Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 16
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Get ready to cozy up with the ultimate winter treat: Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies. Combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the cool, festive flavor of peppermint, this dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or a snuggly night in by the fire.

Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Together, these sugars help achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and cakey chew. Eggs: Key for binding the ingredients and giving structure. Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with its classic aroma. All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure without overcomplicating the texture. Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a deep, intense chocolate flavor. Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough. Salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Give additional bursts of chocolate and richness. Heavy cream: The base for our smooth ganache. Peppermint extract: Adds that cool, minty freshness. Crushed peppermint candies: For a festive crunch and extra minty punch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Allow the butter to cool slightly before adding the other ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs.
  • For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies.
  • If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract to the ganache.
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the brownies for cleaner edges.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re a coffee lover, enjoy them with a peppermint mocha for the ultimate indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will result in thicker brownies and longer baking time.
How do I store these brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with other flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almond or orange extract for a different twist.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the brownies a breeze and saves you from any potential sticking woes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Let it cool slightly before adding the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the brownies tough.

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and then pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring it reaches all the corners.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remember, a little gooeyness is good—it means fudgy centers!

While the brownies are cooling, prepare your ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract.

Pour this hot cream over the remaining chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before stirring until it’s smooth and glossy. This will be your silky ganache.

Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the ganache evenly over the top. Finish by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies for that magical holiday touch. Allow the ganache to set before cutting the brownies into squares.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with a gooey center and a crisp top.
  • Peppermint adds a refreshing twist to traditional brownies.
  • Perfectly festive for the holiday season with a beautiful presentation.
  • A delightful balance of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely.
6. For the ganache, heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
7. Pour the hot cream over the remaining chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
8. Spread the ganache over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
9. Allow the ganache to set before cutting into squares and serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!