Go Back
To make these delightful peppermint bark brownies, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (or crushed candy canes) - 1 cup white chocolate chips Each item plays a key role in creating the rich, fudgy base. The butter adds moisture, while the sugar helps create that sweet, gooey texture. Eggs bind it all together, providing structure. The cocoa powder brings the chocolate goodness, and the baking powder gives rise. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate flavor. Crushed peppermint candies add that festive crunch and minty freshness, while white chocolate chips melt beautifully on top. These ingredients combine to create a treat that is not just tasty but also visually appealing. The layers of chocolate and peppermint give these brownies their signature look and flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Set temperature to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper. - In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. - Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. - Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until everything is combined. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. - Gently fold this dry mix into the wet mixture until just blended. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies fudgy. - Carefully fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter. - Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. - While the brownies bake, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. - Once the brownies are out of the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies over the warm surface. - Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the peppermint layer in a fun pattern. Allow the brownies to cool completely for about 1 hour before cutting. - Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving. - Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. - Avoid overmixing your batter. This keeps your brownies fudgy and moist. Mix just until you see no dry flour. - Decorate your brownies with extra crushed peppermint candies. This adds color and a fun crunch. - Serve the brownies on a festive platter. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy effect, making them look even more special. - For a cakier texture, add an extra egg to your batter. This gives a lighter feel. - Substitute half the butter with vegetable oil. This boosts moisture and keeps brownies soft. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Chill for Clean Cuts: For perfectly clean cuts, refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes after cooling. This makes slicing much easier! Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or drizzled caramel for a unique twist on the classic peppermint bark flavor. {{image_4}} You can enjoy these brownies without gluten. Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour. This simple swap keeps the texture rich and fudgy. You may need to adjust the baking time a little. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Want to change things up? Add espresso powder for a mocha flavor. It gives the brownies a warm, rich taste. You can also mix in some orange zest. This gives a bright, fresh twist that pairs well with chocolate. Each variation adds a unique touch to your brownies. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste. Swap white chocolate with dark chocolate for a deeper flavor. If you like a crunch, add crushed nuts on top. A drizzle of caramel also works well for extra sweetness. These options let you create your perfect peppermint bark brownies! To keep your peppermint bark brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their rich taste and chewy texture. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. This will keep them fresh for several days. You can freeze brownies for up to 3 months. To do this, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, leave them at room temperature for about an hour. At room temperature, these brownies stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or appearance. If they look dry or have mold, it’s best to throw them away. Enjoy your brownies while they are still tasty and delightful! Peppermint bark brownies can last for up to one week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. This helps keep them fresh for up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or dry texture. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Bake them a day or two before you need them. Let the brownies cool completely before storing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and fresh. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before serving. If you can't find peppermint candies, there are tasty alternatives. You can use crushed chocolate mints or even crushed toffee candies. For a different flavor, try using crushed gingerbread cookies or chopped nuts. You can also switch to a different extract like almond or orange for a fun twist. In this blog post, we walked through an easy recipe for rich peppermint bark brownies. You learned how to gather your ingredients, bake, and add festive touches. Remember, use fresh ingredients and follow the steps closely for the best results. I encourage you to try different flavors and toppings as you explore this recipe. Enjoy sharing these treats with friends and family during special occasions. Your baking skills will shine with every bite!

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies topped with a festive layer of crushed peppermint and drizzled with white chocolate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
  • Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until it forms a smooth mixture.
  • Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just blended; be careful not to overmix.
  • Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed within the batter.
  • Pour and Bake: Transfer the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly across the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  • Melt White Chocolate: While the brownies are baking, place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  • Top with Peppermint: Remove the brownies from the oven as soon as they’re ready and promptly sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the warm surface evenly to create a festive layer.
  • Drizzle White Chocolate: Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the crushed peppermint layer in a decorative manner. For an added effect, you can swirl the white chocolate with a toothpick to create a marbled look. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  • Cut and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

Arrange the brownies on a festive platter and garnish them with extra crushed peppermint candies and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar to mimic falling snow for a charming holiday presentation.
Keyword brownies, holiday dessert, peppermint