Indulging in Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a snowy day; the rich chocolatey goodness, combined with the refreshing zing of peppermint, creates an experience that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: dense, fudgy brownies topped with a swirl of creamy peppermint frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes—pure bliss that brings back childhood memories of sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace.
These delightful brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me when I say that baking these will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that even Santa would trade his cookies for!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies are easy to whip up and require minimal effort for maximum flavor
- Their luscious chocolate brownie base pairs beautifully with refreshing peppermint, making them visually stunning and deliciously festive
- Perfectly versatile, these brownies can shine during any winter celebration or simply satisfy your sweet tooth
Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use about 1 cup of unsalted butter to create that rich, fudgy texture in your brownies.
Granulated Sugar: A cup of sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture we all love.
Brown Sugar: Adding half a cup of brown sugar deepens the flavor profile and enhances moisture.
Eggs: You’ll need four large eggs; they help bind everything together while adding richness.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Cocoa Powder: Use one cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for that intense chocolatey goodness you crave.
All-Purpose Flour: One cup of flour provides structure; don’t overmix it for a tender brownie.
Baking Powder: Just half a teaspoon helps give those brownies a little lift without making them cake-like.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors without overpowering the sweetness; trust me on this!
Peppermint Extract: This ingredient is essential! A teaspoon adds that minty freshness we all adore during winter.
For the Frosting:
Powdered Sugar: Two cups will sweeten your frosting perfectly while creating that silky smooth texture.
Butter: Use half a cup of softened butter to achieve creamy consistency that’s easy to spread.
Cream or Milk: A few tablespoons help adjust consistency; use cream for richer frosting or milk for lighter results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies
Getting Started with the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. The scent of melting butter will fill your kitchen as you melt it over low heat until completely liquid.
Mixing It Up
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Whisk until smooth, letting those sugars dissolve into the buttery goodness.
It’s Egg Time!
Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture should become thick and glossy—like your favorite dark chocolate!
The Chocolatey Base
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt while stirring gently with a spatula. Make sure not to overmix; we want our brownies dense but tender!
Minty Freshness
Pour in peppermint extract and stir just until combined. The aroma alone is enough to make you want to dive right into the batter (but resist!).
Baking Bliss
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but still slightly gooey.
Cool Down Time
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting them. Patience is key here; these beauties deserve their moment before being devoured.
Whipping Up That Frosting
While waiting, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add cream or milk gradually until you reach desired consistency—smooth as silk!
Frost Away
Spread the minty frosting generously over cooled brownies. Finish with crushed candy canes sprinkled on top for that festive touch—a little crunch never hurt anyone!
Slice & Serve
Once frosted, cut into squares (or rectangles if you’re feeling rebellious) and serve up these divine Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies at your next gathering—or keep them all to yourself!
Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about Christmas magic or cozy nights by the fire; these brownies truly capture that spirit!
You Must Know
- These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist
- Perfect for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or just when you need a little pick-me-up
- They also make your kitchen smell absolutely divine!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Melt the chocolate and butter together, then mix in the sugar and eggs. Combine the dry ingredients next, ensuring everything blends smoothly before folding in any peppermint extract. Pour into the pan and bake until set.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate based on your preference. You can also add crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch or sprinkle some sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or enjoy them cold—just as delicious either way!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking them; they should still be slightly soft in the center
- Let them cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges
- Always sift dry ingredients to prevent clumps and ensure an even texture
Sometimes I think my friends invite me over just for these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies—they’re that good! One Christmas, I made a batch, and they were gone before I could even grab one myself!
FAQs :
What are Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies?
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies are a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with refreshing peppermint. These brownies are typically baked to create a fudgy texture, and they often feature a layer of peppermint-infused chocolate ganache on top. The combination of warm chocolate and cool peppermint makes these brownies perfect for winter gatherings or festive occasions.
How do I store Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies?
To keep your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them good for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I customize my Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies?
Absolutely! You can customize your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You can also adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preferences, making it more or less intense. Topping these brownies with crushed candy canes or drizzling white chocolate over them adds a festive touch too!
What pairs well with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies?
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies pair beautifully with various beverages and desserts. A warm cup of hot chocolate complements their rich flavor perfectly. For something more refreshing, try serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. Additionally, pairing your brownies with coffee or a peppermint-flavored latte enhances the overall experience and brings out the flavors even more.
Conclusion for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies :
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies by combining rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavors. These treats are easy to make and perfect for sharing during holiday celebrations or cozy nights in. Remember to store them properly to maintain freshness and feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste. Enjoy making these delicious brownies and sharing them with friends and family this season!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies are a festive delight that perfectly combine rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. These fudgy brownies, topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crunchy candy canes, evoke the warmth of cozy winter nights and holiday gatherings. Easy to make and irresistible, these treats will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 tbsp cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter over low heat. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt; mix gently until combined. Fold in peppermint extract.
- Spread batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over cooled brownies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
