Fudgy Peppermint Brownies have become a beloved tradition in my home, especially during the festive season. There’s something magical about the rich chocolate flavor paired with the refreshing crunch of peppermint that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. Plus, they’re not just delicious; they’re also simple to make, perfect for both new bakers and the more experienced ones looking for a sweet treat.
What makes these brownies truly special is their decadence. Each bite is a luscious mix of fudgy texture, melted chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, or just indulging on a cozy evening, these brownies are sure to impress.
Why you’ll love fudgy peppermint brownies
- Quick to prepare and bake.
- Rich and fudgy with a perfect balance of mint.
- Easy clean-up with just one bowl for mixing.
- Perfect for gifting or sharing at parties.
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.
What ingredients do I need for fudgy peppermint brownies?
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- You can substitute granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like coconut sugar for a health-conscious alternative.
- Feel free to omit the peppermint candies if mint isn’t your thing or swap in other mix-ins like nuts or caramel bits.
How do I make fudgy peppermint brownies step-by-step?
To make fudgy peppermint brownies, you’ll melt the butter, mix in the sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then combine the dry and wet ingredients before folding in chocolate chips and peppermint. Bake, cool, and enjoy this delightful treat!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set, and the center should be slightly soft.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
How should I serve it?
Serve these fudgy peppermint brownies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation. For an extra festive touch, garnish with a few whole peppermint candies or a sprig of mint on the side.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely, these brownies can be made a few days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you want them warm.
How do I fix common issues?
If your brownies turn out dry, make sure you’re not overbaking them. The addition of melted butter helps, but keep an eye on the baking time. A bland flavor can often be fixed with a pinch of salt, which highlights the chocolate taste. For gooey centers, they should have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven. If they’ve sunk in the middle, that could be due to underbaking.
What variations can I try?
You can switch up the flavors easily! Replace peppermint with orange zest and chocolate orange candies for a citrusy treat. For a peanut butter twist, fold in some peanut butter chips along with the chocolate. You could even swirl peanut butter or Nutella into the top of the brownie batter before baking.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can melt down dark chocolate and replace the cocoa powder with it, but reduce the sugar slightly since dark chocolate is sweeter.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Check for a slight pull away from the edges of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
What can I do with leftover brownies?
You can crumble leftovers over ice cream for a delightful dessert or mix them into a milkshake for a rich treat.
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar.
- Garnish with whole peppermint candies or a sprig of mint for an extra festive touch.