Peppermint Bark Brownies
There’s something about the scent of peppermint wafting through the air that instantly transports me to cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones, curling up on the couch under warm blankets. As I reach for a bite of something sweet, a lovely blend of chocolate and mint awaits me—the quintessential flavor of the season. One evening, while prepping for a holiday gathering with family, I stumbled upon the idea of combining two holiday favorites: rich, fudgy brownies and the classic peppermint bark. The result? An irresistibly decadent treat that’s as delightful to serve as it is to devour. Let me share the warmth of this recipe with you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: A tray of freshly baked Peppermint Bark Brownies cooling on the counter, the kind of dessert that sings “festivity” with its shiny, candy-cane topping. These brownies are like a cozy sweater on a chilly evening—comforting yet surprising with their delightful flavors. With their rich fudgy base and pepperminty top coat, they strike the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
This recipe saves you time on busy nights, especially when you have holiday parties to prepare for! It feels like something you’d find at an upscale bakery, but it’s made right in your kitchen with love. Plus, impressing friends and family with a dessert that looks fancy yet is surprisingly simple to whip up? That’s just the cherry on top!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine cutting into a warm brownie—the top cracking slightly as you sink your fork in. The first bite is an explosion of chocolate, rich and gooey, melting beautifully on your tongue. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, the hint of cool peppermint dances in, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that lingers, just like the best kind of memories. The crunch of the peppermint bark adds that perfect texture, a sweet reminder of holiday cheer that makes your heart sing. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket of warmth and joy, and trust me, it’s utterly addictive!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds that creamy texture, ensuring the brownies stay moist and fudgy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps achieve that lovely glossy top.
- 2 large eggs: Brings structure and richness to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for depth of flavor—because who wants bland brownies?
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that deep chocolaty goodness we all crave.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind everything together for the perfect chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: More chocolate? Yes, please! They add extra decadence.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show—this adds that holiday spirit to your brownies.
- Candy canes, crushed: For the peppermint bark topping—adds flavor and a festive crunch!
Optional Additions:
- Swirl in some white chocolate for extra creaminess.
- Throw in additional nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Special Garnishes: Topping with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can make these brownies even more tempting!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get your bake on? Let’s do this!
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Add sugar and eggs: Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. You’ll want it to be smooth and luscious—like the joy you feel during the holidays.
- Mix in the vanilla and cocoa: Add in the vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until everything comes together, but don’t overmix; we want that fudgy depth!
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently fold in those lovely chocolate chips and the peppermint extract. It’s the secret ingredient for that festive twist!
- Pour into the pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, letting your excitement for these brownies build.
- Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—nobody wants dry brownies!
- Cool and top: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the warm brownies to create a festive peppermint bark topping.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch things up! For a richer brownie, try using dark chocolate chips or add a swirl of cream cheese for a cheesecake-like effect. If you want to give this a holiday twist, serve them with a scoop of peppermint ice cream on the side. Pro tip: For a sophisticated edge, consider a chocolate ganache topping—who could say no to more chocolate?
Serving & Storage Tips
These brownies can be served warm, straight from the oven, or let them cool completely and cut into squares for perfect serving pieces. If you manage to have any leftovers (good luck with that!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week. But trust me, they won’t last long! If you do find yourself with a few lingering brownies, try crumbling them over a scoop of ice cream—instant dessert upgrade!
Helpful Tips
Here are a few things I learned the hard way that you might find helpful:
- Don’t skip on the cooling step! I know the aroma is tempting, but letting them cool helps the brownies set properly.
- Check your baking time! Ovens can be sneaky, and even a couple of minutes can make a difference between gooey deliciousness and brownie bricks.
- Use high-quality chocolate; it really makes a difference in flavor! You deserve it—trust me!
Special Equipment
You’ll want a good quality mixing bowl and a sturdy whisk for this recipe. If you have a rubber spatula, grab that too for mixing and spreading the batter evenly. A proper baking pan (I swear by my trusty non-stick 8×8 inch!) will help ensure your brownies come out effortlessly. Bonus points for a cooling rack—it helps with airflow so they don’t steam in the pan!
FAQ
Can I use flavored extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Try using almond or orange extract for a different spin on flavors. Just adjust the quantity to your taste!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
When you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs. They will continue to cook a bit once removed from the oven, so don’t worry if they look just a tad underbaked!
Can I freeze these brownies?
You bet! Let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
What should I do if I don’t have chocolate chips on hand?
No chocolate chips? No problem! You can simply chop up a chocolate bar or even use cocoa nibs for that delicious chocolate flavor!
Conclusion
Peppermint Bark Brownies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a delightful reminder of warmth, laughter, and togetherness. Every bite invites you to slow down, savor the sweetness, and celebrate the magic of the season. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or cuddling up with a plate for yourself, they’re bound to create lasting memories. So go ahead, embrace your inner baker, and let the aroma of these delightful brownies fill your home. I’d love to hear your stories—share your own peppermint bark experiences in the comments below!
Print
Irresistible Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these peppermint bark brownies a scrumptious dessert perfect for the holidays Easy to make and sure to impress
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful holiday treat combining fudgy brownies with the classic taste of peppermint bark, perfect for festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
