Chocolate Peppermint Dream

Indulge in the Ultimate Holiday Treat: Fudgy Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Rich, sweet, and perfectly festive, these decadent brownies feature a deep chocolate base crowned with a luscious peppermint cream cheese frosting, finished with a delightful sprinkle of crushed candy canes. They are the quintessential dessert for any holiday gathering or a cozy winter evening.

As the holiday season draws near, the irresistible charm of peppermint takes center stage in our kitchens. After you savor every bite of these amazing Peppermint Brownies, be sure to explore more festive delights! We highly recommend trying our Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or the wonderfully soft and festive Peppermint Holiday Soft Sugar Cookies to continue your minty-chocolate journey.

The Evolution of a Holiday Favorite: Crafting the Perfect Peppermint Brownie Experience

Having dedicated many years to the art of baking and recipe development, I often find myself revisiting older creations. This process ensures they not only stand the test of time but also meet evolving culinary standards. Sometimes, a subtle refinement is all that’s needed to enhance a dish. Other times, however, a truly beloved recipe demands a complete reinvention—a comprehensive overhaul to unleash its full potential. These Peppermint Brownies definitely belong in the latter category.

What was once a good recipe has been meticulously re-engineered, tested, and perfected. The result, I can confidently say, is an experience at least ten times superior to its original publication. This new and improved version delivers an unparalleled burst of refreshing peppermint flavor, exquisitely balanced with the deep, rich notes of a truly fudgy chocolate brownie base. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an undeniably winning holiday treat, guaranteed to impress and delight. These brownies are more than just a dessert; they are an invitation to indulge in the joy and festive spirit of the season, promising to become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire.

Essential Ingredients for Your Decadent Peppermint Brownies

Crafting the perfect peppermint brownie begins with selecting high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that sought-after fudgy texture and vibrant peppermint flavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Granulated Sugar: This forms the sweet foundation of your brownie base, contributing significantly to its moist and tender crumb. It helps create that desirable fudgy texture when combined with other wet ingredients.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter, both for the brownies and the frosting, allows you precise control over the overall saltiness of your dessert. If you only have salted butter on hand, remember to reduce the added salt in the brownie recipe to maintain a balanced flavor profile. For the frosting, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for a silky-smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the very heart of these rich, indulgent brownies! Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a perfect balance, providing a deep chocolate flavor that isn’t overly bitter or excessively sweet. This makes them an ideal complement to the bright peppermint. Having them readily available ensures you can whip up this delightful recipe whenever the craving strikes. We use them divided: a larger portion for the melted chocolate base, and a smaller portion stirred in at the end for pockets of melty goodness.
• Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for binding the ingredients together, adding rich flavor, and contributing to the brownies’ overall structure and fudginess. For optimal blending and a smoother batter, always ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of high-quality pure vanilla extract enhances the complex chocolate notes in the brownies and adds a layer of aromatic depth that complements the peppermint beautifully without overpowering it.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the primary structural component of your brownies. All-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of density and tenderness, which is crucial for achieving that signature fudgy bite rather than a cake-like texture.
• Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda is incorporated to provide a subtle lift and react with acidic ingredients (like cocoa in chocolate) to ensure the brownies have the correct texture and rise, preventing them from becoming too dense.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is absolutely essential. It doesn’t just make things salty; it enhances and balances all the other flavors, particularly cutting through the sweetness of the sugar and deepening the richness of the chocolate.
• Cream Cheese: For the star of the show – the frosting – you’ll need half of an 8 oz brick of full-fat cream cheese. Like the butter, it’s crucial that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures an incredibly smooth, spreadable, and wonderfully creamy frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar is indispensable for creating a silky-smooth, lump-free peppermint cream cheese frosting. You can adjust the quantity slightly to achieve your preferred frosting stiffness; less sugar will result in a softer, more delicate frosting.
• Milk: A small amount of milk (dairy or non-dairy) is used to thin out the frosting to your desired spreadable consistency. Always start with a small amount, like a tablespoon, and add more gradually as needed until it’s perfect.
• Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens for the frosting! Peppermint extract infuses the cream cheese frosting with its bright, refreshing, and invigorating minty flavor. You have control here; use slightly less for a milder hint of mint or the full amount for a bolder, more pronounced peppermint experience.
• Crushed Candy Canes: While technically optional, these are highly recommended! Crushed candy canes not only add a delightful, crunchy texture and an extra burst of peppermint flavor but also contribute vibrant red and white flecks that create an undeniable festive visual appeal, truly making these brownies scream “holidays!”

