Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about brownies, isn’t there? They’re the ultimate comfort food, a treat we all love. But when you add a bit of peppermint to the mix? Well, that’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening. The easiest ever peppermint brownies blend rich chocolatey goodness with a cool burst of mint, making them perfect for any occasion.
Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake. These brownies are great for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home with the family. You know, those evenings when you want to whip something up quickly but still want to impress. This recipe is perfect for busy parents trying to squeeze in sweet moments with their kids, and anyone looking to create a little joy in their day.
So grab your apron, and let’s get started on these simple yet delicious brownies that will surely become a family favorite.
how to make Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Making peppermint brownies doesn’t need to be daunting. With just a few ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll have a tray of mouthwatering treats in no time. Let me guide you through it step by step, and we’ll make this baking adventure a breeze!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract for flavoring
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your brownies will lift out perfectly later. This step is essential for easy serving and clean-up.
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. It’s such a cozy moment watching the butter slowly transform, isn’t it?
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Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s nice and smooth.
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In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is where the brownie magic starts to take shape!
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Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. It will start to look like rich chocolatey goodness.
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Now, it’s time for a fun twist! Pour the brownie batter into your greased baking dish. Don’t worry if it looks thick; that’s just how it should be.
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To top it off, sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies over the batter. If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to use peppermint extract in the batter instead.
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Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want that toothpick inserted in the center to come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect chewy texture.
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Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
how to serve Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
When it comes to serving these delightful brownies, the possibilities are endless. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, letting it melt into the chocolatey goodness—pure heaven! Or, garnish each square with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top. It adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor that’s hard to resist.
They are also perfect as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table. Just imagine how beautiful they’ll look next to your festive cookies and pies!
how to store Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
These brownies will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days if stored correctly. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you manage to have any leftovers, you could also refrigerate them for a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long!
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect treat to pull out when you’re in need of a sweet pick-me-up.
tips to make Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
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Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps create a smoother batter and release more air during mixing, making your brownies even fluffier.
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Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the brownies to cool completely in the pan ensures the perfect texture. They’ll be easier to slice and have a better texture when they’re fully set.
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Mix Gently: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, fold them together gently. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we all want that fudgy inside!
variation (if any)
Feel free to get creative with these brownies! Instead of crushed peppermint, try using crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist. Or, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft brownie texture.
You can also switch up the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips—both add a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and mint.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use High-Quality Chocolate: When choosing the chocolate chips, opt for good quality. It makes a big difference in taste and texture. Dark chocolate chips pair wonderfully with peppermint, offering a luscious richness.
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Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your brownies in the final minutes of baking. It’s better to underbake slightly. The brownies will continue to set as they cool.
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Customize the Mint Flavor: If you prefer a subtler peppermint flavor, start with half the amount of crushed peppermint or peppermint extract, then adjust to taste. Everyone’s preference is different, and this way, you can really cater to your family’s tastes.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday Gift Baskets: Consider packaging these brownies in festive boxes or tins and gifting them to friends and family during the holidays. It’s a loving, homemade touch that everyone will appreciate.
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Brunch Table Treat: Serve them alongside your favorite brunch items. Pair with coffee or hot cocoa. Brunch feels extra cozy and special with these sweet morsels included.
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Movie Night Snack: Cut them into smaller pieces and place them on a platter for movie night. Trust me, they make the perfect companion to a great film, bringing warmth and happiness to your family gathering.
FAQs
Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dark cocoa powder adds a richer flavor which pairs wonderfully with the mint.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The taste will remain delicious.
What if I don’t have peppermint candies?
Not a problem! You can use peppermint extract instead. Just be careful with the amount as it’s more concentrated.
How can I make my brownies more festive?
Consider drizzling some white chocolate over the top or adding seasonal sprinkles for a pop of color!
Quick Recap
So there you have it, the easiest ever peppermint brownies! With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delightful treat that your family will adore. Whether for a family gathering, holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, these brownies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
Bake this weekend; you’ll be glad you did! I can’t wait for you to share these cozy bites with your loved ones. Happy baking!
Easiest Ever Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter Melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips For topping
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies Or peppermint extract for flavoring
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and crushed peppermint over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.