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To make Chocolate Peppermint Bark Brownies, gather these key items: - 1 cup unsalted butter - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips You can switch things up with these fun additions: - Dark chocolate chips for a richer taste - Milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor - Different nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch - A dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. - Try using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener. - If you don’t have peppermint candies, use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor. These ingredients set the base for rich and festive brownies. Experiment with them to find your perfect mix! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan. Grease it lightly and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the brownies out later. 3. Now, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. 4. Once melted, take the pan off the heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. This mixture should feel glossy and rich. 5. Allow the mixture to cool a bit. Then add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Whisk well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until combined. 6. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sifting these ingredients helps avoid lumps. 7. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps your brownies soft. 8. Next, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies. This adds fun texture and flavor. 9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. A few moist crumbs should stick to it. 10. While the brownies bake, melt 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. 11. Once your brownies are baked, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the surface for a beautiful swirl. 12. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate for a festive touch. 13. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. After cooling, lift them out using the parchment paper. 14. Place the brownies on a cutting board and cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve them on a festive platter for a cheerful presentation. To make the best brownies, start with good ingredients. Use fresh eggs and high-quality cocoa powder. Measure your flour and cocoa powder correctly. Too much flour makes brownies dry. Always sift the dry ingredients together to mix them well. Preheating your oven to 350°F is key. This helps the brownies bake evenly. Use a light-colored pan for the best results. Dark pans can cause the edges to cook too fast. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can make your brownies tough. Mix until just combined. Another mistake is not letting the brownies cool enough. Cutting them too soon can lead to a messy result. Also, don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps in lifting out the brownies easily. Lastly, watch the baking time closely. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early. For fudgy brownies, use more fat and less flour. The butter in this recipe adds richness. Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a nice melt. This gives your brownies a dense and moist texture. Letting the brownies cool fully helps them set. You can also chill them in the fridge for extra firmness. For a fun touch, swirl the melted white chocolate on top. This adds both flavor and a lovely look! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: For the best incorporation into your batter, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother and richer brownie texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To achieve fudgy brownies, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a cake-like texture. Experiment with Chocolate: Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or milk chocolate, for a unique flavor twist. Let Them Cool Completely: For cleaner cuts and easier serving, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your brownies easily. Try adding orange zest for a citrus twist. This brightens up the rich chocolate flavor. Almond extract can also work well. Just swap out half the vanilla with almond. For a spiced touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Each of these options gives the brownies a unique taste. Making brownies gluten-free is simple. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. For dairy-free brownies, swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips for a full dairy-free treat. These changes keep the rich taste and texture. During the holidays, you can enhance your brownies for festive fun. For Christmas, add in dried cranberries or chopped nuts. They add color and crunch. For Halloween, try swirling in some orange food coloring along with the white chocolate. You can also top with candy corn for a spooky touch. Each holiday offers a new way to enjoy these brownies. To keep your chocolate peppermint bark brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Brownies are best kept at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. Just remember to let them come back to room temp before serving. Freezing brownies is a breeze. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. If you want warm brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Place a brownie on a plate and heat it for 10 to 15 seconds. Enjoy the melted chocolate taste! You can test the brownies by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake them a bit longer. The edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan. Keep an eye on the time; baking takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F. Yes, you can use different types of chocolate in these brownies. Dark chocolate will give a rich flavor. Milk chocolate adds sweetness. You can even mix chocolates for a unique taste. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if you use very sweet chocolate. Be creative and enjoy the process! If you don’t have peppermint, try using other flavors. Almond or orange extract can work well. You can also use a splash of vanilla for a simple twist. For a fruity touch, consider adding crushed berries or citrus zest. Experiment and find what you like best! In this post, I covered essential ingredients, baking steps, and tips for perfect brownies. You learned how to customize flavors and avoid common mistakes. I shared ideas for storing and reheating leftover brownies. Remember, each batch is a chance to improve your skills. Keep experimenting to find your favorite version. Enjoy the journey of baking and sharing delicious treats with others. Your sweet creations will surely impress everyone!

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies infused with chocolate and peppermint, topped with a swirl of white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 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
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat 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 overhang to facilitate easy removal later.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once fully melted, take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the granulated sugar until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  • Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool slightly, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully blended.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for the best texture.
  • Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with half of the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter (set aside the remaining crushed candies for garnish).
  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • While the brownies are baking, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
  • Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted white chocolate over the surface, creating a beautiful swirl. Follow by sprinkling the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate for a festive finish.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. After cooling, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, arrange the brownie squares on a festive platter. Scatter a few whole peppermint candies around the brownies and consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for an added layer of sweetness and visual appeal!
Keyword brownies, chocolate, dessert, peppermint