Oh, the holidays! They’re all about warmth, joy, and of course, indulging in delicious treats. My Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars are the perfect way to embrace that festive spirit! Every bite is like a cozy hug, with rich chocolatey goodness paired with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. I remember the first time I made these; the whole house filled with an irresistible aroma that had everyone wandering in, curious and hungry. What makes these bars truly special is how easy they are to whip up, yet they look so fancy on a holiday dessert table! Trust me, once you take a bite of these fudgy, minty delights, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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 crushed peppermint candies (you can use candy canes for a festive touch!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Prepare Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your brownie bars to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I usually use butter or non-stick spray—whatever you have handy works! This ensures that your delicious brownies won’t stick when it’s time to cut them. Trust me, no one wants a brownie disaster on Christmas!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s melt that unsalted butter in a large bowl. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove—whatever floats your boat! Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, crack in those four large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s combined and glossy. You’re aiming for a creamy consistency that feels indulgent and rich—just like the holidays!
Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. It’s crucial to mix these dry ingredients well to avoid any clumps, especially with the cocoa powder. Once they’re blended, slowly add this mixture to your wet ingredients. Gently fold it all together until just combined—don’t overmix! This keeps those brownie bars fudgy and delightful.
Add Peppermint and Chocolate
Time to bring in the festive flair! Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips, being careful not to overwork the batter. You want those minty bits and melty chocolate to be evenly distributed but still keep that lovely texture. The smell alone is going to get everyone excited!
Bake the Brownie Bars
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Once they’re done, let the brownie bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential because it makes cutting them into perfect squares so much easier—yum!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind these festive treats! Each of my Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars is packed with deliciousness, but it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per bar:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you enjoy these rich and minty bars, it’s nice to have a little insight into their nutritional content. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear, along with my best tips. Let’s dive in!
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your brownie bars a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s not too bitter, or it might overpower the peppermint.
What if I can’t find crushed peppermint candies?
No problem! You can use crushed candy canes or even peppermint extract for a different twist. Just use about 1 teaspoon of extract instead of the candies if you go that route.
How should I store the leftover brownie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze these brownie bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Why did my brownie bars come out dry?
Oh no! If that happens, it might be because they were baked too long. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, and remember, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. Just fold them in along with the peppermint and chocolate chips.
Is there a way to make these brownie bars gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your chocolate chips and peppermint candies are also gluten-free!
These tips should help you navigate any concerns you might have while making these festive treats. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- These brownie bars are festive and colorful, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday gatherings.
- They boast a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, and the peppermint adds a refreshing twist.
- Perfect for sharing—cut them into bars, and they’re great for parties, potlucks, or gift-giving.
- You can easily customize them with toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste!
- They make your kitchen smell amazing—seriously, who can resist that warm chocolate aroma?
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, so you can enjoy them whenever you want!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars are absolutely perfect? I’ve got some handy tips that will help you achieve brownie bliss every single time!
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are key! Use a kitchen scale if you have one, and for dry ingredients, spoon them into your measuring cup and level them off with a knife. This way, you won’t end up with too much flour, which can lead to dry brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the fudgy texture we all love!
- Let the Butter Cool: If you’ve melted your butter in the microwave, let it cool slightly before adding it to the sugar. Hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely, which we definitely don’t want!
- Chill Your Peppermint: If you’re using crushed candy canes, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before folding them in. This helps them keep their shape and adds a delightful crunch.
- Decorate with Flair: Once your brownie bars are cool, consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top and sprinkling additional crushed peppermint for a festive touch. It not only looks amazing but adds extra flavor!
- Use Quality Chocolate: For the chocolate chips, don’t skimp on quality! Using good quality semi-sweet chocolate really elevates the taste of your brownie bars.
- Check for Doneness Wisely: Remember, every oven is different! Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the suggested bake time. Use a toothpick to test; you want a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter!
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool completely will help them set and make cutting them into neat squares a breeze.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars that will impress all your family and friends. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After indulging in these delightful Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars, you might have some leftovers (or maybe not—who am I kidding?). If you do, storing them properly is key to maintaining that fudgy goodness!
To store, simply place your brownie bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll last for about two weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying again, as they taste best when they’re nice and soft!
If you find yourself with a stash of these festive bars that you can’t finish, consider freezing them! Wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll hold up well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Just remember, if you microwave them, keep an eye on them to avoid overheating, which can dry them out. Trust me, you want that perfect fudgy texture every time!
Print
Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas peppermint brownie bars with a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Top with additional crushed peppermint for decoration.
- Can be served warm with ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas Peppermint Brownie Bars