Irresistible Fudgy Peppermint Brownies: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe
These peppermint brownies are more than just a dessert; they are the quintessential taste of the holidays, wrapped up in a delightful, fudgy package. Imagine a rich, intensely chocolatey brownie base, topped with a luscious, creamy peppermint frosting, and then crowned with a festive sprinkle of crunchy peppermint chips and crushed candy canes. This combination creates a truly irresistible treat that embodies the festive spirit of the season.
As a former pastry chef with years of experience crafting countless holiday desserts, I can confidently say that these peppermint brownies stand out as a personal favorite. Much like my popular peppermint chocolate chip cookies and double chocolate peppermint cookies, this brownie recipe is designed to be straightforward to make, bursting with authentic peppermint flavor, and absolutely ideal for any holiday gathering. They bring a professional touch to your home baking without requiring complicated techniques or exotic ingredients.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday party, searching for the perfect homemade gift exchange item, or simply looking to indulge in a cozy treat with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these decadent peppermint brownies are guaranteed to be a spectacular hit. Their vibrant flavors and festive appearance make them an unforgettable addition to any holiday spread, spreading cheer with every single bite.
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Choosing the Best Pan for Perfectly Fudgy Brownies
The type of baking pan you use might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect brownie texture. For these fudgy delights, you absolutely want to use a light-colored, metal 8×8-inch pan. Here’s why:
- Even Baking: Light-colored metal pans conduct heat efficiently and evenly. This ensures that your brownies bake uniformly from the center to the edges, preventing any dry, overcooked areas. The consistent heat distribution is key to that desirable fudgy interior.
- Prevents Overcooking: Unlike darker pans, which absorb more heat and can cause the edges to cook faster and become tough, a light metal pan helps maintain a balanced baking temperature. This minimizes the risk of overbaking, which is the nemesis of fudgy brownies.
- Achieving the Perfect Edge: While some people prefer chewy edges, a light metal pan helps strike a balance, giving you a slightly crisp edge with a soft, moist interior.
Avoid dark or glass pans: While convenient, these materials can lead to uneven heat distribution. Dark pans tend to bake much hotter and faster, often resulting in burnt edges and undercooked centers. Glass pans, on the other hand, retain heat for longer once removed from the oven, which can continue to bake your brownies and potentially dry them out. Stick to the recommended light-colored metal pan for the best, most consistent results with these peppermint brownies.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Peppermint Brownies
Crafting exceptional peppermint brownies relies on selecting high-quality ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here are the stars of this recipe, along with important tips for each:
Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens for that refreshing kick. For the absolute best and most authentic flavor, always opt for a high-quality pure peppermint extract. It provides a clean, bright peppermint taste. Be cautious and avoid using “mint extract,” which is typically a blend of peppermint and spearmint. Spearmint can sometimes impart a flavor reminiscent of toothpaste, which is definitely not what you want in your delicious holiday brownies! A little goes a long way, so measure carefully.
Andes Peppermint Baking Chips: These delightful baking chips are a game-changer for both flavor and visual appeal. They infuse the brownie batter with extra peppermint goodness and add a beautiful pop of festive color. You can also use crushed candy canes for the topping, but it’s crucial not to incorporate them directly into the brownie batter before baking. Candy canes will melt and disappear into the batter during baking, leaving you with little texture and an altered consistency, whereas peppermint baking chips are designed to hold their shape and flavor in the oven.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: To achieve that intensely rich, dark chocolate flavor and a smooth, almost velvety brownie, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is essential. This type of cocoa has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity, resulting in a darker color and a milder, less bitter chocolate taste that pairs beautifully with peppermint. While you can substitute it with natural cocoa powder, be aware that your brownies will have a lighter color and a slightly tangier, less rich chocolate flavor. For that deep, decadent brownie experience, Dutch-processed is definitely the way to go.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Peppermint Brownies
Creating these delightful peppermint brownies is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly fudgy and flavorful every time.
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Whisk the eggs and sugar. Begin by vigorously whisking together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolk in a large bowl. Continue to whisk for at least a minute, or until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and slightly thickened, as seen in the image above. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the brownies’ crackly top and chewy texture.
2
Mix in the melted chocolate and butter. Gently stream the warm, melted chocolate and butter mixture into your egg and sugar mixture. Whisk continuously until everything is thoroughly combined and there are no visible pale streaks of batter. This ensures a uniform chocolate base, crucial for the brownie’s rich flavor. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
3
Fold in dry ingredients and pour into the baking pan. Once your wet ingredients are combined, gently fold in the flour, peppermint chips, and a pinch of salt. Mix just until no dry streaks remain – overmixing flour can lead to tough brownies. Then, pour the luscious brownie batter evenly into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s spread out from edge to edge for consistent thickness.
4
Bake and cool the brownies. Bake your brownies according to the recipe instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The most critical step after baking is to allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This can take several hours, but it’s essential for achieving that dense, fudgy texture and preventing the brownies from crumbling when sliced. Patience is key here!
5
Make the peppermint frosting. While the brownies cool, prepare your vibrant peppermint frosting. It should have a rich, thick, yet spreadable consistency. Once ready, dollop generous spoonfuls evenly over the completely cooled brownies. Then, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth it out to an even layer across the entire surface. This creates a beautiful, uniform canvas for your decorations.
6
Decorate and set. The fun part! Liberally sprinkle additional peppermint baking chips and crushed candy canes over the freshly frosted brownies. For the best slicing experience, allow the peppermint layer to set completely. This can take 2-3 hours at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. A firm frosting layer will make for clean, beautiful cuts.
