Peppermint Brownies

Fudgy, dense, and decadent, peppermint brownies have a hint of mocha that helps to increase the depth of chocolate flavor. Then, they're topped with a layer of creamy peppermint-flavored chocolate ganache. And if that wasn't enough peppermint, the ganache has a layer of crunchy crushed peppermint candies.

Give these brownies about an hour to cool before slicing in. When you're ready to slice, dip the end of the knife in hot water, then wipe it off, and repeat for each slice. This will help ensure that each piece is neat and tidy.

Learn how to make peppermint brownies, and you'll soon have your new favorite chocolate dessert.

Ingredients for Peppermint Brownies

Grab your favorite chocolate, and get ready for a deliciously chocolatey dessert. To make these peppermint brownies, you'll need:

• Cooking spray: To prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan.
• 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips: Not too bitter, not too sweet, for a balanced brownie with deep chocolate flavor. Feel free to substitute with your preferred percentage of chocolate.
• Unsalted butter: Butter-based brownies are rich and chewy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
• Large eggs: Binds the brownie batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses for extra moisture and flavor.
• Instant espresso granules: Plays up the chocolate flavor without being noticeable.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter.
• Baking powder: Gives the brownies just enough lift.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the brownies.

For the ganache:

• 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate bars: Bars often contain more cocoa butter and less stabilizers than chocolate chips, meaning you'll get a smoother melt.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds a creamy, velvety texture to the ganache.
• Peppermint extract: For a pop of festive winter flavor.
• Crushed hard peppermint candies: Garnishes and adds crunch to the bars.

How To Make Peppermint Brownies

In just 30 minutes of active time, you'll be ready to serve this festive holiday favorite. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment.
• Step 2. Melt chocolate: Microwave chocolate and butter to melt. Stir in vanilla and let cool 5 minutes.
• Step 3. Make batter: Whisk eggs, sugars, and espresso granules into chocolate mixture. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Step 4. Pour into pan: Spoon batter evenly into pan.
• Step 5. Bake: Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 30 to 36 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Step 6. Prepare ganache: Bring cream to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add peppermint extract.
• Step 7. Add toppings: Spread ganache over brownies and sprinkle with peppermint candies. Chill until set, about 30 minutes.
• Step 8. Cut brownies: Remove brownies from pan and cut into squares.
  

What Kind of Chocolate Is Best for Brownies?

While we call for a 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate for these brownies, the quality of the chocolate is just as, or more, important than the percentage. If you prefer a more bitter chocolate flavor, choose a higher percentage of chocolate for a darker finish.

Just make sure to choose a chocolate, whether in chip or bar form, of good quality. A chocolate you'd enjoy eating straight probably has a higher quantity of cocoa butter, and in turn, a better mouthfeel. That type of chocolate will also melt more easily into the brownie batter, creating a beautifully dense and fudgy result.

Tips for the Best Peppermint Brownies

For the best peppermint brownies, keep these tips in mind:

• Good quality chocolate: Using a chocolate you'd enjoy eating is an good way to ensure high-quality brownies.
• Line the pan: Make sure to leave an overhang on two sides for easy brownie removal.
• Pan size: If you need to adjust the recipe to fit a different pan size, make sure to adjust the baking time as well to avoid overbaking.
• Bake carefully: The easiest way to ruin a batch of brownies is by overbaking. Err on the side of caution and look for fudgy, moist bits when testing.
• The smoothest ganache: Pour hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for a few seconds to allow the chocolate to melt before whisking. If any bits remain unmelted, heat in the microwave or over a double boiler for a smooth finish.
• Cool before cutting: For clean slices, take time to cool and chill completely before cutting. Dip your knife in hot water between cuts to keep things neat.

How To Store Peppermint Brownies

If you have leftovers (hard to believe, we know), store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to two months. Let the brownies sit at room temperature 30 minutes to 1 hour before you plan to enjoy them again.

Note that after a few days, the peppermint candies may "weep" a little (the color may run off the candy), but they're still perfectly tasty.

More Decadent Brownie Recipes You'll Love

You just can't go wrong with a batch of homemade brownies. From red velvet to pecan pie versions, these recipes are sure to become a part of your dessert rotation:

• Best-Ever Brownies
• Caramel Brownies
• Banana Bread Brownies
• Red Velvet Brownies
• Cream Cheese Brownies
• Pecan Pie Brownies
  
• Dr Pepper Brownies
• Georgia Pecan Double-Decker Brownies
• Cast-Iron Skillet Brownies
  

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.