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Festive Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 52 reviews

Celebrate the holidays with these rich and fudgy Festive Peppermint Brownies, featuring a luscious peppermint-infused chocolate batter topped with creamy chocolate frosting and a crunchy crushed peppermint candy decoration. Perfectly moist and chocolatey, these brownies bring a festive twist to a classic dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • ½ cup salted butter (melted)
  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • ¾ tsp peppermint extract
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks

Chocolate Frosting

  • ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk

Decoration

  • Crushed peppermint candy (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides to ensure the brownies lift out easily and maintain perfect edges.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Melt the salted butter until smooth. Stir in the light brown sugar until the mixture becomes glossy and soft. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently each time. Add the peppermint extract for a festive aroma.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, cornstarch, and baking powder. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Add chocolate chips: Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the batter in the pan before baking, for melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
  5. Bake the brownies: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes, beginning to check at 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached for perfect fudginess.
  6. Cool before frosting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting, ensuring the frosting spreads smoothly without melting.
  7. Prepare frosting: Mix together the melted butter, cocoa powder, sifted powdered sugar, and whole milk until smooth and creamy. Add milk gradually if the frosting is too thick, to reach desired spreading consistency.
  8. Frost and decorate: Spread the chocolate frosting gently over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candy for an added festive crunch, vibrant color, and refreshing peppermint aroma.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing.
  • The espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor subtly.
  • Adjust milk quantity in frosting for a thicker or thinner consistency based on preference.
  • Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
  • The crushed peppermint candy not only adds flavor but also a festive decorative touch.
  • You can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: peppermint brownies, holiday brownies, chocolate peppermint dessert, festive brownies, peppermint chocolate recipe

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/festive-peppermint-brownies-recipe/