As the first hints of winter chill begin to weave through the air, there’s a magical feeling that starts to take over the kitchen—one that invites cozy nights and joyful gatherings. It was during one such evening, with the scent of peppermint and chocolate mingling in my home, that I decided to turn my cravings into a treat: Fudgy Peppermint Brownies. With every bite of these brownies, you’ll experience the rich, velvety chocolate base topped with luscious layers of creamy fudge, all crowned with a delightful crunch of candy canes.
These brownies don’t just look festive; they are the perfect balance of flavors, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday dessert table. They are incredibly easy to whip up, ensuring you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories with loved ones. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or after a hearty holiday meal, these decadent fudgy delights are sure to enchant both family and friends alike. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s bring a little indulgence into your home this season!
Why are Fudgy Peppermint Brownies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint creates a heavenly combination that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Effortless Baking: With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, these brownies ensure you can bake like a pro without the stress.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, they’re a guaranteed hit that will impress family and friends alike!
Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a fudgy base layered with creamy fudge that melts in your mouth, topped with a satisfying crunch of candy canes.
Elevate Your Dessert Game: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with hot cocoa for a complete winter treat.
Once you experience the joy of these brownies, you’ll find them impossible to resist and destined to become a staple in your home for the seasons to come!
Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Ingredients
For the Brownies
• All-purpose flour – Structural component; use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and depth of flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Large eggs (room temperature) – Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients; avoid cold eggs for better mixing.
• Unsalted butter – Contributes richness and moisture; can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Dark chocolate chips – Enhances the chocolate flavor of the brownies; swap for semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter taste.
• Bittersweet chocolate – Provides an intense chocolate flavor; can be substituted with semisweet chocolate for a slightly sweeter profile.
• Peppermint extract – Adds a refreshing minty flavor; use fresh peppermint for a more natural taste.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness while balancing flavors.
For the Fudge Layers
• Sweetened condensed milk – Creates a creamy fudge consistency in both layers.
• White chocolate chips – Adds creaminess to the fudge layer; use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic flavor to the dark fudge layer.
For the Topping
• Crushed candy canes (coarsely crushed) – Adds texture and a holiday flavor to the brownie base.
• Crushed candy canes (finely crushed) – Provides a crunchy topping for garnishing; sprinkle while the fudge is soft for adherence.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to create the delightful Fudgy Peppermint Brownies that will melt your heart!
How to Make Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
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Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal once baked.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This mixture will provide the perfect structure for your fudgy brownies.
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Crush Candy Canes: Take ½ cup of candy canes and coarsely crush them for the batter, then finely crush ¾ cup for topping. This will add delightful texture and a festive crunch!
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Melt Chocolate: Set up a double boiler on the stovetop. Melt together the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate until smooth and velvety.
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Combine Sugars: Stir in the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency.
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Incorporate Eggs & Peppermint: Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly. Then, whisk in the room-temperature eggs and peppermint extract for that refreshing flavor.
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Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently add your dry ingredients and dark chocolate chips to the mixture, along with the coarsely crushed candy canes. Mix until just combined without overmixing.
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Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool Completely: Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan until they reach room temperature.
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Prepare Fudge Layers:
- For White Chocolate Fudge: In a microwave, heat white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add peppermint extract and spread over the cooled brownies.
- For Dark Chocolate Fudge: Repeat the process with dark chocolate and vanilla extract. Spread it over the white fudge layer while it’s still warm.
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Top with Candy Canes: Immediately sprinkle the finely crushed candy canes on top of the dark fudge layer while it’s still soft, allowing them to stick beautifully.
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Chill Until Set: Cover the brownies and place them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set completely.
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Slice & Serve: Cut into squares using a clean knife for the perfect presentation. Enjoy your indulgent brownies!
Optional: Drizzle with extra melted chocolate before serving for a richer touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Fudgy Peppermint Brownies?
Indulge in a complete treat experience by pairing your brownies with delightful companions that elevate each satisfying bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrasts the rich fudge, making every bite heavenly. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a deliciously indulgent experience.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate adds a cozy drink element to your dessert. The rich, chocolaty flavor harmonizes perfectly with the peppermint in your brownies, enhancing the overall festive mood.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries introduce a refreshing burst of flavor and lightness, cutting through the richness of the brownies. They also add a lovely pop of color to the dessert plate.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream offers a delightful creaminess that balances the dense brownie. You can even add a splash of peppermint extract for a hint of consistency between the two treats.
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Espresso: For a more sophisticated pairing, enjoy a shot of espresso alongside your brownies. The deep, bold flavor complements the chocolate and brings out the peppermint notes beautifully—perfect for an after-dinner treat!
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Peppermint Tea: A warm cup of peppermint tea makes for a soothing accompaniment. The refreshing tea breaks up the richness of the brownies while echoing the delightful peppermint flavor you love.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance your brownies even more by drizzling with melted chocolate before serving. This extra layer of chocolaty goodness will elevate your dessert experience, making it even more decadent.
