Enjoy a rich, minty treat that mixes deep dark chocolate with cool peppermint.
introduction
These Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies are rich, moist, and perfect for holidays or any cozy night. The brownies have a deep chocolate base, a smooth dark ganache, and bright peppermint swirls. You will love how the mint and dark chocolate work together. If you want a white chocolate twist, check this simple one-bowl white chocolate brownies recipe for a related idea. This introduction gives you a quick view of what to expect and how easy the recipe is.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
You will love these brownies because they balance rich dark chocolate with fresh peppermint. The base is fudgy, not cakey, so each bite feels dense and satisfying. A dark chocolate ganache on top adds a glossy, deep layer that makes the brownies taste like a treat from a café. White chocolate swirls and crushed peppermint give a bright contrast in both flavor and look. These brownies feel special but they are easy to make, so you can make them for a party, gift, or simple dessert.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a dessert that looks fancy but does not take too long. The steps are simple. You melt butter and mix in common pantry items. Baking time is short, so you get fresh brownies in under an hour. The ganache and peppermint add a festive touch, which makes the brownies great for holidays or winter gatherings. The recipe also uses simple tools and a 9×13 pan, so cleanup is quick. This recipe makes a big pan of brownies so you can share with friends and family.
What You Need for Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
You need basic kitchen tools and ingredients. Tools: 9×13 inch baking pan, saucepan, mixing bowls, spatula, whisk, microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate, and a knife for cutting. Ingredients are common and easy to find. The full ingredient list appears in the next section. Keep heavy cream and dark chocolate ready for the ganache. A little peppermint extract gives a clear mint flavor without watering down the chocolate.
How to Make Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
Follow these simple steps. Read each step before you begin so you have everything ready. Work in order: make the batter, bake the brownies, make the ganache, then finish with white chocolate and candy.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup dark chocolate (for ganache)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Add peppermint extract and let cool slightly.
- Once brownies are cool, pour the ganache over the top.
- Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, then swirl it over the ganache.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.
- Let set before slicing into squares.
These steps are clear and slow enough for new bakers. Let the ganache cool a bit before pouring so it spreads well. Use a warm knife to make clean slices once set.
Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
Serve these brownies slightly chilled or at room temperature. Chilled brownies will hold neat slices and give a firmer bite. At room temperature the ganache is slightly softer and the brownie feels richer. Try serving a square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a small drizzle of chocolate sauce for a dessert plate. For a party, cut small squares and place them on a tray with napkins so guests can serve themselves. You can also warm one square for 10 seconds in the microwave and add a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy treat.
How to Store Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
Store brownies in an airtight container. If you keep them at room temperature, they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you freeze brownies, wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. If you add whipped cream or a soft topping, keep those separate until you serve to keep the brownies from getting soggy.
Easy Tips to Make Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Use good quality dark chocolate for both chips and ganache. It makes a big flavor difference.
- Do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for fudgy brownies.
- Do not overbake. Remove the pan when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before adding ganache so it stays glossy.
- Warm white chocolate slowly and stir often to avoid seizing.
- Crush peppermint candy in a bag with a rolling pin for fine pieces that top the brownies well.
- If ganache is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of warm cream until smooth.
Try These Variations of Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
You can change things up easily. Add a nut like chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch. Swap dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips if you want a sweeter bite. Leave out peppermint extract for a simple dark chocolate brownie. For a festive look, add red or green sprinkles with the crushed peppermint on top. You can also try using white chocolate swirls in the batter for added marble and sweetness. For another cookie-style chocolate treat, compare tips with this dark chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies recipe which shows different mix-ins and textures you might like to try.
Common Questions About Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: Yes. Milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter and less intense. You can swap dark chips and ganache dark chocolate for milk chocolate, but the ganache will be creamier and sweeter.
Q: How can I make these gluten free?
A: Use a 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the mix contains xanthan gum or add a small amount if your blend lacks it to help the texture.
Q: Can I skip the peppermint extract?
A: Yes. Skip it if you do not want mint flavor. The brownies will still be rich and chocolatey. The crushed candy can be left off or used as a plain crunch topping.
Q: How do I get a shiny ganache?
A: Use warm cream and good quality chocolate. Stir until smooth and pour while still slightly warm. Do not let it cool too long before spreading.
Q: Can I make the brownies ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake the brownies and store them in the fridge. Add the ganache and candy a few hours before serving for the best look.
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies are an easy way to make a special dessert that tastes like a treat from a bakery. The steps are simple and the result looks and tastes impressive. Use good chocolate, follow the timing, and have fun decorating with peppermint. This recipe works for holiday baking, gifts, or a cozy night in with tea or coffee.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients and tools, preheat the oven, and start with the batter. You will have a full pan of rich brownies in a short time. Share them, enjoy them, and try variations to make the recipe your own.
Conclusion
For another take on dark chocolate and mint treats, see this helpful recipe for inspiration: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies and a Christmas Baking …
Print
Peppermint Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with dark chocolate ganache and swirls of peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup dark chocolate (for ganache)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Add peppermint extract and let cool slightly.
- Once brownies are cool, pour the ganache over the top.
- Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, then swirl it over the ganache.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.
- Let set before slicing into squares.
Notes
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature; can also be topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg