Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking fudgy peppermint brownies, especially during the festive season! I swear, the moment you mix that rich chocolate with the cool, refreshing hint of peppermint, it’s like a winter wonderland in your mouth. The aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia, and before you know it, you’re dreaming of cozy nights by the fire with a brownie in hand. Trust me, these brownies are perfect for holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or simply to satisfy that sweet tooth. Plus, they make the best gifts! I just love how a simple combination can bring so much joy. Let’s get baking and make some delicious memories together!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (feel free to adjust for more minty goodness!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Prepare Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these fudgy peppermint brownies! I promise, it’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding!
Prepping Your Oven and Pan
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. I like to use parchment paper as well, just to be extra safe. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than brownies that stick to the pan!
Making the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s melt that delicious butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once it’s all melted and glistening, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Oh, the smell is heavenly! Next, mix in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until everything is just combined. I like to use a wooden spoon for this, it feels cozy! Make sure there are no lumps, as you want a smooth batter that’s rich and chocolatey.
Adding Flavor and Texture
Here comes the fun part—adding in that peppermint extract and those luscious chocolate chips! Pour in the peppermint extract, and if you’re like me and love that minty zing, feel free to add a little extra! Fold in the chocolate chips gently, letting them nestle into the batter. Just imagine the bites of melty chocolate you’ll get!
Baking and Cooling
Now it’s time to pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly and pop it into the oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—this means fudgy goodness! Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is key here; cutting them too soon might ruin that perfect fudgy texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfectly balanced with a refreshing hint of peppermint
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly
- Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in
- Can be easily customized for your taste, like extra chocolate chips or more peppermint!
- They make delightful gifts that spread holiday cheer
Tips for Success
To ensure your fudgy peppermint brownies turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; just mix until everything is combined to keep that fudgy texture. If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding crushed peppermint candies on top before baking for a festive crunch! Also, keep an eye on the baking time—oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at the 30-minute mark. If you like a little more chewiness, bake for a shorter time, but if you prefer them a bit more set, let them go the full 35 minutes. And remember, letting them cool completely before cutting is essential for those perfect squares. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your fudgy peppermint brownies are cool and ready to be savored, it’s time to think about storage! I like to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to make them last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these fudgy peppermint brownies! Each brownie is estimated to have around 200 calories, with 18g of sugar and 10g of fat. It’s important to note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so take them as a guideline rather than a strict rule. Enjoy them as a delightful treat, but remember, moderation is key when indulging in these rich, chocolatey bites!
FAQ About Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
Can I use different types of chocolate? Absolutely! If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can even try white chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How should I store my brownies? To keep your fudgy peppermint brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, just freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still enjoy that delicious fudgy texture.
What’s the best way to cut brownies? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps prevent the edges from getting all messy, especially with those fudgy brownies!
Can I add nuts to the batter? Of course! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans would bring a delightful crunch to your fudgy peppermint brownies. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips!
Print
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies: 5 Reasons They Melt Hearts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and chocolatey brownies with a hint of peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Stir in peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract.
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: fudgy peppermint brownies