When the holiday season arrives, nothing warms my heart quite like the scent of peppermint wafting through my kitchen. These Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies have become a cherished tradition in my home, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with a delightful hint of peppermint that’s simply irresistible. I stumbled upon this recipe one chilly evening, desperately searching for a quick yet impressive dessert to share at a gathering. To my surprise, these brownies are not only simple to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Picture this: a cozy evening by the fire, friends gathered around, and plates of these beautifully frosted brownies topped with crushed peppermint candy. The glossy frosting and chewy, chocolatey goodness spark joy in every bite, making them perfect for gifting or indulging yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your baking journey, this recipe will light up your festive celebrations without causing a fuss. Let’s dive into the world of these delightful peppermint brownies that will surely bring festive cheer to your table!
The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies?
Simplicity at Its Best: The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies come together quickly, requiring minimal ingredients and steps.
Indulgent Flavor: Enjoy rich, fudgy chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint that brightens every bite.
Festive Appeal: These brownies are a stunning addition to your holiday treats, perfect for parties and gifting.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, they will disappear at gatherings, making you the star baker.
No-Fuss Approach: With straightforward instructions, even beginners can master these delicious delights effortlessly.
For more baking tips, you might want to check out our baking basics.
The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; you can use unsalted butter instead and just adjust the salt.
• Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness with a hint of caramel; swap with granulated sugar if you prefer a different flavor.
• Large Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture; using room temperature eggs will enhance the texture.
• Peppermint Extract – Gives that festive peppermint flavor; for a subtler taste, feel free to use vanilla extract.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the foundation of the brownies; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Cocoa Powder – Creates the delectable chocolate taste; unsweetened cocoa is preferred for a rich flavor.
• Espresso Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully; omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
• Cornstarch – Ensures a tender, fudgy texture; can be left out for a denser brownie.
• Baking Powder – Promotes slight rising; replace it with vinegar for a vegan alternative.
• Chocolate Chips/Chunks – Adds luscious pockets of melted chocolate; mix dark and milk chocolate for varied sweetness.
For the Frosting
• Melted Butter – Acts as a base for the frosting; ensure it’s not too hot to prevent melting the sugar.
• Cocoa Powder – Provides a rich chocolate flavor to the frosting; use the same type as in the batter for consistency.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; sift it to avoid any lumps for a smooth finish.
• Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting; use dairy or a non-dairy milk as per your preference.
Enjoy crafting The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies that will surely impress your friends and family!
How to Make The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the light brown sugar until the mixture looks glossy.
Add Eggs and Extract: Beat in the large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the peppermint extract, allowing that festive aroma to fill your kitchen!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cornstarch, and baking powder. This will create a harmonious dry blend.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking for extra melty goodness.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—aim for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect texture!
Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk. Stir until smooth and adjust the consistency if needed.
Frost and Add Peppermint: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for that festive touch.
Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve your delicious brownies. Watch as they disappear at your gathering!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just be sure to cover it well to maintain freshness. Alternatively, you can bake the brownies ahead of time, let them cool completely, and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before frosting. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the brownies and top with crushed peppermint candy for that festive touch. This way, not only do you get to enjoy these delicious brownies fresh, but you also save precious moments in the kitchen!
Expert Tips for The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a fudgy texture; gently fold until just combined for the best results.
Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification, which helps create a smooth, rich batter.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove brownies when a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cooling Patience: Let the brownies cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from sliding off the warm brownies.
Adjust Flavors: Feel free to swap peppermint extract with vanilla for a milder flavor or add nuts for texture variation. Enjoy baking The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies!
How to Store and Freeze The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they are covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, warm individual brownie squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their fudgy goodness, making The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies even more delightful!
Variations & Substitutions for The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Customize your baking experience with delicious twists and turns! These variations will help you explore new flavors and textures while still enjoying that beloved peppermint brownie goodness.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter for a lighter version.
Nutty Additions: Fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and nutty flavor in each bite.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies accessible for friends with gluten sensitivities.
Different Extracts: Swap peppermint extract for pure vanilla, almond, or orange extract for unique flavor profiles that still shine.
Extra Chocolate: For an intense chocolate experience, increase the cocoa powder by a few tablespoons or mix in chunks of your favorite chocolate bar.
Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a surprising and warm kick that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
Frosting Flips: Replace mint frosting with a basic chocolate ganache or a cream cheese frosting for a rich alternative to the classic finish.
Layered Delight: Make a layered brownie by adding a layer of mousse or cheesecake before baking for an indulgent surprise.
Experimenting with these ideas can transform your baking journey into something exciting while keeping it simple and fun!
What to Serve with The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies?
Nothing completes a festive gathering like the perfect pairing for these delicious brownies.
- Rich Hot Cocoa: A classic choice that enhances the chocolate flavor, with a creamy texture that perfectly complements the brownies.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The bold flavor of coffee balances out the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that awakens the senses.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, creamy ice cream alongside warm brownies offers a wonderful temperature contrast for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Peppermint Tea: For a light pairing, peppermint tea’s herbal notes echo the brownies’ flavor, making for a refreshing finish.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of citrus and berries adds a bright touch, cleansing the palate and rounding out the dessert table beautifully.
- Chocolate Mint Shake: This rich drink echoes the brownie flavors while providing a fun, creamy texture that’s sure to delight.
- Holiday Spiced Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced wine creates a cozy atmosphere, complementing the festive spirit of the brownies—perfect for gatherings.
- Nutty Almond Cookies: These chewy cookies add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownies and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the brownies for a luxurious treat.
- Christmas Punch: A fruity, sparkling punch brings a celebratory flair that pairs well with the holiday vibes of the brownies.
The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the brownies?
I recommend using salted butter for a rich flavor, but if you prefer, unsalted butter works just as well; just don’t forget to adjust the salt in the recipe.
How can I store The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudginess. If you want to keep them longer, they’ll last up to a week in the refrigerator, just ensure they’re covered to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze peppermint brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if my brownies turn out too cakey?
If your brownies are cakey, it could be due to overmixing or baking them for too long. To ensure a fudgy result, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and check for doneness around the 30-minute mark, looking for moist crumbs on your toothpick.
Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?
Very! You can easily substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a milder flavor or even try almond extract for a unique twist. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
Are these brownies suitable for people with allergies?
These brownies contain gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with specific dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour, a dairy alternative, and flax eggs as substitutes to accommodate those needs!
Irresistibly Easy: The Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Melt salted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then stir in light brown sugar until glossy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, saving some for the top.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes; check for moist crumbs with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Combine melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies and top with crushed peppermint candy.
- Cut into squares and serve.
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