Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making peppermint brownies, you’re seriously missing out! These brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them such a delightful treat for any occasion—especially during the holidays! I remember the first time I made these; my kitchen smelled heavenly, and the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! They’re fudgy, sweet, and have that lovely minty kick that makes them so special. Trust me, once you share these with friends and family, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste for extra minty flavor)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (because who doesn’t love more chocolate?)
How to Prepare Peppermint Brownies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I usually use a little butter or cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s get to the fun part—melting the butter! In a large saucepan over low heat, melt your butter until it’s nice and liquid. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and glossy. You’ll love the smell of that buttery sweetness—it’s heavenly!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk to break up any lumps and make sure everything is evenly mixed. This step is super important because it helps the brownies rise perfectly and get that wonderful, fudgy texture!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just a few folds will do! Next, fold in the peppermint extract and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. That’s where the magic happens!
Bake the Brownies
Pour the delicious batter into your greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That’s the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Cooling and Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let your brownies cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—allowing them to cool will help them set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, cut them into squares and enjoy! They’re fantastic on their own, but a scoop of ice cream on top is just the cherry on the cake—or should I say brownie!
Nutritional Information
These peppermint brownies are not only delicious but also provide some nutritional insights. Each brownie contains approximately 200 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Of course, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you use. Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Refreshing peppermint twist makes them a festive favorite.
- Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Tips for Success
For the perfect peppermint brownies, here are my top tips! First, don’t overmix the batter; you want those brownies to be fudgy, not cakey! Also, keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different, so check for that toothpick test a minute or two early. And remember, letting them cool completely will help with cutting those perfect squares!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these peppermint brownies! Try adding crushed peppermint candies on top for some extra crunch and festive flair. You could also mix in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture. Feeling wild? Swap the peppermint extract for orange or almond extract for a whole new flavor experience. The options are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious peppermint brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them for an extended shelf life. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness!
Print
Peppermint Brownies: 5 Irresistible Tips for Success
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich brownies with a refreshing peppermint twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Use crushed peppermint candies for topping.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert, holiday treats