Christmas Peppermint Brownies 🎄
Delightful, fudgy brownies infused with peppermint, topped with a rich chocolate peppermint ganache and festive crushed peppermint candies. A perfect holiday treat for the holidays!
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips divided
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder optional, for richer flavor
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for garnish
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- salt Pinch of
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light grease. Set it aside.
- Melt It Down: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and ½ cup of the chocolate chips. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and melted (this usually takes about 1-2 minutes).
- Mix in Dry: Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and optional espresso powder until well combined.
- Add Sugars: Mix in both the white granulated sugar and the brown sugar until fully incorporated.
- Whisk in Wet: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract and vegetable oil, until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in Flour & Chips: Gently fold in the flour and the remaining chocolate chips just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix!
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This keeps them fudgy! Let them cool completely in the pan.
- Make Ganache: While the brownies cool, prepare the ganache. Place 1 cup of chocolate chips in a medium heat-proof bowl. In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it's just warm and steaming, but not boiling.
- Combine Ganache: Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 3-4 minutes to melt the chocolate. Then, whisk until it's smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract, 1 teaspoon of butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Finish & Chill: Spread the smooth ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Pop the brownies into the fridge for at least an hour to let the ganache set. Once firm, cut into squares with a sharp, clean knife and enjoy your delightful, healthy-ish holiday treat!
Notes
Enjoy your delightful holiday treat!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 311 kcal
- Total Carbs: 37g
- Net Carbs: 36g
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 3g
