Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate peppermint brownie balls are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. These bite-sized delights combine rich brownie dough with creamy frosting, coated in melted chocolate, and topped with crunchy candy canes for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the back of the box)
• 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
• 8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate
• 1 cup candy canes, crushed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the box, then pour it into the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
4. Step 4: Once cooled, crumble the brownies into smaller pieces using your hands and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
5. Step 5: Add the chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies and mix until you have a thick, dough-like consistency.
6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup of the finely crushed candy canes.
7. Step 7: Using a cookie scooper, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place the balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Step 8: Melt the Ghirardelli melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each until completely smooth.
9. Step 9: Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, rolling to coat completely, then return them to the cookie sheet.
10. Step 10: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of each brownie ball.
11. Step 11: Allow the chocolate coating to set before serving or storing your peppermint brownie balls.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra minty flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter or frosting.
• Use white chocolate melting wafers instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter and creamier coating.
• Swap candy canes for crushed peppermint candies or even mini peppermint candies for different textures.
• Chill the brownie balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before dipping; this helps them hold their shape better.

Storage

Store the chocolate peppermint brownie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! Homemade brownies work great for this recipe. Just be sure they are fully cooled before crumbling and mixing with the frosting.

What if I don’t have Ghirardelli melting chocolate?

You can substitute with any good-quality melting chocolate, chocolate chips, or chocolate candy melts. Just melt carefully to avoid burning.

Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls Recipe

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These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are a festive and indulgent treat combining rich, fudgy brownies with creamy chocolate frosting, all coated in smooth melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a refreshing peppermint crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delightful bite-sized dessert.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 24 brownie balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on back of box, typically eggs, oil, and water)

Filling and Coating

• 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
• 8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate
• 1 cup candy canes, crushed (divided into 1/4 cup finely crushed and 3/4 cup for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or spray a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box, mixing in the required ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake Brownies: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
4. Crumble Brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, take them out of the pan and crumble them into smaller pieces inside a large mixing bowl using your hands, breaking them down to a manageable consistency for mixing.
5. Add Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies and mix thoroughly until you achieve a thick dough-like consistency that holds together when rolled.
6. Mix in Candy Canes: Stir in 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes into the brownie-frosting mixture to infuse the peppermint flavor evenly.
7. Form Balls: Using a cookie scooper or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll each portion into balls with your hands, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Melt Chocolate: Place the 8 oz of Ghirardelli melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth without any lumps.
9. Coat Brownie Balls: Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, turning them with a spoon or fork to coat thoroughly. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
10. Sprinkle Candy Canes: While the chocolate coating is still wet, generously sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the tops of the brownie balls to add a festive peppermint crunch.
11. Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate coating to fully set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

• Use high-quality melting chocolate for the best glossy coat and flavor.
• You can substitute candy canes with peppermint candy or peppermint extract if desired.
• Store finished brownie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• For quicker setting, place the coated balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after dipping.
• If frosting is too stiff, microwave for 10 seconds to soften before mixing.
• Ensure brownies are completely cooled before crumbling to avoid melting the frosting prematurely.

Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls, holiday treats, peppermint dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate coated snacks