Peppermint Brownies
When you think of classic desserts, brownies often come to mind. They are loved by many for their rich taste and chewy texture. Today, we will dive into a special version that gives your regular brownies a festive twist. Peppermint brownies mix the delightfully rich taste of chocolate with the coolness of peppermint. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, family events, or even a simple treat for yourself. Imagine biting into a fudge brownie, with smooth chocolate ganache on top, and a hint of peppermint. It’s a delicious combination that is sure to please chocolate lovers and peppermint fans alike.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make peppermint brownies instead of regular brownies. First, peppermint brownies are not just a treat; they are an experience. The refreshing flavor of peppermint adds a new dimension to the traditional brownie. This twist makes them feel festive, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations.
These brownies are also very easy to make! They require simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Moreover, the process is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. With only a few steps, you can have warm brownies fresh out of the oven. Adding ganache and crushed peppermint at the end enhances both the flavor and visual appeal.
Whether you are preparing for a holiday party or just want to enjoy something sweet at home, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy them on their own for a delightful treat.
How to Make Peppermint Brownies
Making peppermint brownies at home is simple. Follow these steps, and you will end up with a batch of mouthwatering treats that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here is what you need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint
Directions
Now, let’s go through the steps to make peppermint brownies.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as it ensures your brownies bake evenly. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent the brownies from sticking.Mix Sugar and Butter
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix these together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a sweet and buttery base for your brownies.Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack 2 large eggs into the sugar and butter mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as well. Mix everything together until fully blended. The eggs will help to give the brownies a rich texture.Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the cocoa and leavening agents.Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix, as this can make your brownies tough.Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. These will melt as the brownies bake, adding gooey pockets of chocolate to every bite.Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the brownies to be slightly undercooked in the center for that fudgy consistency.Prepare the Ganache
While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until it is simmering. Remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Mix until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.Top with Ganache
Once the brownies are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Then pour the ganache over the top of the cooled brownies. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.Add Crushed Peppermint
Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint over the ganache. This adds a festive touch and an extra burst of flavor. Let everything set before cutting the brownies into squares.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownies
Peppermint brownies can be served in numerous delightful ways. For a cozy dessert, warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warmth of the brownie and the coldness of the ice cream make for a perfect combination.
You can also serve them as they are, cut into small squares. Arrange them on a platter for sharing at gatherings, parties, or special events. For an extra touch, garnish them with a few whole peppermint candies or sprigs of mint leaves while serving.
For a richer experience, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving. Add fresh berries on the side for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Store Peppermint Brownies
Storing peppermint brownies is simple and keeps them fresh. First, make sure they cool completely before storing. You can place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days.
If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Peppermint Brownies
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder. This will enhance the chocolate taste of your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Check Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking your brownies at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Customization: Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts or different kinds of chocolate chips if you like.
- Peppermint Extract: If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter.
Variation
If you are looking for a variation, try adding a layer of cream cheese in the middle. Combine cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract for a delightful surprise when you bite into the brownies. Another option is to make the brownies without the ganache, and simply drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a nice contrast.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can add moisture and a slight caramel flavor to your brownies. However, the texture might change a bit.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk mixed with a little butter, but the ganache may be less rich.
3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
Enjoy making these delicious peppermint brownies for your family and friends. They are sure to be a hit!
Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, and blend until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring they are slightly undercooked in the center.
- While brownies are baking, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Let the brownies cool for a few minutes, then pour ganache over the top.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint over the ganache, and let set before cutting into squares.