Storage Tips for Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
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Room Temperature: Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and fudgy while retaining their delightful taste.
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Fridge: If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
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Freezer: Fudgy peppermint brownies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before enjoying.
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Reheating: For a warm, gooey experience, gently reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This restores their fudgy charm, making them extra delightful!
Make Ahead Options
These Fudgy Peppermint Brownies are a fantastic treat for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance—just bake them, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the fudge layers, you can also mix and refrigerate the white and dark chocolate fudge separately for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the fudge layers over the chilled brownie base and sprinkle with crushed candy canes while they’re soft. This method ensures that your brownies remain just as delicious and fudgy, allowing you to enjoy this festive dessert with minimal effort when it’s time to indulge!
Expert Tips for Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
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Don’t Overbake: Aim for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will lead to dry brownies instead of that fudgy perfection.
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Use a Double Boiler: This method prevents chocolate from seizing. Melt your chocolate and butter gently to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
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Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the brownies before cutting makes for neater, cleaner squares—perfect for presentation!
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Layering Fudge: Let each fudge layer set slightly before adding the next. This helps keep the layers distinct and adds to the overall texture of your fudgy peppermint brownies.
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Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to add more holiday flair! Try toasted nuts or sprinkles for a unique twist while retaining that delicious peppermint crunch.
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore a world of delicious possibilities with your brownies! Each tweak can personalize your treat and amplify the joy of every bite.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep these brownies equally delicious without the gluten.
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Dairy-Free: Swap in dairy-free butter and use vegan chocolate chips for a completely dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the fudgy texture beautifully. Nuts add both flavor and a satisfying bite.
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Minty Freshness: Use crushed fresh peppermint candies instead of candy canes for an even more potent mint flavor throughout your brownies.
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Decadent Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling additional fudge sauce into the brownie batter before baking for an extra gooey experience. Every slice becomes a surprise!
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Flavor Fusion: Swap peppermint extract for orange zest or almond extract for a unique twist that offers a burst of new flavors, perfect for personalizing this seasonal classic.
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Chili Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brownie mix for a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness with unexpected warmth.
Each of these variations invites you to make these Fudgy Peppermint Brownies your own. Enjoy experimenting and savoring your personalized creations!
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use for Fudgy Peppermint Brownies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a combination of bittersweet and dark chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate adds intensity, while dark chocolate gives the brownies that rich, decadent taste. If you prefer a sweeter profile, swapping one for semi-sweet chocolate works beautifully too!
How should I store Fudgy Peppermint Brownies?
For optimal freshness, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Fudgy Peppermint Brownies?
Very! Freezing is a great option for these brownies. You can store them in an airtight container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them on the counter for an hour or so before serving. Enjoy that fudgy goodness anytime!
What do I do if my brownies turn out too cakey?
If your brownies come out cakey instead of fudgy, it might be because they were overbaked. Make sure to check for doneness at the lower end of the recommended baking time, where a toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs. If you want a denser texture, consider increasing the amount of melted chocolate or butter in your batter next time for extra fudginess!
Are Fudgy Peppermint Brownies safe for my pets?
No, they’re not safe for pets! Ingredients like chocolate and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to keep these delicious treats out of reach and save them for your human friends and family.
What if I have allergies to dairy or gluten?
Fear not! You can easily modify the Fudgy Peppermint Brownies to be dairy-free by using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Enjoy baking without worry!
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies That Will Melt Your Heart
Equipment
- Oven
- - Baking pan
- microphone
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- double boiler
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free option available
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed) substitute with coconut sugar for healthier option
- 3 large eggs (room temperature) for better mixing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter for a dairy-free option
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter taste
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate for a sweeter profile
- 1 tsp peppermint extract or fresh peppermint for a natural taste
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Fudge Layers
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips dairy-free option available
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (coarsely crushed) for batter
- 3/4 cup crushed candy canes (finely crushed) for topping
Instructions
How to Make Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
- Coarsely crush ½ cup of candy canes for the batter, and finely crush ¾ cup for topping.
- In a double boiler, melt the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate until smooth.
- Stir in the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Let the melted mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and peppermint extract.
- Fold in the dry ingredients and dark chocolate chips along with the coarsely crushed candy canes.
- Pour brownie batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan to room temperature.
- In the microwave, heat white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until smooth for the white chocolate fudge layer. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Repeat with dark chocolate and vanilla extract for the dark chocolate fudge layer, then spread it over the white fudge layer while still warm.
- Sprinkle the finely crushed candy canes on top of the dark fudge layer while still soft.
- Cover and refrigerate brownies for 1-2 hours to set completely.
- Slice into squares using a clean knife and enjoy your indulgent brownies!