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Decadent Peppermint Brownies

Creating these delightful holiday brownies is a rewarding and surprisingly straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly fudgy brownies crowned with a rich and creamy peppermint frosting, ready to impress all your guests:

For the Fudgy Brownie Base:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the longer sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can thoroughly grease and flour the pan with nonstick cooking spray and a light dusting of flour or cocoa powder.
2. Melt and Simmer: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter (cut into smaller cubes to help it melt faster), and 1/4 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the entire mixture begins to gently boil. The boiling action helps to dissolve the sugar fully, contributing to the fudgy texture.
3. Incorporate Chocolate: As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Add 3 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips (remember to reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for later). Stir continuously and gently with a spatula or whisk until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and uniform. Ensure there are no lumps of chocolate remaining.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly for about 1-2 minutes. This is a crucial step; if the mixture is too hot, it can scramble your eggs. Once slightly cooled, add the 4 room-temperature eggs and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir gently until the eggs and vanilla are just combined into the chocolate mixture. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher brownies.
5. Fold in Dry Ingredients and Final Chocolate: To the same saucepan containing the wet mixture, add 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until they are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Again, be careful not to overmix. Finally, stir in the reserved 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These will melt into delightful pockets during baking, adding an extra layer of chocolate indulgence.
6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into your lined (or greased and floured) baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it from corner to corner. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges appear set and firm, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Remember, a slightly underbaked brownie will be gloriously fudgy, while overbaking leads to a dry, cakey texture.
7. Cool Completely: This is a non-negotiable step! Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Attempting to frost warm brownies will result in a melted, runny, and messy frosting. For the best results, allow them to cool for at least 1-2 hours, or even longer, until they are entirely at room temperature.

For the Luscious Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

8. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Once your fudgy brownies are fully cooled, it’s time to whip up the star of the show – the peppermint cream cheese frosting! In a large mixing bowl (preferably using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a powerful hand mixer), combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and 4 oz of cream cheese, also at room temperature. Beat these two ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth, with absolutely no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This creates a beautifully homogenous base for your frosting.
9. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed (to prevent a powdered sugar cloud!), begin adding the 5 cups of powdered sugar, approximately 1/2 cup at a time. Beat well after each addition, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated before adding more. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is thick, creamy, and holds its shape.
10. Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Now, add 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. (If you prefer a milder peppermint flavor, you can start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste.) Beat again until all ingredients are well combined. Assess the consistency of the frosting. If it appears too stiff to spread easily, gradually add more milk, half a tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until you achieve a wonderfully creamy and spreadable consistency. For an extra festive touch, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to tint your frosting a lovely pale pink hue, creating a striking contrast with the dark brownies.

Assembly and Finishing Touches:

11. Frost the Brownies: Using an offset spatula, or a regular spatula if you don’t have one, carefully spread the prepared peppermint cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of your completely cooled brownies. Aim for a smooth, consistent layer from edge to edge.
12. Garnish with Candy Canes: Generously sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosted brownies. The vibrant red and white flecks against the creamy frosting (and dark brownies beneath) create an irresistible holiday visual and add a delightful crunch and extra burst of mint.
13. Cut and Serve: For clean, professional-looking slices, use a sharp knife. You can achieve even cleaner cuts by warming the knife blade under hot water and wiping it clean between each slice. Cut the brownies into individual bars. Serve them cold or at room temperature, and get ready for a chorus of compliments!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peppermint Brownies Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality peppermint brownies is all about paying attention to a few key details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your holiday treats are nothing short of spectacular, guaranteeing a fudgy texture and vibrant flavor that everyone will adore:

