Peppermint Brownies (Christmas Brownies)
User Reviews
5
Peppermint Brownies (Christmas Brownies)
Description
The Peppermint Brownies feature a classic dense and fudgy chocolate brownie made with melted unsweetened baking chocolate and butter combined with eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder. The batter is baked until just set to maintain a moist center and rich chocolate intensity.
Once cooled, they are topped with a peppermint frosting made from powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and milk, whipped until light and fluffy. Optional pink or red food coloring can add a festive hue. To finish, a shiny chocolate glaze is melted and spread over the frosting, then sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a crunchy texture and added peppermint bite.
This layered approach creates a balance between the richness of chocolate and the bright, cool flavor of peppermint. The brownies work well as a holiday dessert or gift, and the frosting and brownies can be prepared ahead. The brownies may also be frozen, with or without frosting, maintaining good flavor and texture over several months.
The peppermint frosting can be prepared several days in advance; store it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before frosting.Brownies freeze well, frosted or unfrosted, when stored in airtight containers for up to three months.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 4 large egg
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Peppermint Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoons butter , softened
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- Food Coloring optional, to make it pink, red, drop
Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate or Guittard or Ghirardelli chocolate chips, chopped, high quality
- 4-5 candy canes , crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt chocolate: Roughly chop the chocolate baking squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cut the butter into tablespoon pieces and place in the bowl with the chopped baking chocolate. Melt the chocolate and butter in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs for about 3 minutes until frothy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat. Add melted chocolate mixture that you set aside.
- Combine flour and baking powder and gently stir into the brownie batter just until combined. Pour batter into prepared 9×13 pan.
- Bake for 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
- Peppermint Frosting: Combine all frosting ingredients and beat until light and fluffy. Add a little bit more milk to thin the frosting if needed. Gently spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Chocolate Glaze: Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in 30 second intervals, stirring after each time, until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the brownies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Notes
- Prepare peppermint frosting up to several days ahead; refrigerate in airtight container and bring to room temperature before use.
- Freeze brownies with or without frosting in airtight containers for up to three months to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 288 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 288kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 95mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 105mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 330IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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