Zippy Peppermint Brownies Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Decadent chocolate meets cool, refreshing peppermint delight brownies that dance on the edge of pure indulgence.

Silky smooth chocolate layers intertwine with bright mint notes, creating a dessert that sparks joy with every bite.

The rich, fudgy base provides a perfect canvas for the zesty peppermint twist.

Chocolatiers and home bakers alike will adore this delightful fusion of classic brownie richness and invigorating mint flavor.

These brownies strike a perfect balance between deep cocoa intensity and crisp peppermint freshness.

Serve them chilled for an extra burst of minty coolness that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of chocolate and peppermint.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 303 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Peppermint Brownies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and helps create a moist crumb.
• Chocolate Chips: Delivers deep, intense chocolate flavor and smooth consistency.
• Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the brownie.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces caramel-like sweetness and helps retain moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredients' flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the brownie.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy, spreadable frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth texture.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers cool, refreshing mint flavor.
• Milk: Helps adjust frosting consistency and softens texture.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates glossy, rich chocolate layer.
• Butter: Helps chocolate melt smoothly.
• Peppermint Candy: Adds festive crunch and additional mint flavor.

Equipment for Festive Peppermint Brownie Baking

• 8x8x2-inch baking pan: Essential for perfectly sized brownies.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and chocolate gently.
• Stand mixer with whisk attachment: Crucial for creating light, fluffy brownie base.
• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Helps create smooth, creamy peppermint frosting.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading frosting evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient amounts.
• Cooling rack: Helps brownies cool quickly and evenly.
• Sharp knife: Ideal for cutting clean, neat brownie squares.

How to Make Peppermint Brownies Soft and Rich

• Chocolate Butter Blend

Gently melt butter in a saucepan, then fold in chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Let the mixture cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.

• Fluffy Egg Mixture

Whip eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixer until the batter becomes light and airy, creating a silky texture that will give brownies their rich consistency.

• Batter Creation

Carefully incorporate the chocolate blend into the egg mixture, folding gently to maintain the airiness. Add flour with soft, deliberate strokes until just combined.

• Brownie Baking

Pour batter into a prepared pan and bake until edges are set but center remains slightly soft. This ensures a decadent, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Peppermint Frosting Magic

Whip butter until fluffy, then gradually blend powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk. Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

• Chocolate Topping

Once brownies are completely cool, spread the peppermint frosting evenly. Melt additional chocolate with a touch of butter, then drizzle over the frosting.

• Festive Finish

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the top for a delightful crunch and holiday-inspired decoration. Allow chocolate to set before cutting into squares.

Baking Tips to Add More Peppermint Punch

• Peppermint Power-Ups: Smart Baking Tricks
• Chocolate Melting Magic: Always melt chocolate slowly over low heat to prevent burning. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring between each interval for smooth results.
• Frosting Finesse: Ensure butter is truly room temperature for the creamiest, lump-free peppermint frosting. Let it sit out for 30-45 minutes before mixing to guarantee perfect texture.
• Candy Crush Strategy: Crush peppermint candies between two kitchen towels using a rolling pin for uniform, fine pieces. This prevents messy crumbs and creates a professional-looking topping.
• Brownie Doneness Hack: Insert a toothpick near the center of the brownies – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked. Avoid overbaking to maintain that delicious fudgy texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate.

Ways to Present These Brownies for Celebrations

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the brownies on a decorative holiday platter, surrounded by fresh mint leaves and sprinkled candy cane pieces for a stunning seasonal dessert display.
• Cool Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate to enhance the rich chocolate and mint flavors.
• Party Presentation Trick: Cut brownies into small bite-sized squares for easy serving at holiday parties, placing them on elegant tiered dessert stands with additional peppermint candy garnish.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating a delightful homemade gift for friends and family during winter celebrations.

Keep Peppermint Brownies Fresh and Fudgy

• Chilled Storage Strategy: Seal brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cool environment maintains frosting texture and prevents peppermint bark from melting.
• Freezing Fresh Batch: Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats stay delicious for 3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Counter Comfort Approach: Keep brownies at room temperature for 2 days maximum. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent moisture loss and maintain soft, fudgy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare brownie base and frosting separately up to 2 days before serving. Assemble just before event to ensure maximum freshness and stunning presentation. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Rich Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Midnight Peppermint Delight Brownies merge rich chocolate with cool mint in a festive dessert. Chocolate lovers savor the perfect balance of fudgy brownie base and refreshing peppermint frosting you’ll want to share.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (213 grams) bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cacao)
• 1 ½ sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups (213 grams) bittersweet chocolate chips (60% cacao)
• ¾ cup Domino Light Brown Sugar
• 2 cups Domino Powdered Sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tbsps whole milk
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Crushed peppermint candy for topping
• Butter (for melting chocolate)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan.
2. Chocolate Base: Melt butter in a saucepan, incorporate chocolate chips until glossy, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Egg Mixture: Whip eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until light and airy.
4. Batter Creation: Fold cooled chocolate mixture into egg mixture in three stages, then gently integrate sifted flour to maintain a delicate texture.
5. Initial Baking: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for approximately 20 minutes until perfectly set. Cool completely for one hour.
6. Peppermint Frosting: Cream butter in an electric mixer, gradually blending powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk. Beat at medium-high speed for two minutes until smooth and spreadable.
7. Frosting Application: Spread peppermint frosting generously across cooled brownies, then chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
8. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt remaining chocolate chips with a touch of butter until silky, then drizzle over frosted brownies.
9. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy across the top for a festive appearance. Allow chocolate to completely harden before slicing into individual squares.

Notes

• Precision Mixing: Whip egg mixture thoroughly for 5-6 minutes to create a light, airy base that ensures tender brownie texture.
• Chocolate Handling: Melt chocolate gently over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
• Cooling Critical: Allow brownies to cool completely for one hour before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp layers.
• Topping Technique: Drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint when brownies are chilled to create a clean, professional finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg