Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your holiday season, these Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love are just the ticket! Packed with rich chocolate flavor and a refreshing hint of peppermint, they’re perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. There’s something truly magical about the combination of fudgy brownies topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy—it’s like a little bite of winter wonderland!

Whether you need a quick dessert for a potluck or something special to share with loved ones, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up even on the busiest days. Trust me, once you make these brownies, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats without stress.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich chocolate and festive peppermint flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These brownies can be baked in advance and frosted right before serving!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a decadent treat that feels indulgent yet festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these irresistible brownies. You might already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Variations

One of the best things about these Festive Peppermint Brownies is how flexible they are! You can easily tweak them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add Some Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Extracts: Swap peppermint extract for almond or vanilla for a unique twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Go for Mint Chocolate Chips: Substitute regular chocolate chips with mint-flavored ones for an extra minty kick!

How to Make Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly buttering the sides will help your brownies lift out cleanly after baking. This step sets you up for success in creating those perfect brownie edges!

Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter

Melt the salted butter until smooth, then stir in the light brown sugar until it becomes glossy. Beat in the eggs one at a time; this helps incorporate air into your batter for that fudgy texture we love! Don’t forget to add in the peppermint extract—it fills your kitchen with such wonderful holiday vibes.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if desired, cornstarch, and baking powder. Folding these dry ingredients into your wet mixture ensures everything combines evenly without overmixing—this is key to achieving that perfect brownie consistency!

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in those dark chocolate chips or chunks, saving a few to sprinkle on top before baking. These melty morsels will make each bite blissfully rich!

Step 5: Bake Your Brownies

Spoon your batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Be sure to test with a toothpick; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Each oven is different, so check around 28 minutes for that perfect fudgy texture.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding frosting. This step prevents melting and makes spreading easier—plus it gives you time to savor that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Mix melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk bit by bit until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Spread that luscious frosting over your cooled brownies before sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top. Not only does it look festive, but it also adds delightful crunch and bursts of flavor—who could resist?

Enjoy every moment as you share these delicious Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love with family and friends! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

Baking these brownies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and more evenly baked brownies.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the fudgy texture. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cakey brownies instead of the rich, dense ones we desire.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary greatly in temperature. Start checking your brownies a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking and ensure that perfect fudgy center.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: If you frost warm brownies, the frosting will melt and slide off. Allowing them to cool completely ensures a beautiful finish that holds its shape when cut.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!

How to Serve Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love

These Festive Peppermint Brownies are not just delicious; they also look beautiful on any dessert table! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them to make your holiday gatherings even more special.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only enhance the festive look but also complement the peppermint flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Milk: A glass of chilled vanilla almond milk pairs wonderfully with these brownies, balancing their richness with creamy sweetness.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates brightens up the plate and adds freshness alongside the chocolatey goodness.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Ice Cream (Dairy-Free): A scoop of dairy-free ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat that elevates these brownies into an unforgettable dessert.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Festive Peppermint Brownies will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite during this special season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Festive Peppermint Brownies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a holiday gathering or just want a sweet treat ready to enjoy, here’s how to store and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, where they will last about a week.
• Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into individual squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag.
• They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• If you’re reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making your Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate chips give a rich flavor, you can use semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. Each option will add its unique twist!

How do I make these Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love gluten-free?

You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum included or add it separately according to the package instructions for best results.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract is unavailable, you can use mint extract as an alternative. Just be cautious with the amount since mint extract tends to have a stronger flavor.

Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delightful additions. Just fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Festive Peppermint Brownies Everyone Will Love! They’re not just easy to make but also bring that magical holiday spirit right into your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and may your gatherings be filled with laughter and sweetness. Don’t hesitate to share your creations – I’d love to hear how they turn out!