There’s just something magical about baking peppermint brownies that fills my heart with joy! The rich, fudgy chocolate base paired with a refreshing twist of peppermint creates a dessert that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering—everyone went wild for them! The way that minty flavor dances on your tongue, it’s like a festive celebration in every bite. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, just like they have in mine. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Peppermint Brownies
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Peppermint Brownies
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of butter or non-stick spray to make sure those brownies don’t stick. You could also line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later on—just a little tip from me!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, onto the fun part! In a large saucepan, melt your butter over low heat. Be patient here; we want it just melted, not boiling. Once that’s done, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything’s well combined. This will create a lovely, glossy mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Adding these dry ingredients to your wet mixture is crucial because it helps create that rich, fudgy texture we all adore. Gently fold them together until just combined—don’t overmix! Finally, stir in the peppermint extract and those luscious chocolate chips. Yum!
Baking the Brownies
Now it’s time to pour that delicious batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, and then pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Here’s a little secret: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! Let the brownies cool in the pan for a bit before cutting them into squares. The smell will be absolutely heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you get to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Rich, fudgy brownies with a decadent chocolate flavor.
- The refreshing peppermint twist adds a festive flair.
- Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- They’re sure to impress your friends and family!
Tips for Success
To make sure your peppermint brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the step of greasing your pan—trust me, nobody wants to wrestle with stuck brownies! Also, be careful not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients; this keeps them fudgy and moist. If you like a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract, but go easy—too much can overpower the chocolate. Lastly, let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting; this helps them set up beautifully!
Variations on Peppermint Brownies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your peppermint brownies! Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You can also swap in white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra decadence. For a more minty experience, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the batter before baking. Get creative and make these brownies your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for each delicious brownie: about 200 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your sweet treat, but remember to savor it in moderation!
FAQ Section
How should I store my peppermint brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to make them last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week.
Can I freeze peppermint brownies?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just dive right in!
What if I want a stronger peppermint flavor?
If you’re a peppermint lover like me, you can increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon or more, but be careful not to overdo it! A little goes a long way, and you don’t want to overpower that rich chocolatey goodness.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different taste. Each type of chocolate brings its own unique flavor profile to the brownies!
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out clean, they might be overbaked, so keep an eye on them!
For more delicious recipes, check out this brownies page or explore more dessert ideas.
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Peppermint Brownies: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich brownies with a refreshing peppermint twist.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in peppermint extract 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 squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Use crushed peppermint candies for topping.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert, holiday treats