3 Essential Tips for Achieving Perfect, Clean Brownie Cuts
After all the effort of baking and frosting, the last thing you want is a messy, crumbly brownie slice. Follow these professional tips to ensure every piece looks as good as it tastes, with sharp, clean edges:
1. Cool Completely Before Cutting: This is arguably the most crucial step. Resist the urge to cut into warm brownies! Warm brownies are soft and delicate, making them prone to tearing, crumbling, and creating smudges with the frosting. Letting them cool completely—ideally for several hours or even overnight—allows them to firm up, resulting in dense, clean slices. For frosted brownies, ensure the frosting layer has set before attempting to cut.
2. Use a Sharp, Non-Serrated Knife: A sharp, non-serrated knife (like a chef’s knife or a large carving knife) is your best friend here. Serrated knives can create jagged edges and drag crumbs through your frosting. A clean, smooth blade allows you to press down and slice through the brownie with minimal resistance, producing neat, even cuts without tearing the delicate layers.
3. Wipe the Blade Between Each Cut: This small but significant step prevents crumbs and frosting from transferring to subsequent slices. After each cut, wipe the knife blade clean with a damp cloth or a paper towel. This ensures that every brownie square is pristine and free from messy smudges, making for a truly professional presentation.
How to Store & Freeze Your Peppermint Brownies for Lasting Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious peppermint brownies for as long as possible. Whether you have a few leftover squares or you’re planning ahead for future indulgence, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature Storage: For immediate enjoyment, leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent them from drying out. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Refrigeration: While these brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal fudginess, if your kitchen is particularly warm or you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: These peppermint brownies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping or saving for unexpected guests. To freeze, first wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
- Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen brownie, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a slightly warmed treat, you can even microwave a single brownie for 10-15 seconds.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that every bite of your peppermint brownie tastes as fresh and delicious as the day it was baked.
More Festive Christmas Brownie Ideas for Your Holiday Table
While these peppermint brownies are truly special, the holiday season offers endless opportunities for delightful brownie variations. If you’re looking to expand your festive baking repertoire or try something different, here are a few more Christmas brownie ideas from my collection:
- Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies: A fantastic fusion of two classic desserts, these brownies feature a rich, fudgy base topped with a gooey, nutty pecan pie filling. Perfect for those who love traditional holiday flavors with a twist.
- S’mores Brownies: Bring the campfire magic indoors with these nostalgic brownies. They combine a dense chocolate brownie with layers of toasted marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles, offering a playful and comforting treat for all ages.
- Cookie Butter Brownies: For a unique and utterly delicious twist, these brownies incorporate the warm, spiced flavors of Biscoff cookie butter. They’re rich, decadent, and offer a delightful alternative to traditional chocolate-only brownies, perfect for an adventurous palate.
If you tried this recipe for Peppermint Brownies or any other delightful creation from my website, please don’t hesitate to let me know how it went in the comments section below. I genuinely love hearing from you and seeing your baking successes! While you’re there, please consider leaving a star rating to help other bakers discover this festive treat. You can also easily tag me on Instagram or Facebook (@cambreabakes) so I can admire your beautiful creations!
Peppermint Brownies
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Ingredients
For the Brownie
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup + 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, *See notes below for measuring*
- 2/3 cup peppermint baking chips
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Peppermint Frosting
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3-5 tablespoons hot boiling water
- peppermint baking chips and candy canes, for decorating
Instructions
Make the Brownie
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Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C. Prepare an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully combined. Whisk in the Dutch-processed cocoa powder until no lumps remain. Set this rich chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly.10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, 2/3 cup + 1/4 cup (156 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (25 g) dutch-processed cocoa powder
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, two large eggs, and one large egg yolk. Continue whisking vigorously for at least 1 minute, until the mixture is light in color and slightly aerated. This step is crucial for the crackly top of your brownies.1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) dark brown sugar, 2 (100 g) large eggs, 1 (18 g) large egg yolk
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Gradually stream the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until fully combined and you see no more pale streaks. Be careful not to incorporate too much air at this point.
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Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, peppermint baking chips, and fine sea salt until just combined. Mix only until no dry flour streaks are visible to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to tough brownies.2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon (90 g) all purpose flour, 2/3 cup (95 g) peppermint baking chips, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
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Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out covered in a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely, for at least 2-3 hours, before proceeding to the peppermint layer. This is crucial for a fudgy texture and clean cuts.
Make the Peppermint Frosting
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In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, and pure peppermint extract. Add 3 tablespoons of hot boiling water to start. Using a rubber spatula, begin mixing. Continue mixing until you achieve a thick, smooth, and spreadable paste. If the frosting is too thick to spread easily, add a tiny bit more hot water, about half a tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Remember, powdered sugar doesn’t require much liquid, so be conservative to avoid a runny frosting.2 1/2 cups (300 g) powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 3-5 tablespoons hot boiling water
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Dollop the prepared peppermint frosting evenly on top of the completely cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to gently spread it into an even, smooth layer across the entire surface. Immediately sprinkle extra peppermint baking chips and crushed candy canes over the frosting for a festive finish. Allow the peppermint layer to set firmly for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or if you’re short on time, place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This setting time is crucial for neat slicing.
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Once set, use a sharp knife (wiping it clean after each cut) to cut the brownies into 16 perfect squares. Serve and enjoy your ultimate holiday treat!
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Notes
Use a metal pan: As mentioned earlier, glass and ceramic pans conduct heat very differently than metal. Using them can result in altered baking times and textures, potentially leading to brownies that are either overcooked on the edges or still gooey in the middle. Stick to a light-colored metal pan for the fudgiest, most consistent brownies.
The calorie information provided for the recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.