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light, airy whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the dense brownies.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for an elegant finish.

Served with Fresh Berries

• Fresh raspberries or strawberries provide a tart balance to the sweet brownies.
• Serve them on the side for an appealing color contrast and refreshing bite.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange slices of brownies alongside other festive treats like cookies or mini cheesecakes.
• This creates an enticing dessert spread for holiday gatherings.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pairing these brownies with a warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy treat on cold days.
• Add whipped cream and crushed peppermint on top for an extra festive touch.

How to Perfect Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

To achieve perfect Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love, follow these handy tips. They will ensure your brownies turn out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother batter, resulting in fudgier brownies.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ones to maintain that rich texture.
• Check doneness early: Start checking your brownies at 28 minutes to prevent overbaking.
• Cool completely before frosting: This ensures the frosting stays creamy instead of melting into the brownies.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder: Good cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor significantly, making each bite more delicious.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the brownies for a bit allows flavors to meld and improves their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

Pairing side dishes with your Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements rich flavors beautifully.
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate: The warm drink brings cozy vibes and matches the brownie’s flavor profile perfectly.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Rich cheesecake bites add variety and elegance to your dessert table.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Serve slices of brownie alongside dippable fruits or marshmallows for interactive fun!
6. Candied Nuts: The crunchiness and sweetness of candied nuts offer a delightful textural contrast.
7. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee balances sweetness and enhances flavors, making it an ideal companion for desserts.
8. Minty Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and mint leaves for a light yet satisfying side dish that echoes the peppermint theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making these Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of your brownies. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until combined to keep them fudgy and light.
• Skipping the toothpick test: Not checking for doneness can result in undercooked or overcooked brownies. Use a toothpick to ensure they come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Not cooling before frosting: Applying frosting on warm brownies can cause it to melt and slide off. Always let your brownies cool completely before adding the frosting.
• Using unsweetened cocoa powder: Make sure you use cocoa powder that suits your taste. Unsweetened can make your brownies taste bitter if not balanced correctly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high power.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love are done?

To check if your brownies are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating they’re perfectly baked.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil?

Yes, you can! Just remember that peppermint extract is less concentrated than oil, so you may need to adjust the amount used for flavor.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different toppings like nuts or caramel drizzle alongside the crushed peppermint candy for added flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it clean between cuts to maintain neat edges on each slice of your Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. This will still yield delicious results!

Final Thoughts

These Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love offer an irresistible combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Their versatility means you can easily customize them with different toppings or mix-ins. Don’t hesitate to give this delightful recipe a try during the holiday season or whenever you crave something sweet!