• Do Not Overbake! This is the golden rule for creating truly fudgy brownies. Brownies continue to cook slightly even after they’ve been removed from the oven. For that desired moist, dense, and wonderfully fudgy texture, pull them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, they might be leaning towards a more cake-like texture, which we want to avoid for ultimate fudginess.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both the brownie batter (especially the eggs) and the cream cheese frosting (butter and cream cheese), ensure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This crucial step allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, lump-free brownie batter and an incredibly creamy, spreadable, and light frosting. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy mixture and affect the final texture.
• Cool Brownies Completely – Patience Pays Off: As emphasized in the instructions, patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting. Frosting warm brownies is a recipe for disaster, inevitably leading to a melted, runny, and thoroughly messy situation. Allow your brownies to cool fully, ideally for several hours or even overnight, before even thinking about applying that delicious peppermint cream cheese frosting.
• Achieving Perfectly Even Edges: Rich brownies often tend to rise slightly more around the edges, creating a minor dome. For perfectly uniform servings that look professional, you can frost the entire pan of brownies, then carefully trim off the slightly raised edges before slicing into individual bars. This also gives you the perfect excuse for a “chef’s treat” taste test!
• Adjusting Sweetness and Peppermint Intensity: These brownies are designed to be wonderfully rich and sweet, but personal preference varies. If you prefer a less intense sweetness in the frosting, you can slightly reduce the amount of powdered sugar by about half a cup. Similarly, the peppermint extract can be adjusted; start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more, tasting as you go, until you reach your preferred level of minty freshness.
• Slicing for Serving: Due to their inherent richness and density, these brownies can be quite decadent. Consider cutting them into smaller squares than you might typically for a standard brownie. For the cleanest, most precise slices, use a very sharp knife. You can also warm the knife blade under hot water for a few seconds, then wipe it clean between each cut to prevent dragging and ensure smooth edges.
• The Importance of Chocolate Quality: While standard semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly and yield fantastic results, using a higher-quality chocolate bar (chopped into chunks or wafers) can elevate the flavor even further. Premium chocolate can add a deeper, more nuanced chocolate profile to your brownies, making them even more luxurious.
• Minimizing Weepy Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes can sometimes get a little sticky, or “weep” as they absorb moisture from the air or the frosting. To keep them looking their best, sprinkle them over the brownies just before serving. If preparing ahead, storing the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator will slow down this process. Rest assured, even if they soften a bit, the taste will still be absolutely amazing!

Storing Your Peppermint Brownies for Lasting Freshness

To ensure your delightful Peppermint Brownies remain fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat, proper storage is essential. Due to the presence of cream cheese in the frosting, these brownies require refrigeration. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out, absorbing odors from your fridge, or spoiling prematurely. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, they will maintain their delicious taste and texture for up to 3-4 days.

You might notice that the crushed candy canes on top may soften slightly or “weep” over time due to exposure to moisture. While their crisp texture might diminish a little, their festive flavor will remain perfectly intact, and the brownies will still be incredibly enjoyable!

For longer-term storage, these brownies are also freezer-friendly. If you plan to freeze them, it’s often best to freeze the unfrosted brownies. Once completely cooled, wrap the brownie slab tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the unfrosted brownies in the refrigerator overnight, then prepare and apply the fresh peppermint cream cheese frosting as usual. Frosted brownies can also be frozen, though the texture of the frosting might be slightly altered upon thawing. Always ensure they are in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent any freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Brownies

Got questions about baking these festive and utterly delicious Peppermint Brownies? We’ve gathered some common queries and provided detailed answers to help you achieve perfect results every time!

Q: Can I add peppermint extract directly to the brownie batter itself?

A: While technically possible, we generally recommend caution when adding peppermint extract directly to the brownie batter. Peppermint extract is incredibly potent, and adding too much can easily result in an overwhelming, almost “toothpaste-like” flavor that can detract from the rich chocolate. If you wish to incorporate it into the brownie base, start with a very small amount, perhaps just 1/4 teaspoon for the entire batch, and taste the batter before adding more. The primary, vibrant peppermint flavor in this recipe is designed to come from the luscious cream cheese frosting, which provides a balanced and refreshing contrast to the deep chocolate.

