Description
Holiday peppermint brownies marry rich chocolate with cool candy-cane flavor for a festive treat. Fudgy brownies, peppermint frosting, and crunchy topping make them a Christmas favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Flavoring Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Fire up your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan with a light butter spray or parchment paper sling.
- Melt ½ cup butter and combine with 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture looks silky and integrated.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring thoroughly after each egg to create a smooth, glossy base.
- Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract into the wet ingredients, mixing until fragrant and well blended.
- Separately whisk 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon baking powder until no lumps remain.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips into the batter, stirring minimally to distribute them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it smoothly with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set their structure.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar and scatter red and green sprinkles across the surface before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Check brownies at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking, as they should remain fudgy and moist in the center.
- Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra festive flavor variations.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- For an intense peppermint experience, add an extra quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 8
- Calories: 304 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 88 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg