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–+ servings
Festive Peppermint Brownies

Irresistible Festive Peppermint Brownies for Holiday Cheer

These Festive Peppermint Brownies combine rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint for a delightful holiday treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies
  • ½ cup salted butter (melted) Adds richness and moisture; make sure it's melted and slightly cooled before mixing.
  • ¾ + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar Provides sweetness and moisture, ensuring a gooey texture.
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature) Essential for binding; using room temperature eggs helps them mix in more smoothly.
  • ¾ tsp peppermint extract Infuses the brownies with refreshing mint flavor; can substitute with vanilla extract.
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour Gives structure to the brownies; optional to sift for a smoother batter.
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder Delivers rich chocolate flavor; using unsweetened cocoa is highly recommended.
  • ¾ tsp espresso powder (optional) Enhances the chocolate flavor; can be omitted if not available.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps create a tender, soft texture within the brownies.
  • ½ tsp baking powder Provides lift so the brownies rise slightly and remain fudgy.
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks Adds texture with bursts of chocolate; feel free to use dark, milk, or white chocolate based on your preference.
For the Frosting
  • ¼ cup salted butter (melted) Forms the creamy base for the velvety frosting.
  • ½ cup cocoa powder Enriches the flavor of the frosting for a chocolatey kick.
  • 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted) Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, irresistible texture.
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk Adjusts the frosting consistency; add more if it’s too thick.
  • crushed peppermint candy (for decoration) Provides a festive touch and delightful crunch to finish your brownies beautifully.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, buttering the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt ½ cup of salted butter until smooth and slightly cooled. Stir in ¾ + 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then incorporate ¾ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of cocoa powder, ¾ teaspoon of optional espresso powder, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  4. Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter, reserving some for topping. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
  7. Prepare the frosting by mixing ¼ cup of melted salted butter, ½ cup of cocoa powder, and 2⅓ cups of sifted powdered sugar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk, adjusting for consistency.
  8. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy for decoration.
  9. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at the correct temperature and avoid overmixing for best results.

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