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- 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these brownies. The butter gives them richness, while sugar adds sweetness. Four large eggs help bind everything together, creating a moist texture. Vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor that pairs well with chocolate. You’ll need flour and cocoa powder to create the brownie base. The salt helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate chips give extra chocolate flavor. The crushed peppermint candies add a festive crunch and refreshing taste. Finally, the white chocolate chips create a beautiful drizzle on top. - Additional holiday-themed toppings Feel free to get creative! You can add festive toppings like sprinkles or even more crushed peppermint. These extras make the brownies look even more appealing during the holidays. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. - Once melted, stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until well blended. - Let the mixture cool slightly. - Whisk in 4 large eggs, one at a time. - Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir well. - In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. - Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. - Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. - While the brownies bake, melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. - Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the baked brownies. - Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top. - Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. - Lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. To bake the best brownies, measuring and mixing matter. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. It helps ensure you get the right texture. Mix until the ingredients just combine. This keeps them fudgy, which is key. Don't overmix; it can make your brownies tough. Baking times can vary. Start with the suggested time of 25 to 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they are ready. You may need to adjust the time based on your oven. Every oven can be a bit different. Presentation makes a big difference. Serve your brownies on a colorful platter. Add whole peppermint candies around them. It creates a festive look. Lightly dusting with powdered sugar also makes them pop. You can even personalize them for different occasions. For seasonal themes, try adding colored sprinkles or themed toppings. Red and green sprinkles work great for holidays. You can also use chocolate shavings for a rich touch. Get creative with your flavors and colors! One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can lead to dry brownies. Always mix gently until just combined. Another issue is underbaking. Make sure you check the brownies with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done. If it's too wet, give them a few more minutes. You want that perfect, gooey center! Pro Tips Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This ensures cleaner edges and a better texture. Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. It makes a noticeable difference in taste. Adjust Peppermint Intensity: If you prefer a milder peppermint flavor, reduce the amount of crushed candies. Start with 1/3 cup and adjust according to taste. Store Properly: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chocolate in your brownies. Use dark chocolate for a rich taste. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter twist. You can also try flavored candy canes. Peppermint, wintergreen, or chocolate mint can change your treat. Top your brownies with crushed cookies for extra crunch. If you need gluten-free brownies, use almond or coconut flour. These flours keep the taste great. You can also make these brownies vegan. Replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal. Use a dairy-free butter and choose dark chocolate without milk. Want to add a fun twist? Toss in chopped nuts or dried fruit. Walnuts or cranberries can give a nice texture. For a stronger mint flavor, swirl in peppermint extract. Just a teaspoon can really enhance the minty taste. These simple changes make your brownies even more special. To store your brownies, keep them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. However, the cold may change their texture. To freeze your brownies, first let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. They can freeze well for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. This helps them taste fresh. These brownies taste best within the first week. After that, they may start to dry out. You will notice a change if they smell off or look hard. If you see any mold, discard them right away. Always check for these signs to ensure you enjoy every bite! To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes. Yes, you can use different chocolates. Dark chocolate adds richness. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter taste. You can also mix types for fun flavors. To boost the mint flavor, add peppermint extract. Start with half a teaspoon and taste. You can also use peppermint essential oils, but be careful with the amount. You can make these brownies dairy-free. Use coconut oil instead of butter. For chocolate chips, find dairy-free brands. Almond or oat milk can replace regular milk if needed. Yes, you can prepare these brownies ahead. Bake and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. This blog post guides you through making delicious brownies with peppermint. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. Explore flavor variations and storage tips for long-lasting treats. Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to get creative. Whether for holidays or everyday snacks, these brownies will impress. Enjoy your baking journey and share these delights with others!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies infused with chocolate and peppermint flavors, topped with white chocolate and crushed candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well blended.
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies (reserve the other half for topping).
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • While the brownies are baking, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth.
  • Once the brownies are out of the oven, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate for a festive touch.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Arrange the brownie squares on a festive platter and add a few whole peppermint candies around them for a decorative touch. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish!
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert, holiday, peppermint