Peppermint Bark Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a delightful peppermint twist. They are the perfect treat for cozy winter nights or festive gatherings. The festive flavors create a joyful dessert that pairs beautifully with holiday festivities. With each bite, you’ll experience the balance of chocolate and mint, making these brownies a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike. Just imagine serving them at a holiday party, where they quickly become the highlight of the dessert table!
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature Make sure butter is at room temperature for a light batter.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs Add each egg one at a time.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) Can be substituted with dark chocolate.
White Chocolate Topping
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped Use high-quality white chocolate for best results.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes Can be substituted with peppermint sprinkles.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool on a wire rack.
Topping
- Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Spread the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Allow to set at room temperature or in the fridge for 30 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this recipe special is its perfect blend of flavors and textures. Peppermint Bark Brownies are not just delicious, they are visually stunning with their sparkling crushed candy cane topping. They come together quickly, which is ideal for busy holiday schedules or last-minute gifts.
“These brownies were a massive hit at our Christmas gathering! Everyone loved the minty twist!” – A satisfied baker
Easy to prepare and impressively decadent, these treats can be served as a festive dessert or alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a memorable flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Peppermint Bark Brownies is simple and straightforward. In just a few easy-to-follow steps, you can create a batch of brownies that are both delicious and visually appealing. With a little prep and baking time, these brownies will soon be out of the oven and ready for the final peppermint touch.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
- Prepare your ingredients and preheat your oven.
- Cream together the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine the dry ingredients and mix them into the wet mixture.
- Bake until just set, then cool.
- Prepare the white chocolate topping and finish with crushed candy canes.
Now let’s get into the specifics so you can make these delightful brownies at home!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for the best results:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste. Additionally, if you are in a pinch, the crushed candy canes can be replaced with peppermint sprinkles for a colorful finish.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool on a wire rack.
- Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir in the peppermint extract.
- Spread the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Allow to set at room temperature or in the fridge for 30 minutes. Slice into squares and serve.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Peppermint Bark Brownies can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm right out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, pair them with a hot drink like coffee or a peppermint mocha to enhance the minty goodness. You can also get creative and serve them on a dessert platter alongside festive cookies or holiday cakes.
For a professional touch, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving or adding whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Peppermint Bark Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you plan on keeping them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
To enjoy them warm later on, simply reheat brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore some of their gooey goodness while still retaining the peppermint flavor profile.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature to create a light and fluffy batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients. This will ensure that your brownies are fudgy rather than cakey.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the topping. It melts better and tastes creamier.
- When crushing candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin for even pieces.
Creative Twists
For those looking to mix things up, consider these creative variations:
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for an extra crunch.
- Flavor Burst: Substitute peppermint extract with orange zest for a holiday citrus twist.
- Healthier Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
FAQs
How long do these brownies take to prepare?
The total time, including prep and baking, is about 45-60 minutes.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly.
What if I have nut allergies?
You can simply omit nuts from the recipe, or use nut-free chocolate chips if you’d like.
With this recipe, you’re set to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy evening at home, Peppermint Bark Brownies will surely delight everyone.
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