Q: How can I make these Peppermint Brownies gluten-free?

A: To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that specifically contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is crucial for providing structure and elasticity that gluten usually offers. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, especially your chosen brand of chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free. Follow the baking instructions closely, but be aware that gluten-free flours can sometimes require slight adjustments to baking times and liquid absorption, so keep a close eye on your brownies.

Q: Can I make these brownies dairy-free or vegan?

A: Yes, with a few thoughtful substitutions, you can absolutely make these Peppermint Brownies dairy-free or vegan! For a dairy-free version, simply swap out dairy butter for a plant-based butter alternative, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. For a completely vegan version, in addition to the dairy-free swaps, you will need to replace the eggs. Flax eggs (made by combining 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, then letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken) can work as an egg substitute, though the final brownie texture might be slightly denser. Always double-check that all your chosen ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Q: Why are my brownies dry or cakey instead of perfectly fudgy?

A: The most common reason brownies turn out dry or cakey instead of wonderfully fudgy is overbaking. Every oven can vary, so it’s important to keep a very close eye on your brownies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges appear set, but a toothpick inserted into the center still comes out with moist crumbs attached – not raw batter, but definitely not completely clean. This indicates they are perfectly baked for that desirable fudgy texture. Investing in an accurate oven thermometer can also help ensure your oven is consistently heating to the correct temperature.

Q: How far in advance can I prepare these Peppermint Brownies?

A: You can prepare the brownie base (unfrosted) up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooled, unfrosted brownie slab in an airtight container at room temperature. The peppermint cream cheese frosting can also be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just make sure to let it come to room temperature and give it a quick beat with a mixer before spreading to restore its creamy consistency. Once the brownies are frosted, they are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More Festive Peppermint Treats to Explore

If you’ve fallen completely in love with the invigorating and festive flavor of peppermint after trying these brownies, you’re in for a treat! There’s an entire world of delightful peppermint desserts waiting to be discovered and baked during the holiday season. Expand your holiday baking repertoire and bring even more minty joy to your kitchen with these other fantastic recipes:

• Peppermint Snickerdoodles
• Peppermint Kiss Cookies
• Candy Cane Stuffed Pudding Cookies
• Peppermint Marshmallow Sauce

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Recipe Card: Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint Brownies

Rich and sweet, these fudgy brownies are topped with a creamy peppermint cream cheese frosting and crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday treat.

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes (minimum)

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Yields: 20 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients for Brownies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (half of an 8 oz brick)
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (use less for a milder flavor)
• Red food coloring (optional, for pink frosting)
• Crushed candy canes, for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook Wet Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup water. Place over medium heat and cook until butter is melted and mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat.
3. Melt Chocolate: Add 3 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the hot mixture and stir until they are completely melted and smooth.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Let the mixture cool slightly (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the pot. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
6. Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding with the frosting.
8. Make Frosting (Cream Butter & Cheese): In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter and 4 oz room temperature cream cheese. Beat until light, fluffy, and well combined.
9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition, starting on low speed and increasing to medium.
10. Flavor Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon of milk and the peppermint extract. Beat to combine. Add more milk, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, until a smooth, spreadable consistency is reached. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a pink tint.
11. Frost Brownies: Spread the peppermint cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies using an offset spatula.
12. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes. Cut into squares and serve!

Recipe Notes:

• For consistent serving sizes, you may frost the brownies and then trim the slightly raised edges before cutting into individual bars.
• These brownies are rich and sweet; consider cutting them into smaller portions.
• Brownies can be served chilled or at room temperature.
• Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Candy canes may soften over time but will still taste delicious.
• Nutrition information is an estimate only and can vary based on brands and specific products. It serves as a general guide and does not include the optional candy canes topping.

Nutrition Information (Estimate Per Serving):

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 473kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 71g (24%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 21g (32%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 66mg (22%) | Sodium: 123mg (5%) | Potassium: 26mg (1%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 65g (72%)

Keywords: brownie recipe, chocolate, peppermint, peppermint brownies, holiday dessert, Christmas dessert, fudgy brownies, cream cheese frosting

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