Irresistibly Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Recipe for Winter Joy

Sinking your teeth into these decadent fudgy peppermint brownies that melt like velvet on your tongue.

Chocolate and mint create a magical dance of flavors in this irresistible dessert.

Festive holiday gatherings always deserve something spectacular and unexpected.

Cool peppermint swirls through rich dark chocolate, creating a sensational treat that looks as incredible as it tastes.

These brownies bring winter magic right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of intense chocolate rounded by refreshing mint notes.

Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one square of this incredible confection.

Why Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Are So Rich And Refreshing

• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: These brownies offer an irresistible combination of rich, fudgy chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist that melts in your mouth and satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings.
• Foolproof Festive Baking: The simple step-by-step method makes these brownies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a stunning dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Treat: Topped with glossy chocolate ganache and crunchy peppermint candy, these brownies transform a classic dessert into a festive showstopper that's guaranteed to impress at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family nights.
• Quick and Convenient Dessert: From start to finish, these brownies come together in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute sweet treat that doesn't compromise on taste or presentation.

What You’ll Need For Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds moisture and depth to brownies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a fudgy texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing, cool mint flavor.

• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps bind the brownie mixture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and creates tender crumb.

• Chocolate Chips: Smooth, rich base for ganache with intense chocolate flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, glossy ganache texture.
• Peppermint Candies: Adds crunchy texture and festive mint decoration.

Steps To Make Fudgy Peppermint Brownies At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it some love with cooking spray or butter. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy brownie rescue later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolatey Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract

Whisk everything together until it looks smooth and dreamy. The mixture should look glossy and well-blended.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate Magic

• Cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to go crazy with mixing – you want the batter to be just combined.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the chocolate batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Craft the Peppermint Topping

• Chocolate chips
• Heavy cream

Zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Finish with Festive Flair

Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it to cover every inch. While the ganache is still wet, shower the top with crushed peppermint candies.

Step 7: Set and Serve

Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, pop the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once set, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper edges. Slice into squares and get ready to wow everyone with your chocolate peppermint creation!

Pro Tip: These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, winter celebrations, or when you need a chocolate pick-me-up!

Tips For Perfect Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Prevent Dry Brownies: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which causes tough, dry brownies. Gentle folding keeps the texture fudgy and moist.
• Control Peppermint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract quantity based on personal preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste, adding more for a stronger mint flavor without overwhelming the chocolate.
• Create Smooth Ganache: Melt chocolate chips and cream slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring carefully to prevent burning. Use high-quality chocolate for a glossy, rich topping that sets beautifully.
• Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free for celiac-safe treats.
• Enhance Decoration Options: Replace peppermint candies with chocolate shavings, candy cane pieces, or drizzle white chocolate for varied festive presentations that suit different occasions and tastes.

How To Store And Warm Up Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Refrigerate: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their fudgy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, microwave each brownie for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5 minutes.
• Serve: Bring refrigerated or thawed brownies to room temperature before serving to enjoy their rich, chocolatey flavor and soft, fudgy consistency.

Pairings That Work With Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Pair with Peppermint Mocha: Complement the rich chocolate and peppermint flavors with a warm, creamy peppermint mocha coffee. The espresso's bold notes will enhance the brownie's decadent chocolate base while the peppermint syrup mirrors the candy topping.
• Serve with Chilled Milk: The classic brownie companion, cold milk cuts through the rich ganache and provides a smooth, creamy contrast. Choose whole milk for maximum richness or almond milk for a lighter touch.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the brownies. The cool, subtle sweetness balances the intense chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Enjoy with Peppermint Tea: Brew a hot peppermint tea to amplify the mint flavor. Its clean, crisp taste will cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, fudgy brownies.

Easy Add-Ins For Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• Rocky Road Peppermint Brownies: Enhance the classic recipe by adding mini marshmallows and chopped almonds to the ganache layer, creating a crunchy and gooey texture that complements the peppermint flavor.
• Chocolate Mint Chip Brownies: Fold in dark chocolate mint chips into the brownie batter for an extra burst of minty chocolate goodness, intensifying the peppermint experience with every bite.
• White Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Replace the dark chocolate ganache with a white chocolate peppermint drizzle, creating a lighter, more delicate topping that adds a creamy contrast to the rich brownie base.
• Candy Cane Crunch Brownies: Incorporate crushed candy canes directly into the brownie batter and sprinkle additional pieces on top of the ganache for a festive and crunchy peppermint sensation.

Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Questions

• Why use peppermint extract in these brownies?

Peppermint extract adds a cool, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate, creating a delightful holiday-inspired dessert that tastes like a festive chocolate-mint treat.

• Can I make these brownies without peppermint extract?

Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract, but it significantly changes the signature flavor. The extract is what gives these brownies their special minty twist that makes them unique from regular chocolate brownies.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan, and the top should look set but not completely dry. This ensures a fudgy, moist texture that’s not overbaked.

• What's the best way to crush peppermint candies for the topping?

Place unwrapped peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. Aim for a mix of fine and small chunks for the most attractive and textured topping.

Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these fudgy peppermint brownies that blend rich cocoa and cool mint in perfect harmony. Creamy chocolate layers and refreshing peppermint create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor to the last delightful crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Environment

Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Create a non-stick surface inside an 8×8-inch pan by layering parchment paper with extended edges for effortless brownie removal.

1. Blend Liquid Components

Whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.

1. Integrate Dry Elements

Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into a separate container. Gently fold these powdery ingredients into the liquid mixture, maintaining a delicate touch to prevent overworking the batter.

1. Transform Batter into Brownies

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge with a few moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely within the pan.

1. Craft Peppermint Ganache

Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each heating cycle until achieving a glossy, smooth texture.

1. Finalize Brownie Decoration

Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it carefully with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the surface while the chocolate remains liquid.

1. Set and Serve

Let the ganache solidify at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, or expedite the process by chilling in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once set, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment edges, slice into squares, and present.

Notes

• Boost chocolate intensity by using dark cocoa powder for a richer, deeper flavor profile that complements the peppermint perfectly.
• Create gluten-free brownies by substituting regular flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
• Control ganache consistency by adjusting cream amount – less cream makes a thicker topping, while more cream creates a silkier, more spreadable texture that drapes beautifully over the brownies.
• Enhance peppermint flavor by adding a light sprinkle of peppermint extract directly into the ganache for an extra burst of cool, minty freshness that elevates the entire dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg