Name: Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9
Ingredients: 8 ounces (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 ounces (1 cup) heavy whipping cream; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (if you use salted butter, omit the salt above); 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional); Crushed candy canes (simply put a few into a bag and smash with a pan until crumbled)

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These Peppermint Brownies are everything you want in a winter dessert – rich, fudgy, and festive. They’re topped with a silky layer of chocolate ganache and studded with creamy white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the cool peppermint flavor. Finished with crushed peppermint candies for that holiday sparkle, they’re basically peppermint bark reinvented as a brownie. They’re SO good!

Peppermint Brownies | www.stuckonsweet.com

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re made from scratch with pantry staples – no boxed mix here.
They look festive, taste festive and are festive. The perfect dessert for the holidays, I must say.
You get a rich, dark chocolate flavor balanced by a refreshing hint of peppermint. Don’t worry, these are not overly minty. They’re very balanced.
The ganache is incredibly silky and beautiful. It doubles as the perfect “frosting,” making them holiday-party ready in just minutes. Chocolate ganache is the easiest thing to make, by the way. 🙂

Whether you call them dark chocolate peppermint brownies, peppermint brownies with frosting, or simply the best brownies you’ve ever had, these are a must make for your holiday baking list.

All of this brownie talk has me excited to share a few of my other favorites with you – because who can ever have too many brownies recipe? If you’re looking for more chocolatey goodness, try my Grandma’s Brownies (one of my most popular recipes), Best Fudge Brownies or my Swirly Cheesecake Brownies next! They’re all equally as delicious and beautiful in their own way.

Decadent peppermint brownies topped with crushed peppermint candies, perfect for holiday desserts and Christmas treats.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need along with a few notes about each.

Brownie Ingredients

All-purpose flour – AP flour provides structure for the brownies. Gluten free cup for cup flour can also be used.
Baking powder – Baking powder helps lift the brownies.
Salt – Salt helps enhance all the flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder. I like the texture they provide to this particular brownie.
Unsalted butter – Butter adds flavor, richness and helps the brownie stay chewy.
Pure vanilla extract – A little vanilla to add warmth.
Peppermint extract – Peppermint extract is what gives the brownies the peppermint flavor.
Granulated sugar – To help sweeten the brownies.
Eggs – They help bind all the ingredients together.
White chocolate chips (optional) – For texture, color and contrast.
Candy canes – To garnish for that festive look.

Chocolate Ganache

Heavy cream – Cream is what makes the chocolate so silky and decadent.
Semi sweet chocolate (35%-45% cocoa) – You can use chocolate chips, but baking chocolate bars are preferred. I like a semi-sweet flavor.

Instructions

For full instructions, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Make the brownies – Place butter and chocolate chips in a large glass bowl and microwave until melted and smooth. Whisk in eggs, vanilla and peppermint extract. Gently fold in the flour, baking powder and salt just until combined. Finally, stir in the white chocolate chips. Batter will be sticky. Spread brownie batter into a parchment paper lined 8×8 baking pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18-22 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the chocolate ganache: Add chocolate chips to a medium glass bowl and set aside. Add heavy whipping cream to a small pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a very light simmer (do not boil) then remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes then whisk until smooth. Pour over brownies and let cool.
Step 3: Garnish with peppermint candy and let set before cutting.

Tips for Success

Read through the entire recipe before starting. This helps prevent mistakes.
Prepare all of your ingredients and baking equipment ahead of time. This helps prevent mistakes and makes clean up easier.
Use high quality chocolate for deeper flavor. Ghirardelli is great.
Do not over-mix the brownie batter once the flour has been added.
Do not over-bake the brownies. Mine baked for 20 minutes. The edges will start to slightly pull away from the pan.
Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Chill the brownies before slicing for clean, bakery-style edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes! Just add peppermint extract to the batter.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

No. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerator for a fudge texture. I do recommend chilling them for slicing for even cuts.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely – brownies taste even better the next day once the flavors settle.

These easy chocolate brownies with peppermint are the kind of dessert that disappears fast. I’ve been told they’re similar to peppermint fudge. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something wintery and cozy, these peppermint brownies with chocolate ganache are guaranteed to hit the spot!

Yield: 9 large brownies